Throughout the Caribbean, specifically the West Indies, clothing has a distinct look, style, and significance. Clothing has been used for political statements as well as ethnic movements. Most of all, however, clothing is just the way to represent the Caribbean. Color and flowing clothes are flavors unique to Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Bermuda. Yet even within these countries, color and style takes on very different characteristics.
Most of the islands believe in bright vibrant colors as well as flowing loose clothing, but there are still unique varieties throughout the Islands. For example, in Trinidad and Bermuda, loose Bohemian dresses are very common. Bright colors may vary between oranges, yellows, blues, and greens. The clothing may also be very revealing, scarcely covering the body. On the other hand, it may vary tremendously in Jamaica. Jamaican clothing is often representative of their African heritage. Colors are typically the pan African red yellow and green or the Jamaican flag’s green yellow and black. The clothing is loose but traditionally not as revealing. Historically, blouses and skirts were worn by women, covering their bosoms, hips, waist, and buttocks. Clothing was often a way to revisit nationalism and African pride and this significant meaning has continued to present day. But the meaning behind colorful and flowing, ‘typical’, Caribbean clothing is not always historical, sometimes it’s as simple and easy as the Caribbean islands themselves.
Anya Ayoung Chee is a Trinidadian fashion designer. She was Miss Universe as well as Miss Trinidad, before venturing out to explore the world of designing. In 2011, she went public on Project Runway, eventually winning the entire competition. Ayoung Chee had introduced America and the global world to ‘true’ Caribbean clothing. She says that ” Colors are a way of revealing the Caribbean”. She explains that her clothing is her way of carrying her home, around the world. She wants people to experience her homeland with her, while still feeling sexy and youthful , and such is accomplished through creating vibrant clothing.
Lastly, Colors are just the Caribbean way of having fun and relaxing. Colors are often used in abundance during Carnivals. Whether in the United States or the Caribbean, colorful feathers and costumes, are always ways we remember the Caribbean. They represent Caribbean movement and excitement, bringing attention to the spectacular spices the Caribbean can put together. Parade participants have stated that they believe that they enable viewers to experience the islands as paraders revisit nationalistic feelings, all while being entertaining and enjoyable. Rather than participating in a political movement, Colorful parade costumes can spread a nationalistic message through exotic styles and musical enjoyment and still get the whole world’s attention.
While to us it may just seem like typical Caribbean clothing, styles in the islands are very unique and special. The colors and the texture all have importance, even if it’s simply recognition. We can never deny that the beautiful combination of colors and textures, are contagious and obliges us to take in all the flavors the Caribbean has to offer. The sights of Caribbean colors and beautiful Bohemian dresses enters us into a world of the Caribbean and make us long to look at more. Just that fast, we have been an involuntary candidate to Caribbean national and historical messages and political gain. Yet there is no blame in putting beauty where it belongs, and the Caribbean islands once again have shown that they are in so many ways, very beautiful.
Askira
AfroCarib 