Highlights from the runway

The runway at this year’s Cayman InStyle Fashion Week was a dazzling showcase of creativity, innovation, and cultural fusion. Models strutted down the catwalk in an array of ensembles that ranged from sleek minimalist tailoring to bold, avant-garde statements. The week featured both daytime resort wear and high-glamour evening collections, each presentation met with enthusiastic applause from fashion lovers and industry insiders alike.

One of the standout moments came during the opening night, where flowing silhouettes in tropical hues set the tone for the entire event. Lightweight fabrics like linen, silk, and organic cotton dominated the collections, reflecting the island’s breezy climate while aligning with global trends toward sustainability. Designers played with asymmetrical cuts, dramatic sleeves, and unexpected textures, offering a fresh take on warm-weather fashion.

Several shows embraced a distinctly Caribbean aesthetic, incorporating traditional prints, handwoven materials, and vibrant colour palettes. These elements were often paired with modern tailoring, creating a compelling contrast that celebrated both heritage and innovation. The use of accessories—such as oversized sun hats, shell jewellery, and woven handbags—added depth and personality to each look.

Another highlight was the inclusion of inclusive sizing and diverse models, a move that earned praise from attendees and further cemented the event’s reputation as progressive and community-focused. Designers made a conscious effort to reflect real-world beauty, showcasing clothing on models of various body types, ages, and ethnic backgrounds.

Eveningwear presentations brought drama to the runway, with shimmering fabrics, intricate beadwork, and sweeping gowns that drew gasps from the audience. Metallic tones, deep jewel colours, and bold patterns made a strong impression, offering plenty of inspiration for the upcoming formal season. The closing night show featured a collaborative collection that merged streetwear with high fashion, closing the week on a high-energy note.

Designers who stole the spotlight

This year’s Cayman InStyle Fashion Week was defined by a roster of exceptional designers who not only captivated audiences but also pushed the boundaries of island fashion. Among the most talked-about was Australian-born designer Isla Grace, whose resort collection fused Bondi Beach ease with Caribbean flair. Her use of eco-dyed fabrics and flowing silhouettes in oceanic tones earned her a standing ovation, particularly for a hand-painted maxi dress that seemed to ripple like waves with each step.

Local talent also shone brightly, with Caymanian designer Malik Thompson making waves with his contemporary menswear line. Known for his sharp tailoring and bold use of colour, Thompson introduced a series of linen suits in unexpected shades—think coral, seafoam, and marigold—paired with open-collared shirts and leather sandals. His ability to balance sophistication with tropical ease made his collection a standout among both critics and buyers.

Another designer who stole the spotlight was Trinidad’s Anika Jules, whose eveningwear collection blended traditional Caribbean motifs with modern silhouettes. Her showstopper—a floor-length gown hand-embroidered with native flora—was a favourite among stylists and celebrities alike, many of whom were seen backstage snapping photos of the intricate craftsmanship. Jules’ commitment to working with local artisans was also noted, adding a layer of cultural authenticity to her pieces.

Emerging designer collective “Isle Form” introduced a collaborative line that focused on sustainable fashion. Their use of upcycled materials and plant-based dyes was not only environmentally conscious but also visually compelling. Each piece told a story, from deconstructed denim jackets with patchwork detailing to breezy wrap skirts made from repurposed sarongs. The group’s innovative approach and youthful energy injected a fresh perspective into the week’s programming.

Returning favourite Lucía Navarro, a designer beloved for her sculptural eveningwear, did not disappoint. Her latest collection featured architectural gowns with dramatic draping and metallic accents, drawing inspiration from both coral reefs and urban skylines. Navarro’s ability to blend structure with sensuality firmly secured her place as one of the event’s most influential figures.

From seasoned names to rising stars, the designers at this year’s Cayman InStyle Fashion Week proved that island fashion is not only vibrant and diverse but also globally relevant. Their creativity and commitment to craftsmanship set a high bar for future editions of the event.

Community and celebrity engagement

The energy throughout Cayman InStyle Fashion Week extended far beyond the runway, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and celebrity presence that added a dynamic layer to the event. Locals and international guests alike mingled at pop-up events, style talks, and after-parties, creating a celebratory atmosphere that resonated across the island. Fashion fans from Australia were spotted among the crowd, many of whom travelled to the Cayman Islands to experience the event firsthand, underscoring its growing international appeal.

Celebrity attendance played a significant role in elevating the week’s profile. Notable appearances included Australian model and television personality Elyse Knowles, who was seen front row at several shows and later shared her favourite looks on social media, generating buzz among her followers back home. International influencers and fashion editors also made their presence known, adding a layer of glamour and media attention to the festivities.

