The grounds of Anchorage Hotel came alive with color, rhythm, and cultural pride on Saturday evening as Afro Caribbean 2025, the second production of Blossom Dominica, unfolded under the theme “Our Story, Our Heritage, Our Identity.” This unforgettable event paid homage to Kalinago resilience, Caribbean fashion evolution, and Dominican heritage through storytelling, fashion, and artistic expression.
The evening commenced with a warm meet-and-greet reception, set to the sounds of soft jazz and hosted against the scenic backdrop. A special welcome was extended to Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Mr. Burton, along with an esteemed list of cultural icons, including Ms. Dominica Tanisha Balsol, celebrated singer Michelle Henderson, Pastor Leroy Hill, and fashion designer Lorraine Delsol.
A highlight of the night was the debut of “The 21st Century Kalinago Heroes” runway segment, which powerfully portrayed five Kalinago changemakers and cultural figures through symbolic fashion statements. From Divine Lilliana, the modern Kalinago CEO, to Luminous Lantana, representing the first female Kalinago President, the segment honored trailblazers including cricketers, entrepreneurs, and cultural custodians who continue to shape Dominica’s future.
The program continued with a stirring poem by Princia the Poet, a tribute to legendary designer Mary Elizabeth Green, and a showcase of traditional Dominican attire including the Jipé and Wob Dwiyet. These were creatively modeled by cultural ambassadors and emerging talents alike, from Little Miss Sassy to Esther Fadelle Morris, Miss CARIFTA 1973.
Segment 4 brought to life Contemporary Creole Fashion, blending tradition with modern flair. Designers reimagined madras fabrics and national symbols into bold, runway-ready looks that reflected Afro-Caribbean pride and creativity. The final fashion walks celebrated Dominica’s flag and its symbolic colors—red, green, black, yellow, and white—each interpreted through dynamic couture.
Afro Caribbean 2025 culminated in a jazz-infused finale—Sunset Creole Chic with a Splash of African Energy—where models returned to the stage for a final round of electrifying fashion and dance. In an energetic close, the audience joined the models and artists for a celebratory dance, turning the night into a true festival of unity, culture, and expression.
Blossom Dominica’s Founder and CEO, Kimara Matthew, received a resounding ovation as she took the stage, marking another successful production aimed at empowering cultural pride, representation, and storytelling through fashion.
Special thanks to our sponsors and partners, including The Progressive Mind, Opti Shop, Digicel, Discover Dominica Authority, Fresh Market, Ministries of Government, and all supporting creatives and volunteers who brought this vision to life.
For more highlights and photos, visit Blossom Dominica’s social platforms: Facebook and Instagram.
