The Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Company (FashionTT) achieved a remarkable feat by leading ten of the nation’s finest designers on a trade mission to New York City and the United Kingdom. In line with its mission to bolster the export potential of the country’s local designers, FashionTT, under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, orchestrated two trade missions to these illustrious fashion capitals. The resounding success of these missions reflects the designers’ extraordinary talent and creativity, leaving an unforgettable impression in the highly competitive global markets.
The Fashion Trade Mission commenced in New York City from the 12th to the 16th of June, 2023, followed by an equally impactful endeavour in the United Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th of July, 2023. The United Kingdom Trade Mission was conducted in collaboration with exporTT Ltd, facilitated through its Export Booster Initiative (EBI), ensured that the designers were impeccably prepared for these momentous opportunities.
Over the course of these missions, the designers engaged in over 40 discerning business-to-business meetings, fostering meaningful connections with esteemed retailers, boutique owners, influential online stores, trendsetting influencers, and renowned stylists. The establishments that met with the designers include, but are not limited to, Liberty, Net A Porter, Browns Fashion, The Place London, Cult Mia, Brooklyn Circus, Kifth, Dem Nation, SSNSE, and Nordstrom. The impact of these engagements has been significant as several designers are currently pursuing promising leads and orders that originated from these encounters.
The distinguished designers chosen to partake in this initiative represent the pinnacle of the Value Chain Investment Programme (VCIP) and are recognized as the Global Value Chain designers. This cohort includes prominent names such as Ecliff Elie, Meiling, The Cloth, J. Angelique, The Hideout Clothing, Charu Lochan Dass, Heather Jones International, Genesis Swimwear, 1ndividual Aesthetic, and Neha Karina.
Lisa-Marie Daniel, FashionTT’s General Manager expressed deep appreciation and pride for the designers’ exceptional achievements, stating, “These successful fashion trade missions mark a significant milestone for our vibrant fashion industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Our talented designers have magnificently showcased their creativity and craftsmanship on the global stage, leaving an indelible impression in the fiercely competitive markets of New York and the United Kingdom. Through FashionTT’s unwavering commitment and the wholehearted support of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, we have empowered our top-tier local designers to forge meaningful connections with prestigious retailers, influential boutiques, and key buyers, opening doors for potential collaborations and new orders. The passion and dedication of our designers have truly shone throughout the 40+ astute business-to-business meetings, fostering promising leads and abundant opportunities for our fashion community to flourish.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to exporTT Ltd and the EXIMBANK for their invaluable contribution in ensuring our designers were impeccably prepared to seize every moment. This is just the beginning of a remarkable journey, and together, we will continue to elevate Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion excellence to unparalleled heights on the global stage.”
To keep up-to-date in what’s happening with FashionTT, follow the Facebook and Instagram pages: @fashionoftt.
