Anguilla Swim Week: A Celebration of Fashion and Island Elegance

Anguilla Swim Week Makes a Splash in 2017 with International and Local Designers

Summer 2017 marked a big splash in Anguilla as it welcomed back “Anguilla Swim Week” for its second year, featuring designers from St. Maarten, Dominica, the United States, and, of course, local talents like Theo Cris and The Barnes Global from Anguilla. After a nearly two-year break due to pregnancy and the birth of her first child, creator and founder Janay Raymond declared that the Caribbean's most anticipated fashion show was “about to change the face of fashion in the Caribbean.”

Raymond’s journey began in 2007 with her brand Feelo’Je designs, which led her to launch “Anguilla Swim” in 2015. She explained, “There was nothing like it in the Caribbean. The only fashion show dedicated to swimwear was in Miami, FL. I had showcased at fashion shows in Los Angeles and NYFW, and it became frustrating that when I would say I was from Anguilla, no one had ever heard of it. The shows I had done focused on production, not the designers. I wanted to create something that would give my island recognition and create a platform for designers like me—tiny fish in a very large pond. Here, small designers have a voice and somewhere to showcase their designs on a wider scale and be able to sell their products.”

The event kicked off with a grand opening, featuring Raymond’s own Feelo’Je collection. The vibrant Mermaid-inspired designs, infused with Caribbean Carnival themes, featured feathers, seashells, and swimsuits, energizing the audience for the rest of the show. Supermodel Joia John from the United States graced the runway for each designer and was featured on island billboards to promote the event. Joia shared her excitement about joining the show: “I met Janay three years ago at a fashion show in California, and we’ve kept in touch. When she asked me to be a part of this show, I jumped at the chance. It’s been amazing experiencing Anguilla. This is my first show outside the USA, and every designer’s pieces are so unique and beautiful.”

The fashion show featured a range of designs, from resort wear to swimwear, with pieces catering to petite women, curvy women, and even some for men. A standout moment was the kids’ line, designed by Raymond’s niece and nephew, which included Afrocentric prints and designs ranging from dresses for little girls to short sets for boys and girls.

St. Maarten designer Neptie, of NeptieSwim, showcased her line for the first time. She said, “My line represents feeling beautiful and feeling like a queen. It’s important to feel confident with your body, and my line is all about confidence and comfort.” Her collection included daring swimwear for all shapes and sizes. True to the island style, each designer’s collection featured exotic colors, prints, and intricate cuts. Samantha Samuels, a veteran designer from Trinidad and Tobago, brought her Fashion Sixty4 line to the event. With over 15 years in the industry, her designs have been featured in magazines like Ellements and Sheen Magazine. Samuels shared, “I’ve wanted to be a part of Anguilla Swim Week for years, and this year I wasn’t going to miss the chance to show my work. My line represents the woman who isn’t afraid to take risks and be sexy.”

Young Anguillan designer Yerdi Fleming introduced his first collection, “Essence of Paradise,” which wowed the crowd with its prints and fringe details. Arabella Rose Boutique added an elegant touch to the evening with its evening gowns, including a show-stopping Princess Wedding Gown for the grand finale. The designer shared that her inspiration came from “the beauty of women who enjoy feeling beautiful in designer wear.”

With a smashing close to 2017, 2018 promises to bring an even more stunning show, raising greater awareness about what Anguilla has to offer to the fashion world.