Colour and creativity rule the CARIFESTA XV catwalk

Bold fashion continues to rule the runway at the CARIFESTA XV Grand Market in Waterford, St Michael. All week long, the designated fashion zone has pulsed with energy, transforming into a vibrant runway of creativity featuring stylish designs from across the globe.

From diverse colour palettes to daring silhouettes, the showcases have been as much about attitude as they are about fabric. Models owned the catwalk, drawing cheers and applause as each designer unveiled their unique vision.

Friday night’s presentation featured four standout designers. First to show was MLC collection, a swimwear line straight out of the United States of America. The tone was set with sleek, statement-making swimsuits that looked tailor-made for sun, sand, and sass. Several pieces sparkled with bedazzled details, catching the light—and the crowd’s attention.

Next up was Cooyah, the Jamaican powerhouse brand that has something for every occasion—whether a look for a laid-back day out or a crisp button-down that means business. Their looks, paraded by a mix of statuesque male models, crossed a wide demographic, emphasising the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.  Cutting dashing looks, the models had fun with it too, adding playful spins that sent waves of excitement through the audience.

Barbados’ own Kasava kept things cool, breezy, and unapologetically bold. Think a kaleidoscope of colour, flowy fabrics, and striking prints crafted for the woman who owns her space with confidence and flair. The designs spoke directly to the confident Caribbean woman—balancing elegance with ease. Judging from the buzz around their booth, Kasava walked away with plenty of new admirers.

Closing the night were designs from GHOD, a showstopper that proved fashion can celebrate heritage while still setting trends. With full-on drama, the segment fused traditional techniques—crochet, weaving, and braiding—with daring contemporary cuts. In this collection shades of green reigned supreme, whether it was the complete outfit or simple accents. From earthy olive to hints of shimmering emerald, each design incorporated a hue that commanded attention. The collection offered something for every taste with sleek modern short sets, crochet mini-dresses, and peekaboo sheer pieces for those with a penchant for the risqué who dare to show a little more skin. (STT)