One of the most talked-about moments came during a charity brunch hosted mid-week, where proceeds supported local arts education initiatives. The event brought together designers, celebrities, and community leaders in a relaxed setting, fostering meaningful conversations about fashion’s role in cultural preservation and youth empowerment. Guests enjoyed locally sourced cuisine and live music while bidding on one-of-a-kind fashion pieces in a silent auction.

Workshops and panel discussions further engaged the community, with topics ranging from sustainable design to the business of fashion. Australian fashion students on exchange were among the attendees, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from industry veterans and network with professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond. These educational components added depth to the week’s festivities, reinforcing the event’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion talent.

Local vendors and artisans were also given a platform through a bustling fashion village, where handmade accessories, textiles, and beauty products were showcased. The market-style setup encouraged interaction between designers and the public, offering a tactile and immersive experience that celebrated Caymanian creativity. For many visitors, this was a highlight of the week, offering a chance to take home a piece of the island’s vibrant fashion culture.

The seamless integration of fashion, celebrity engagement, and community participation ensured that Cayman InStyle Fashion Week was not just a visual spectacle, but a meaningful cultural event. It strengthened bonds between local creatives and international guests, including those from Australia, and affirmed the island’s place on the global fashion map.

Highlights from the runway

This year’s Cayman InStyle Fashion Week runway pulsed with energy, colour and an elevated sense of Caribbean flair. Each show was a curated spectacle, blending bold silhouettes with tropical-inspired palettes that spoke to both island heritage and global trends. The runway delivered a fusion of structured tailoring and breezy resort wear, with designers embracing fluid fabrics like silk, chiffon and linen, often in sunset hues and oceanic blues.

Standout moments included a dramatic opening with a floor-length coral gown featuring intricate hand-beaded detailing, which drew audible gasps from the audience. Swimwear was elevated to high fashion, with metallic one-pieces and cut-out bikinis layered under sheer kaftans and oversized straw hats. Day-to-night transitions were showcased in flowing maxi dresses with asymmetrical hemlines and vibrant prints reminiscent of tropical flora.

Accessories played a key role on the runway, with chunky shell jewellery, raffia bags and gladiator sandals grounding the looks in island authenticity. Beauty looks followed suit, with dewy skin, sun-kissed highlights and slicked-back hair echoing the effortless glamour of the Caribbean lifestyle.

From emerging talent to established labels, the runway was a celebration of diversity and craftsmanship, where each collection told a story of cultural pride and sartorial innovation. The styling choices and design direction resonated strongly with the Australian fashion scene, particularly for those seeking elevated resort wear with a bold, feminine edge.

Designers and crowd favorites

Among the most talked-about designers this year was Trinidad-born Meiling, whose minimalist aesthetic brought a refreshing contrast to the week’s more flamboyant offerings. Her collection of crisp white cotton dresses, tailored linen separates, and architectural silhouettes spoke to the modern woman who favours clean lines with subtle Caribbean influences. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, particularly for a sculptural wrap dress that paired perfectly with woven leather slides — a look that would slide seamlessly into an Australian summer wardrobe.

Local favourite Kesia Estwick from Barbados returned with a collection that was equal parts daring and romantic. Known for her fearless use of colour and texture, Estwick sent models down the runway in electric-hued mesh bodysuits, layered under sheer organza skirts and oversized bomber jackets. Her finale piece — a neon green feathered gown with a plunging neckline — was a clear audience favourite, drawing a standing ovation and countless flashes from the front row.

Jamaican label Uzuri International also impressed with a tailored, resort-chic collection that leaned into the gender-fluid fashion movement. Wide-leg trousers, oversized blazers and silk camisoles were styled with layered chains and sculptural headpieces, creating a look that was both androgynous and undeniably luxe. Their use of sustainable fabrics was a talking point among industry insiders, aligning with the growing demand from Australian consumers for eco-conscious fashion.

Emerging designer Chelsea Johnson, whose brand showcases Caymanian heritage through contemporary design, made a memorable debut. Her collection featured hand-dyed fabrics, crochet detailing and modern takes on traditional island garments. A standout look — a two-piece set in burnt sienna with exaggerated sleeves and a cinched waist — was quickly dubbed “the look of the week” by several fashion editors in attendance.

The crowd favourites weren’t limited to the runway. Pop-up installations and designer meet-and-greets created buzz throughout the week, especially among visiting stylists and influencers from Australia and beyond. The blend of Caribbean craftsmanship with global fashion sensibilities struck a chord with attendees, many of whom noted the strong potential for these designers to resonate with Australian buyers looking for bold, resort-ready collections with a story to tell.