GrenadaS Creative Sector Gains Global Recognition with Focus on Sustainable Luxury
St. George’s,Grenada – Grenada is experiencing a surge in its creative economy,positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for sustainable luxury design and challenging conventional narratives within the Caribbean fashion landscape. Spearheaded by the Caribbean Sustainable Fashion & Design Group (CSFDG) and its founder, Shannen-Kaylia, the island nation is fostering local talent and attracting international attention.
A recent program, the Kaylia Couturier program, funded by the fashion Impact Fund, provided intensive training to four Caribbean women under the direction of Cuban designer Alejandro Barzaga. Participants crafted three-piece collections utilizing deadstock Italian silks, linens, cottons, and wools, enhanced with donated Swarovski crystals. This initiative marked Grenada’s debut into sustainable luxury couture.
The showcase featured diverse design perspectives, including Shannen-Kaylia’s reimagining of Carnival costumes, Sailina de Bellotte’s resort wear (Cocoberry Grenada), Reann Edwards’ Bahamian swimwear (Bahamas Mamma Swim), Simone James’ crochet artistry (Threaded by Siren), and Shereesa Walcott’s professional suiting for women throughout the islands. The diaspora was also represented through jewelry designers Ayana Benjamin (ayana B Joy) and Dr. Janelle harford (Zulekha Designs).
“What started for me was something simple, walking into luxury hotels in Grenada and not seeing a single locally made item,” Shannen-Kaylia explained. “I wanted to change that. CSFDG is now bridging heritage, skill, and global luxury standards to prove that Caribbean women can create sustainable, world-class design while preserving our identity and culture.”
CSFDG has already launched grenada’s first boutique hotel exclusively featuring local products and is collaborating with Silversands Beach House on a pop-up shop. The 2025 Hub, themed Oceans & Essence, emphasizes the connection between island identity and ocean health, establishing Grenada as a notable “Big Ocean State.”
Sheena Butler-Young, senior correspondent at The Business of Fashion, highlighted the significance of Grenada’s progress, stating, “What’s happening in Grenada is significant because it shows how smaller markets, often overlooked, can become testing grounds for innovation. By connecting heritage craftsmanship with global sustainability standards, the island is demonstrating what’s possible when local talent is given visibility and infrastructure to grow.”
Beyond its traditional spice exports, Grenada is now exporting a new model for Caribbean and Black creative economies – one that secures a place at the luxury table while maintaining cultural identity and prioritizing sustainability.
