Tagged: caribbean designer

Conoce a la diseñadora – Bijou Lakay

Posted on by Deidre Brathwaite

Bijou Lakay, the Brand

Bijou Lakay is an award winning jewellery brand created by Daphnée K. Floréal.

Meet the Designer - Bijou Lakay
Daphnée K. Floréal., founder of Bijou Lakay

Inspired by Haitian culture, Bijou Lakay’s hand-crafted accessories are designed to complement outfits for both day and night.

Natural materials such as bullhorn, wood and bone are just some of the precious materials used to create the brand’s earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Each accessory is delicately made by craftsmen who use traditional tools and methods passed down through the generations. The brand also creates limited edition collections with precious gemstones such as turquoise and pearls.

Daphnée is a creative at heart, who enjoyed fashion and art from childhood. She now finds joy in designing jewellery that represents Haiti and sharing them with the public.

Bijou Lakay’s Impact on Caribbean Fashion

La rosee is a term in haitian language linked with the wake up of the nature. It is why the design is an assembly of leaves
Gimlet is from a past collection named Cocktail

Bijou Lakay has proven to be an influential Haitian brand, having won regional and international awards. As the founder of the brand, Daphnée is very proud of her achievements. She has also seen a positive change in local attitudes towards fashion.

“15 years ago, people [would] never wear a bullhorn piece to any big events or to go to work. Now, when you wear artisanal accessories, you look cool and trendy.”

Maeva is designed for our black queens

The ideal Bijou Lakay customer is a person who is open to creativity and not afraid to try new styles.

As a Caribbean designer who has been in the industry for a number of years, Daphnée has experienced challenges similar to other fashion brands in the region. These include lack of international exposure as well as financing to expand a brand’s presence and product offer.

Despite the obstacles, Daphnée focuses on increasing her brand’s exposure via the Bijou Lakay’s social media channels. She has also attended international exhibitions to showcase the unique accessories whilst connecting with overseas customers and potential stakeholders.

The Bijou Lakay brand is available to purchase online via their website that offers international shipping. Their website also has a form where distributors can contact the company for opportunities to retail the brand at their outlets.

The Future

Celebration is a masterpiece, handmade with bullhorn

As a brand, Bijou Lakay’s online presence continues to expose the brand to local and international audiences. The website is a channel that gives international customers access to bold, statement accessories created in Haiti.

When asked about her goals for Bijou Lakay, Daphnée is keen to expand her accessory line to include more statement pieces with precious materials by international craftsmen to create more unique accessories that will complement her brand’s range of product for the brand.

To find out more about Bijou Lakay, you can find them at:

www.bijoulakayhaiti.com 

www.facebook.com/bijoulakay 

www.twitter.com/ bijoulakay 

www.instagram.com/bijoulakay 

Conoce a la diseñadora – Ilashan

Posted on by Deidre Brathwaite

Ilashan, the Brand

Owner/ Designer – Indira Moss

The Caribbean is bursting with beauty, and is a source of inspiration for designer Indira Moss. Owner of the Bahama-based fashion brand Ilashan.

From a very young age, Indira knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry and was focused on making it a reality. That reality turned into her collection of resort wear and custom dresses for special occasions, designed and crafted under her brand Ilashan.

The Ilashan website shows Indira’s natural talent as a designer. Each design is complemented with a unique embellishment and her love of vibrant fabric colours are a recurring feature with many of her creations.

Ilashan’s Inspiration

Two piece gown inspired by the petals of the double hibiscus made of a combination of two shades of red shantung fabric. Trumpet skirt. Strapless bodice made of over 90 individual pieces of fabric. Contrasting corded lace applique at waistline. 

The rich island tones in her designs reflect Indira’s source of inspiration. The plants, trees, flowers and creatures found in the Caribbean, are just some of the colourful elements that influence Indira when creating her collections. Caribbean nature is her muse.

Ilashan’s custom designs are made with consideration for her client’s preference of style and body type to ensure they are comfortable.

“My ideal customer is a woman that is not afraid to be noticed, likes fashion with an artistic flare, embraces her own personal style, and knows that they can be stunningly dressed at any shape or size.”

The Ilashan brand is a great representation of Indira’s skills as a designer who can create designs for different types of occasions. Her ready-to-wear dress collection can be worn to a casual event or as a beach cover-up. Her custom designs have proven her talents in creating unique features that complement the outfit and the client’s silhouette.

