Runway ready: Cayman InStyle Fashion Week returns

30 March 2024

April brings fashion and glamour to the shores of the Cayman Islands, as Cayman InStyle Fashion Week returns, with multiple runway shows, parties and an award show.

More than 1,500 people attended the 2023 event, which showcased a diverse array of 61 youth and 69 adult models, both local and international, as well as providing eight model workshops.

In previous years, participating designers have included Carlton Jones, Perry Jones, Uzuri International Paulette Leghorn, Kristen Frazer, Caser Galindo and Khaliah Clark. The event has also worked with Caymanian Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks; former America’s Next Top Model winners Naima Mora and Kiara Belen; and model development coach, Alva Page.

On the roster this year is a host of photographers, models and talent, including Alva Page, Jacinth Hedlam, Kiara Belen and The Fashion Life Tour, and designers Adrian Alecea, NYLA Designer Couture, Norma Ebanks Design & Sai Sankoh.

At each year’s event, Trailblazer Awards are presented to local individuals, with categories ranging from best fashion designer to best model, to best social media influencer. This year, the Pioneer Trailblazer award will be presented to award-winning Caymanian designer, Reba Dilbert.

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RUN-UP TO THE RUNWAY

The first quarter of 2024 provided many events linked to Cayman InStyle Fashion Week, including The Model Workshop Series with Alva Page in February.

Additionally, designer and creator of the event – Norma Ebanks – took five Caymanian models with her to New York Fashion Week. Alana Tooker, Sydonie Barrett, Leilani Eden, Mili Almaguer and Shannon Crew showcased works from Norma Ebanks Designs in conjunction with The Fashion Life (TFL) tour show and In The City Magazine in New York City.

Norma Ebanks Designs also participated in TFL’s London Fashion Week show, with Caymanian models Alisha Millwood and Georgina Kerford.

BEGINNINGS

Norma Ebanks started Cayman InStyle Fashion Week in 2019. She had long worked with students, teaching sewing and design at her dressmaking and tailoring business, and saw an appetite for the fashion industry within Cayman’s youth.

She also used her expertise in identifying candidates for government scholarships in the fashion field through her work with the Scholarship Secretariat in the Ministry of Education.

Cayman InStyle Fashion Week was born as the perfect opportunity for student and emerging designers to showcase their talents. It also gives prospective Caymanian models, make-up artists, hair stylists and photographers the opportunity to learn more about the industry and hone their talents.

CREATIVE FASHION SCHOOL

Proceeds from the event are invested into the Creative Fashion School, a non-profit organisation founded by Norma, which provides workshops, classes, after-school programmes and summer camps for local creatives to learn sewing and fashion design, and develop their creativity. The school has had more than 40 students who have passed the basic and advanced courses, seven of whom have gone on to open their own businesses in the fashion industry.