6 Caribbean Fashion Brands Making Their Mark on the Global Stage

Get a glimpse at island style.

Dwain Oneal/Courtesy of Tialani A model wears the Tialani cross back slip dress.

Dwain Oneal/Courtesy of Tialani

A model wears the Tialani cross back slip dress.

Learn how these designers blend tradition and innovation to create some truly remarkable products.

Bene Caribe (Trinidad, Washington, D.C. )

Courtesy of Bene Caribe From left: Bene Caribe designer Abby Charles; a model wears the brand's Audrey dress.

Courtesy of Bene Caribe

From left: Bene Caribe designer Abby Charles; a model wears the brand's Audrey dress.

Founded by Trinidadian designer Abby Charles, Bene Caribe is a conscious-fashion brand, and ethical consumption is embodied in each piece. Many pieces incorporate batik fabric, made using traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques.

Carolina Socías (Dominican Republic)

Courtesy of Carolina Socías From left: Swim separates from Carolina Socías; designer Carolina Socías.

Courtesy of Carolina Socías

From left: Swim separates from Carolina Socías; designer Carolina Socías.

Before launching her namesake brand in 2013, Carolina Socías worked with Dominican lifestyle brand Jenny Polanco for 11 years. Her label specializes in durable, flattering swimwear and separates. Her goal, she says, is to empower her clients by emphasizing their strengths.

Jam + Rico (Jamaica, Puerto Rico, New York City)

From left: Junior Sealey/Courtesy of Jam + Rico; Courtesy of Jam + Rico From left: Jam + Rico designer Lisette Scott; a Jam + Rico bracelet.

From left: Junior Sealey/Courtesy of Jam + Rico; Courtesy of Jam + Rico

From left: Jam + Rico designer Lisette Scott; a Jam + Rico bracelet.

Established in 2016, Jam + Rico jewelry is known for its bold and colorful designs. The name Jam + Rico is a nod to the designer Lisette Scott’s roots in Jamaica and Puerto Rico. She and her team take annual trips to Caribbean destinations to find inspiration in the culture, music, and landscape.

Shoma The Label (Trinidad)

Courtesy of Shoma the Label From left: Floral top and skirt from Shoma The Label; Shoma Persad, the brand's designer.

Courtesy of Shoma the Label

From left: Floral top and skirt from Shoma The Label; Shoma Persad, the brand's designer.

The clothing from this Trinidad-based company is all handmade on the island, and each collection tells authentic local stories through fabric and design. The newest range, Casa Caribe, pays homage to the cultural intersection of Trinidad and Colombia.

Tialani (Barbados)

Dwain Oneal/Courtesy of Tialani From left: The Bella top by Tialani; a model wearing the brand's burlap trench coat.

Dwain Oneal/Courtesy of Tialani

From left: The Bella top by Tialani; a model wearing the brand's burlap trench coat.

This minimalist ready-to-wear brand is based on Barbados. Founder Tia Olton’s designs include swimwear, loungewear, and resort wear for both men and women in a neutral palette.

Paper Papayas (Trinidad, Las Vegas)

Courtesy of Paper Papayas Handmade clay-polymer earrings from Paper Papayas.

Courtesy of Paper Papayas

Handmade clay-polymer earrings from Paper Papayas.

Since 2020, Trinidadian designer Shae Rogers has specialized in handmade clay-polymer jewelry inspired by Caribbean flora and fauna — and the bold, strong women in her family.

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “Island Style.”