A satisfied client is what Indira enjoys most as a designer and her goal is to expand Ilashan’s operations to include an in-house manufacturing facility. She would also like to continue offering couture pieces for international clients.

Providing an Educational and Creative Space

Fifties inspired silk organza dress. Halter neckline, midi length full circle skirt. Hand beaded organza and pearl leaf appliques and headpiece.
Gemstone inspired stretch sequin gown. Sweetheart neckline. Detachable Satin overskirt with rhinestone belt. 

In addition to creating her own designs, Indira shares her expertise with young people through her sewing and fashion classes. Her role, when teaching her classes, connects her with up and coming talented designers. Offering this creative space is valuable as Indira is able to inspire her students that a career in fashion is possible.

The Caribbean Fashion Industry’s Future

Enchanting long sleeve A-line gown of ivory and gold embroidered lace. Pleated skirt with a Sweep rain.  Front and Back V-Neck.

Her views on the future of the Caribbean fashion industry are optimistic, as she believes designers from the region have the ability to receive recognition on an international scale.

As an experienced designer with an impressive portfolio of work, the Ilashan brand can carry the torch as a credible contributor to Caribbean fashion.

Conoce a la diseñadora – Rêve Joyería y accesorios

Posted on by Deidre Brathwaite

The Brand

Founders: Teasea & Duane Bennett, sibling entrepreneurs of Rêve Jewellery & Accessories

Rêve Jewellery & Accessories is an award-winning family owned jewellery brand by sibling entrepreneurs Duane and Teasea Bennett.

Rêve Jewellery & Accessories specialise in handmade custom jewellery, sandals as well as their own product line of beauty and skincare products such as perfume fragrances, creams and deodorants.

Based in Kingston Jamaica, Duane and Teasea launched their brand in 2006. Over the years, they have steadily grown their customer-base whom they affectionately refer to as “RÊVEllers”.

Turning A Dream into a Reality

CoCo Wrap Ring in WHITE Pearl
CoCo Wrap Ring in Clear Agate

The word Rêve is french for Dream and the duo have successfully combined their expert skills to make their passion for the arts a reality.

As the Director of Concept & Design, Duane is a master at creating unique jewellery and prides himself on his ability to craft original pieces for RÊVEllers to enhance their outfit.

Teasea’s role as Director of Sales & Marketing has taken the Rêve Jewellery & Accessories brand beyond Jamaica, with their pieces being featured in international publications and TV shows. The brand also has a strong online presence with an online store that ships internationally, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels as well as a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.

In addition to offering high quality products, Duane and Teasea have been instrumental in giving back to their community as well as providing a platform for other entrepreneurs to promote their own businesses. In 2012, they launched the Reve Wellness Festival, where local small businesses can promote and sell their products alongside their own brand.

Fashion in the Caribbean

Rêve Couture SS19: model Kellon is wearing -Rasta Couture Necklace -Venus Cuffs in Copper & Teal -I’m Plastic Ear Rings -Framed, lens less Bronze glasses 

As a company that has grown over the years and gained international attention, there is no doubt that brands such as Rêve Jewellery & Accessories can make a great impact on a global scale.

Teasea’s confidence in her company and the region’s talent is justified.

“It’s very exciting and we feel very optimistic about the future. I believe it’s a matter of time that more brands including our own will take centre stage and it starts in our own home…Others will desire to be a part of what we are offering.”

Building a Global Brand

‘Follow Di Arrow’ Strap Leather Sandals in colour, POP of Orange

Teasea and Duane are determined to keep up the momentum of growth for Rêve Jewellery & Accessories. Their vision for the future is crystal clear as Teasea states:

“We are laser focused on our mission and vision of being a top Jamaican (Caribbean) global renowned jJewellery and accessories brand delivering authenticity, quality and positivity to all stakeholders, community and environment.”

The team has been diligent in their business goals, whilst nurturing their customers along the way. The result has been the expansion of their products (body butters and natural oils) and a community of RÊVEllers who are loyal to the brand.
Rêve Jewellery & Accessories are on the right track for growth as they have proven they are adaptable and responsive to gaps in the market. This Jamaican company is a great example of how to build a successful brand.