I first encountered the Jamaican Fashion Guild Ltd during my PhD. I had always known that Jamaicans had an intimate and powerful relationship with fashion, but discovering that they had established an organisation post-independence to promote Jamaican fashion was an unexpected revelation. It was one of many pleasant surprises I would uncover about Jamaica's engagement with fashion and textiles between 1950 and 1970.

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The story begins in 1966 when Jamaica made history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to actively pursue the status of fashion capital. Through the Jamaica Fashion Guild Ltd (JFG), the country brought together its most talented designers and makers with an ambitious vision - to showcase Jamaican fashion to the world and become the Caribbean's first fashion capital. An activity that would not only develop the island's fashion industry, but also help to revive a declining tourist industry. Fashion and tourism were already natural partners - I discovered that the Tower Isle Hotel had launched its own menswear line in the 1950s, utilising the stunning location for fashion shoots.

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​The JFG emerged at a pivotal moment whilst Jamaica was crafting its post-independence identity. The country already possessed a robust textile industry, supported by the 1947 Textile Industry (Encouragement) Law. Factories hummed with activity, producing garments for North American markets. Skilled tailors and dressmakers practised their craft across the island.

The Guild's innovative approach particularly impresses me. They didn't simply sell clothes - they created experiences. Imagine being treated to an impromptu fashion show at 30,000 feet whilst flying to Jamaica. Or browsing Bergdorf Goodman in New York, discovering Jamaican designs alongside international fashion houses, or experiencing Jamaica during a Jamaica week at Eaton's during a cold Toronto winter. By the early 1970s, the Guild was exporting millions of pounds worth of fashion to North America, challenging perceptions of Caribbean fashion.

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The designers themselves were a remarkable group which included Ruth Clardge of Jamaica Clothes Shops, Daphne Logan of Bab's Boutique, Trevor Owen, Josie Buchanan of Josie's Temple of Fashion, Annie Lopez and Joyce Delisser of Joyce's Jamaican Vogue - each bringing their unique vision of Jamaican style. They worked with local materials, created distinctive prints and developed silhouettes that captured Jamaica's vibrant spirit and post-independence optimism.

Yet despite their achievements, much of the Guild's history was disappearing. Physical garments were particularly difficult to locate. This led me to begin collecting pieces - my collection now comprises over 80 garments designed and manufactured in the Caribbean. Each piece tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship and identity.

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This exhibition marks the first public display of these pieces. However, it represents more than merely a display of garments. It celebrates a moment when Jamaica asserted its creative voice on the global stage. It explores how fashion can express national identity and cultural confidence. Most importantly, it recognises the visionaries who showcased Jamaica's creative spirit to the world.

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I invite you to explore these pieces and their stories. For further insights into individual garments, the process of building this collection and ongoing research into Caribbean fashion history, please visit my website where I regularly share new discoveries. These garments may be from the past, but their stories remain vibrantly relevant today.

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