In the glimmering world of fashion, the Caribbean has proven to be a treasure trove of extraordinary talent, producing an array of A-list celebrity fashion designers who have become synonymous with innovation, elegance, and cultural celebration. From the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda to the bustling streets of Trinidad and Tobago, these designers have etched their names in the industry’s hall of fame, dressing Hollywood stars and international icons. Seamlessly blending their Caribbean roots with global influences, their designs exude a captivating allure, weaving together vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a profound connection to their heritage. First up on our list of six is June Ambrose.

 

June Ambrose

June Ambrose is a well-known celebrity stylist, fashion designer, and television personality from Antigua and Barbuda who has made a significant impact in the fashion industry, particularly in the realm of styling and image consulting. June Ambrose has appeared on television shows such as “Styled by June” and “Project Runway,” where she showcased her expertise and offered fashion advice and guidance to aspiring designers and stylists and is highly regarded for her fashion knowledge, creativity, and a strong sense of personal style.

In addition to her styling career, June Ambrose has also designed her own fashion line and accessories. She has collaborated with various brands and launched successful collections. Her designs often incorporate elements of glamour, sophistication, and trendsetting aesthetics. June Ambrose has styled A-listers including Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Mary J. Blige, Will Smith, and Alicia Keys. Currently, June Ambrose sits in the role of Creative Director over at PUMA. 

 

Anya Ayoung-Chee

Anya Ayoung-Chee is a fashion designer from Trinidad and Tobago who gained international recognition as the winner of Season 9 of the reality TV show Project Runway in 2011.  Prior to the show’s success, Anya had a background in fashion, having established her own swimwear line called Pillar in Trinidad and Tobago. Initially, Chee pursued a career in the arts including acting and modeling. However, she discovered her passion for fashion design and enrolled in the Parsons School of Design in New York City. 

Her designs feature resort-style elements and reflect her Caribbean heritage by incorporating vibrant colors, bold prints, and a relaxed, tropical aesthetic. Her signature style is known for its flowy silhouettes and effortless elegance with an emphasis on comfort.   People who’ve worn her designs include Wendy Fitz-Williams, Gabrielle Union, Michelle Obama, Estele, Kelly Rowland, and Teyonah Parris. 

 

Fe Noel 

Fe Noel is a luxury womenswear brand founded by Grenadian designer Felisha “Fe” Noel. The brand is known for its modern and sophisticated designs celebrating femininity, empowerment, and Caribbean influences. Fe Noel offers a range of ready-to-wear clothing, including dresses, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms, and accessories.

Felisha “Fe” Noel, has dressed various notable individuals across the entertainment and fashion industries. Celebrities who have been spotted wearing Fe Noel designs include Beyoncé, Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Rowland, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, and Former First Lady, Michelle Obama. 

 

 

Meiling

Meiling is a highly regarded fashion designer from Trinidad and Tobago. Her full name is Meiling Esau, and she is often referred to as “the First Lady of Fashion” in her home country and the wider Caribbean region. Her designs often use a mixture of texture and organic fabrics, along with her signature hand-stitched details, to bring her pieces to life making the label synonymous with Caribbean luxury.

With a career spanning several decades, Meiling has made significant contributions to the Caribbean fashion industry and gained international recognition for her work.  Her designs have been worn by celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam as well as Soca artistes Machel Montano and David Rudder. and  Reggae superstar Ziggy Marley. 

 

Azede Jean-Pierre 

Azede Jean-Pierre is a talented fashion designer originally from Haiti. Jean-Pierre gained recognition for her innovative and artistic approach to fashion, blending her Caribbean heritage with contemporary design elements. In 2012 she dropped her line “Azede” and quickly gained attention for her unique and bold designs.

Her work has been featured in prestigious fashion events and publications, and she has garnered a following of fashion enthusiasts who appreciate her distinct style. Throughout her career, Azede Jean-Pierre has remained committed to sustainability and ethical practices in fashion.  Her designs have been worn by Gabrielle Union-Wade, Solange Knowles, Lady Gaga, and Michelle Obama. In 2021 she collaborated with Gucci on “Azede Powered by Gucci”

 

Kerby Jean-Raymond 

This Haitian-American is a prominent fashion designer and the founder of the fashion label Pyer Moss. He’s known for his innovative designs, powerful social and political messages infused into his collections, and his unwavering commitment to both diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Kerby first came into the spotlight for his Pyer Moss Spring 2016 Menswear Collection during New York Fashion Week. He’s since made his presence felt in the fashion industry so much so that in 2020 he was appointed as Reebok’s Global Creative Director, a position he held till 2022. 

Seen sporting his Pyer Moss pieces include Colin Kaepernick, Swizz Beats, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anderson Paak, Dua Lipa, and Michelle Obama. 

 

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