Fashion First: Caribbean Confidence Takes the Catwalk at CARIFESTA XV

Candi Nicholls - Fashion Coordinator, CARIFESTA XV

Before a single word is spoken, the Caribbean makes its presence known through fashion. Our style speaks boldly, vibrantly and unapologetically of who we are. This August at CARIFESTA XV, fashion will be more than worn, it will be celebrated as identity, as opportunity, and as art with a purpose. It is through initiatives like these that Caribbean people can access real pathways for growth, training, and entrepreneurial learning.

Appearing on CBC TV8’s Mornin’ Barbados, Candi Nicholls, CARIFESTA XV’s Fashion Lead, wore both style and conviction. A former model and pageant queen turned creative industry powerhouse, Nicholls has spent decades nurturing Barbadian and Caribbean fashion, mentoring emerging designers and championing the view that fashion is both economic engine and cultural expression.

CARIFESTA XV is already creating opportunities. Hopefuls recently gathered at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed for an open casting call. They walked for possibility, for recognition and for the chance to see themselves celebrated. Nicholls emphasised that fashion at CARIFESTA is more than just appearance, it’s also about making space. “We’re not only looking for size twos anymore,” she said. “Some of the most highly paid models in the world are curvy, they’re confident, they’re Caribbean.”

The casting call was only the beginning. Nicholls is leading a suite of workshops that turn passion into profession. Sessions like Careers in Fashion cover styling, editorial production and financial strategies. Voices in Fashion explores cultural identity through design, and the Casting Call brought like-minded agencies—Wilhelmina, Next and a range of international agencies into direct contact with Caribbean talents eager to be seen.

Sustainability also takes centre stage. On August 23rd, CARIFESTA will showcase designers committed to upcycled fabrics, recycled materials and eco-conscious dyeing practices. Among the participants is a surprise Panamanian designer who transforms denim and tablecloths into runway-worthy pieces. Here, fashion becomes a statement of innovation and conscience.

The fashion shows will light up CARIFESTA Village nightly, featuring emerging and established designers from Jamaica, Trinidad, St Vincent, Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, the U.S., and Barbados. On August 22nd, Broad Street will become a Caribbean catwalk in the opening show, and on Barbados Day, August 30th, the spotlight will shine entirely on homegrown talent.

Even beyond the runway, fashion will buzz through the Grand Market, where accessory designers, shoemakers and artisans of every type will offer pieces that will definitely wow!

Through flowing fabrics and confident strides, CARIFESTA’s fashion programme invites everyone, from the casually curious to the career-driven to step into the rhythm of Caribbean style and possibility.

Here in the Caribbean, we don’t just wear clothes, we wear culture.