Toppa Top 10: Ten Caribbean Menswear Designers To Know Right Now

Words by Kamara Williams
Photo by Jahneen

When it comes to fashion, men’s clothing is sometimes overlooked amidst the constant chatter about womenswear. But there are exceptions to every rule. Over the years, Caribbean men have become more inclined to express their interest in fashion, and pursue garment design as a career. And a new wave of menswear designers coming out of the West Indies, both male and female, are proving Caribbean menswear deserves as much attention as its female counterpart.

Here, LargeUp counts down ten top menswear designers from the region who have got tastemakers, both local and international, talking.

Get into it.

Stella Jean (Haiti/Italy)

Few can master the art of both men’s and womenswear, but Stella Jean, a designer of Haitian and Italian heritage, makes it look easy. Jean believes that fashion can move beyond aesthetics and superficiality, and she has been using her label as an instrument to fight colonization and promote “economic, social, and ethical growth and enfranchisement” in African and Haitian communities since collaborating with local artisans for her F/W 2015 collection.

While Jean’s ladies designs have been seen on the reigning queens of the fashion and music, Beyonce and Rihanna, her menswear designs are also impressive. She has a unique way of mixing prints, colors and textures to tell a whimsical story, while maintaining sophistication. After she was chosen to do a guest showcase in the Armani/Teatro space during Milano Moda Donna, Giorgio Armani himself praised Jean’s “very international eye,” claiming that “she’s the way forward.” This is no lie, as her designs combine Italian, African, and Haitian flare, sophistication, and craftsmanship.

Musika Frère (Haiti/USA)

Aleks Musika and Davidson Petit-Frère out of Haiti have got the classic man aesthetic down pat. Since launching in fall 2013, the men’s suiting company has become a coveted luxury resort and menswear label providing luxe suits, shirts, and accessories. With suits that possess sharp, precise fit, we can only expect Musika Frère to continue blossoming into a major success.

Bianca Saunders (London/Caribbean/ Jamaica)

Bianca Saunders, a British designer of Jamaican heritage, is inspired by her third-generation West Indian-British identity and experiences. These influences are plainly seen in her aesthetic, as materials resembling granny’s white doily and curtains straight from a traditional Caribbean household can be seen in her knitwear and outwear. These distinctively West Indian elements, paired with classic British style, set her brand far apart. Saunders also delves into film and video, which further solidifies her identity and explains her designs. Having already established a signature style at a young age, Saunders is sure to see more success as she wraps up her Masters in menswear design at the renowned Royal College of Art.

Ecliffe Elie (Trinidad & Tobago)

Ecliffe Elie has been designing since he was 14 years old. With over 20 years in the business, its safe to say that Elie has got a handle on what makes men look great. His resort wear offers costumers a polished yet lighthearted way to do casual, while his well-tailored luxury suits are usually reserved for grooms and red carpet event goers. Soca artists Shurwayne Winchester and Kes have been seen in Elie’s designs.

William McIntosh (Trinidad & Tobago)

William McIntosh is all about designs for the “free spirited individual.” It’s no wonder his vibrant one-of-a-kind gear have been sported by Soca artist Olatunji who possesses that liberated quality. Known for his signature bold print mixing, color blocking, and undeniable Caribbean flare, McIntosh has become a favorite among the region’s young fashion-loving men. We can’t wait to see what he’s going to cook up next.

Carlton Brown (Jamaica)

Since his debut in 2002, designer Carlton Brown has become a well-known name in Jamaica dressing everyone from members of parliament to top executives. Brown’s clean, sophisticated, and well-tailored designs have led to his collections being shown at London, Toronto, and Miami Beach International Fashion Week; he’s also appeared as a judge on the TV show Mission Catwalk. If you’re into a well-fitting suit, Carlton Brown is definitely the answer.

Rebels To Dons (Trinidad & Tobago/USA)

Rebels To Dons label head, Joshua C. Joseph, perfectly balances the aesthetic of a young rebel with one of a more mature man. His designs incorporate clean lines but also have a Western, or perhaps even rock and roll, feel as many designs incorporate patchwork, ripped denim and embroidery-like stitching. Joseph’s brand is also known for their popular millinery, which includes hand-crafted fedoras and leather crowns. Rebels To Dons, though a young label, has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Complex, while Joseph has designed custom pieces for Theophilus London, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire and Tyler the Creator. It’s safe to say these designs will be on more tastemakers’ radar very soon. (And you can find a few Rebels to Dons creations in the LargeUp store).

Peta Odini (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Vincentian designer and illustrator Peta Odini Sutherland is another female designer working in both men’s and womenswear. Her Peta Odini menswear label is known for its lighthearted graphic tees and tanks: Its designs combine Caribbean ease with some quirky touches, often featuring colorful illustrations of animals and text. This label is for those who value comfort but still want to maintain a sense of unique style.

RepJA (Jamaica/USA)

RepJA (Represent Jamaica) is a Caribbean-inspired clothing brand perfectly fusing the island lifestyle with urban street wear. Owners Prince Graham and Omar Anthony, born in Jamaica but raised in the States, do an incredible job at authentically representing the Caribbean’s vibes, with classic sayings and dancehall song lyrics splashed across their tees — their Beenie Man- and Domino Sugar-inspired “Girls Dem Suga” is a particularly popular choice. This label is for the person all about the ease of the Caribbean with the style of a New Yorker.

Mark Eastman (Trinidad & Tobago)

Accessories are just as important as the other components of a killer outfit. Mark Eastman fully understands this. The accessories branch of the Mark Eastman label, Dappered, puts a new spin on bowties and pouches, offering these products in vibrant Ankara prints, colors, and textures. Mark Eastman’s bowties is sure to amp up any look and is perfect for those who enjoy living colorfully.