Vincentian designer Karen DeFreitas, founding father of vogue model SOKA, made a unprecedented assertion at Paris Vogue Week 2024 with the debut of her Spring/Summer time 2025 assortment, “Canboulay.”
Offered by Flying Solo, the gathering underscored the resilient spirit and vibrant vitality of the Caribbean's cultural heritage in one of many world's most prestigious vogue levels.
DeFreitas’ “Canboulay” assortment celebrates the long-lasting traditions of the Canboulay pageant, an integral a part of Caribbean carnival tradition and a celebration of resistance and emancipation. Impressed by the majestic Moko Jumbies, towering striders which can be symbols of safety and resilience, the gathering options daring silhouettes, intricate textures and daring particulars. Every look affords a recent interpretation of conventional carnival characters, combining Caribbean folklore with high fashion.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
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Designs exhibited from the “Canboulay” assortment at Paris Vogue Week.
Soka's newest assortment is just not solely a inventive triumph, but in addition a pattern of Vincentian craftsmanship. DeFreitas collaborated with a community of native and regional artisans, staying true to her dedication to group and sustainable design practices.
Canboulay was additionally a collaborative effort between: Melanie Hyman of Residence by Melanie Hyman added her signature macrame particulars, creating textural depth and handcrafted magnificence in a number of items.
Krafitti's Natasha Frankov contributed intricate crochet work, bringing an natural, handmade aesthetic to the gathering.
The equipment have been handmade by prisoners concerned within the Develop In Time Basis, a neighborhood initiative that focuses on rehabilitation by artwork and ability improvement.
Jewellery was supplied by Trinidadian Crystal Williams of Ivy and Iona.
Talking concerning the inspiration behind the gathering, DeFreitas shared: “I contemplate design as a type of storytelling and I deal with telling Caribbean tales as a result of we’re interconnected by our tradition. As a lot as you know the way stunning our seashores are, I wish to present the great thing about our tradition and our individuals. Canboulay is a product of our African heritage and resilience, and there’s magnificence in that, from the handmade costumes to the revelry. “My assortment is a tribute to those that got here earlier than me, supporting unbelievable artisans and celebrating collaboration and the Caribbean group.”
Soka's presence at Paris Vogue Week not solely cements the model's place within the international vogue business, but in addition helps amplify the voices of Caribbean creatives on a world platform. The “Canboulay” assortment displays Soka's imaginative and prescient of integrating heritage with up to date vogue, whereas making a big affect on native communities by collaboration.