“Our Story, Our Heritage, Our Identity,” was the theme for Afro Caribbean 2025, the second production of Blossom Dominica held at the grounds of Anchorage Hotel on Saturday evening.
A press release from the organizers characterized the show as “alive with color, rhythm, and cultural pride.” Honoring Kalinago resilience, the evolution of Caribbean fashion, and Dominican cultural heritage through various forms of storytelling, fashion displays, and artistic expressions, the event was also described as “significant”.
The evening began with a friendly reception accompanied by soft jazz music, set against a picturesque backdrop. Guests included Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Mr. Burton, and several cultural figures such as Ms. Dominica Tanisha Balsol, singer Michelle Henderson, Pastor Leroy Hill, and fashion designer Lorraine Delsol, all of whom received a special welcome.
A notable feature of the event was the launch of “The 21st Century Kalinago Heroes” runway segment, which effectively showcased five Kalinago change makers and cultural icons through powerful fashion representations. Among those highlighted were Divine Lilliana, a contemporary Kalinago CEO, and Luminous Lantana, who represented the first female Kalinago President, celebrating a range of trailblazers from cricketers to entrepreneurs and cultural advocates shaping the trajectory of Dominica.
A poem delivered by Princia the Poet paid tribute to designer Mary Elizabeth Green, and there was a display of traditional Dominican garments like the “Jipé” and “Wob Dwiyet”. These outfits were modeled by cultural ambassadors and emerging talents, including Little Miss Sassy and Esther Fadelle Morris, a former Miss CARIFTA 1973.
The fourth segment highlighted Contemporary Creole Fashion, melding tradition with modern design elements. Designers innovatively transformed madras fabrics and national emblems into striking, runway-ready pieces that showcased Afro-Caribbean creativity and pride. The final fashion walk celebrated Dominica’s national flag and its representative colors—red, green, black, yellow, and white—each expressed through couture designs.
The event drew to a close with a jazz-themed finale titled Sunset Creole Chic with a Splash of African Energy, where models returned for one last display of fashion and dance. In an engaging finish, the audience joined in a collective dance with the models and artists.
According to the release, Kimara Matthew, the Founder and CEO of Blossom Dominica, received enthusiastic applause for her efforts in organizing another successful production aimed at promoting cultural pride, representation, and narrative sharing through fashion.
Gratitude was extended to sponsors and partners, including The Progressive Mind, Opti Shop, Digicel, Discover Dominica Authority, Fresh Market, various Ministries of Government, and all the creative supporters and volunteers who helped bring this vision to fruition.
