Seeing clothing by Trinidadian fashion designer Meiling gracing the pages of Harper’s Bazaar US this week served as a gentle reminder of the soulfulness that is the Caribbean aesthetic. It also served as a reminder of how anti-Caribbean and unsupportive we can be of our own products until they gain the attention and acceptance of western media, particularly where fashion and beauty standards are concerned.
I have followed Meiling’s work for years. I am always stunned by the simple extravagance of her pieces and unlike a lot of the fast fashion that I own and her garments are made to last. They are functional and made for the lives of West Indian women.