Young designers dazzle at SJPI showcase

An intimate glimpse into the evolving artistry of budding young designers was provided with the staging of the annual fashion showcase by the final-year students of the Garment Technology course of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI).

Breaking with tradition, the 2025 show was moved from the usual school setting to the refurbished Pelican Island venue, bringing a polished and professional ambience to Friday night’s event. A View Through My Mind featured stylish pieces from 10 emerging talents, each presenting unique concepts through their fashion-forward collections.

Making a bold cultural statement was Faith Brathwaite, whose festival-inspired collection Pride and Industry celebrated Barbadian identity. Through her themed costume sections, she depicted the Dollar Coin, Old Brigand Rum, Sugar Cane, Flying Fish, and Pelican.

Shamiah Critchlow’s Tropical Radiance, a vibrant resort wear line, showcased tie-dye elements and bright hues that captured the spirit of the Caribbean. Kelisha Adonis followed a similar theme with Living in the Tropics, which embraced lightweight silhouettes and breathable fabrics, perfect for the island climate.

Ariane Rollock’s collection Ethereal lived up to its name, using soft pastels and flowing fabrics like chiffon and linen to create pieces that draped gracefully across the body.

White Angel was the collection presented by Antonio Hamilton.

Shamella Sampson turned heads with her all-white In the Sands collection, Antonio Hamilton, the sole male designer, impressed with his minimalist yet impactful White Angel line. Hamilton infused pops of colour and symbolic elements into his crisp, structured pieces.

Ayesha Nicholls took an empowering route with Yuvn’, a Greek-inspired name meaning “woman”. Her collection celebrated the strength, elegance, and essence of womanhood.

Exploring the midnight theme was Jalaylah Ince-Prescod, who incorporated denim and plaid into her collection, Singing the Midnight Hues, delivering a grounded yet whimsical aesthetic.

In contrast, Jakayla Sobers closed the show with a dramatic flourish in her Night Skies collection. Her use of iridescent fabrics offered a shimmering tribute to the beauty of the evening sky.

Skye Parris’ Streetwear Theory SS26 collection included deconstructed rompers.

Among the standout contributors was Skye Parris, who presented the bold streetwear brand NostalgeX. Parris, just 17 years old, unveiled 17 edgy, urban-inspired looks in her collection Streetwear Theory SS26. A rising star in the fashion scene, she made her debut in 2024 at the Design District Barbados Bridgetown Fashion Show.

Her collection featured cropped kimono jackets, structured vests, wide-leg cargos, and deconstructed rompers. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, she said, “I would like to thank my sponsor Sewing World and the staff there because without them, I honestly don’t know what I would do.”

Fashion is in her genes, and she draws inspiration from her aunt, designer Leesa Parris-Rudder. Parris admitted, “There were a lot of ups and there were a lot of downs, but I feel like it was worth it.”

She added excitedly, “I have a lot of orders so far, and I’m really grateful for that.”

Principal of SJPI, Ian Drakes, took a moment to thank Export Barbados for their support of the event. He encouraged attendees to recognise the wealth of talent within the country, saying, “We hope that this will give them the opportunity to flourish as entrepreneurs and businesses around Barbados and the international arena.”

Drakes added, “I hope that it will boost others to join us come September as we look for a new cohort of exciting persons in this arena, in this fashion — that is a trillion-dollar industry.”

At the close, bouquets of flowers were presented to tutors Marissa Marshall and Lisa Holder, honouring their invaluable contribution to the students’ academic and creative journey. (STT)