From high fashion pop-ups to runway shows to gourmet tastings, the 2nd annual Westfield Carib Style Week hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Aifos Agency will showcase some of the destination’s deep Caribbean roots through style, fashion and culinary events. The culminating weekend of events are scheduled for June 24 to June 26 and will be held throughout Broward County.
This year’s Westfield Carib Style Week features some of the Caribbean’s most prominent designers, hailing from the Bahamas, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad, all on display at the Westfield Fashion Pop-Up Experience in Westfield Broward. Young designer Louca Bell brings her Haitian culture to life in her colorful creations with playful and festive designs. Also from Haiti but currently a Guadeloupe resident, designer Lily Deziles’s ethereal and bright dresses display the best of Kreyol style with French embellishes. SHOPSHARI, created by Trinidadian designer Shari Cumberbatch pushes the boundary of neon colors and eclectic prints in all of her styles, from dresses to accessories. Chandra Maharaj – also from Trinidad – brings her playful swimwear and activewear with touches of her Caribbean roots. Lastly, Jamaican designer Vdezdra’s daring swimwear crochet creations perfectly integrate her Caribbean heritage and masterful technique.
On Friday, June 24th, Carnival Rocks the Runway, a pop-up fashion event from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am in downtown Fort Lauderdale at Revolution LIVE will see the top ten Carnival bands and designers from One Carnival, an annual bi-county Carnival event taking place in Broward and Miami-Dade, hit the runway with artists from Trinidad and Barbados. Music will be provided by DJ Puffy and Friends, with a live performance by 5Star Akil. Tickets cost $25.
Saturday, June 25 marks a full day of Westfield Carib Style Week programming, starting with the Westfield CaribStyle Week Showcase. Starting at 11:00 am, a Beauty, Travel & Commerce Expo will include a Carib Style Beauty Bar featuring the latest in hair products, make up and cutting edge improvements in skin and hair care. At 1:00 pm, the Caribbean Cultural Showcase Westfield will include live music, performances and the opportunity to meet and greet designers and artists. The Caribbean Fashion Experience Westfield begins at 4:00 pm, featuring fashion designs from the Westfield Fashion Pop-Up Experience. All of the events at the Westfield Experience are complimentary and open to the public to attend.
Later that evening, Epicurean By Design from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am at the Warehouse in Lauderhill will meld fashion and food as Caribbean chefs prepare sampling stations and pair dishes with Caribbean rums. Beats will be provided by LLCoolBlaze & Friends, tickets cost $65.
On Sunday, June 26, see the latest in Caribbean swimwear at the Bikinis and Brunchevent from 12:00 to 6:00 pm at The W Fort Lauderdale Beach, while enjoying a Caribbean style buffet brunch and mimosas with music provided by Dr. Esan & LLCoolBlaze. Tickets cost $75, and private cabanas are available. For the second consecutive year, the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale-Plantation Hotel will be the host hotel for Westfield Carib Style Week and Caribbean Airlines joins this year as the official airline sponsor.
For more information, visit http://www.caribstyleweek.com.