PAUSE Highlights: 5 Caribbean Brands To Keep On Your Radar

The New Wave.

Roots are crucial, not only as a starting point for identity but also as a lens through which we gain new perspectives on everything we live, see, and think. This unique foundation opens doors to experiences that collide between what we know and what is real.

With this mindset, the fashion world often forgets that the four major fashion capitals are merely focal points shaped by influences from countless cultures around the globe, and even if some of this brands have gained international recognition, their impact goes beyond far than that.

Here are 5 Caribbean fashion brands that you should keep on your radar:

Jawara Alleyne

Born in Jamaica, shaped by the Cayman Islands, and established in London in 2020, Jawara Alleyne is an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose work explores identity through culturally relevant themes and abstract storytelling. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion, Alleyne launched his brand under the Fashion East initiative in 2021. His collections are the result of extensive research and a balancing act of contextual and abstract references, creating personal narratives that inform his designs and signature aesthetic. Alongside directing his label, he lectures at Central Saint Martins, further cementing his role in shaping the future of fashion.

Botter

Following up we have Botter, founded in 2017 by Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh. Botter is a brand celebrated for its gender-neutral “Caribbean couture” and sustainable innovation. Born in Curaçao and raised in Amsterdam, Botter honed his craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he was mentored by iconic designers like Walter Van Beirendonck. His partner, Herrebrugh, a Dominican-Dutch designer, refined her technical skills at Amsterdam Fashion Institute and during her tenure at Viktor & Rolf. Together, they became LVMH Prize finalists in 2018 and served as creative directors of Nina Ricci, where they brought a bold, modern edge to the brand before departing in 2022. Botter’s collections blend nautical designs, inventive constructions, and a commitment to sustainability, including biotextile development and coral reef restoration. Their work is globally recognized at the moments, perhaps you have already seen their fashion shows at the main capitals of fashion.

Theophilio

Founded by Jamaican-born designer Edvin Thompson, Theophilio is a brand that pays heartfelt tribute to Thompson’s heritage while championing individuality and growth. A finalist for the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund, Thompson infuses his collections with the vibrant energy of his homeland, drawing inspiration from the casual radiance of Jamaica’s streets rather than its tourist landmarks. With a signature color palette inspired by the Jamaican flag, his pieces weave personal narratives—honoring his grandmother’s wisdom, dancehall culture, and his own journey. Theophilio’s recents shows have proved this rooted-centred approach, becoming a crucial part of the Caribbean promises.

SAGABOI

Continuing with the legacy of the Caribbean, the brand SAGABOI, under Geoff K Cooper, redefines masculinity by embracing values like individualism, rebellion, and acceptance. Rooted in the vibrant culture, history, and lifestyle of the Caribbean, SAGABOI merges these influences with global pop culture to create a distinct voice in contemporary fashion. Drawing from a rich, multifaceted heritage shaped by diverse ethnicities and cultural fusions, the brand celebrates the Caribbean’s dynamic legacy. At its core, it honors craft, with each piece meticulously designed to reflect the energy, exuberance, and authenticity of the region. Whether through ready-to-wear, streetwear, or bespoke designs, he infuses every garment with the spirit of Caribbean ease and craftsmanship, blending heritage with modern flair.

Diotima

Rachel Scott, the visionary behind Diotima, has seamlessly woven her Jamaican heritage into a distinct design language that celebrates Caribbean craft and culture while resonating globally. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, where her mother ran a clothing boutique, Scott’s passion for fashion was nurtured early, as she created her own outfits out of necessity and creativity. Founded during the pandemic, Diotima is best known for its innovative fusion of crochet and tailoring, alongside modern interpretations of traditional Jamaican elements like doilies and mesh marinas. Scott’s designs are rooted in collaboration with Jamaican craftspeople, ensuring the brand operates with authenticity and engagement rather than extraction. This ethos, combined with a focus on craft as both art and function, gives Diotima its unique edge—where sparkling embellishments and handmade details are thoughtfully embedded into garments. As Scott works to expand Diotima beyond fashion into immersive spaces, she continues to honor Caribbean heritage while pushing its influence into contemporary global design.

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo 1: @labembika & sopstaa /Photo 2: @lucatimbolini / Photo 3: @philipdanielducasse & Kohl Murdock/ Photo 4: Vitalij Sidorivic/ Photo 5: @martinkeenan & sicknethi

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