CULTURE OCCASION LIFESTYLE ART CREATING AN ARTISTE IMAGE WITH TROY ORAINE on page 3. MoDA MARKET REFLECTION on page 5. LAST WRITTEN WORD: WALTER GREENE on page 7. A FIELD GUIDE TO CONTEMPORARY ART OF JAMAICA [PART 4] on page 8. CRAFTING NARRATIVES OF HOME on page 11. THE ART OF STYLE: DRESS CODE on page 13. SHOP ARTISANAL: A GIFT GUIDE FOR CHRISTMAS on page 14.
How we choose clothing is oftentimes a result of our mood. Many times, the pieces we choose affect said mood, whether good, bad, or indifferent. However, creating an image is swathed in layers of brainy technique.
Tribe Nine Creative Director Troy Oraine is versed in and has adapted to the complexities of image-making and visual storytelling.
The in-demand designer — born in Jamaica, and raised in the UK — started his journey as a stylist in New York City in his formative years, but has moved back home and carved a niche in the Jamaican styling and designer industry.
This season, Oraine steadily breezed through a collection drop, and a Black Friday pop-up at Ahmeraki Café, yet he is currently planning a series of Christmas pop-ups and delving into expanding the business after five years in operation.
The man wears many hats – even trucker ones branded ‘Tribe Nine’, but he’s hyper-focused on brand development because he ‘loves us, and I want to help us see ourselves’.
To illustrate this Tribe Nine POV, he utters phrases like ‘afro-futurism’, ‘journey’, ‘travelling’, and ‘traversing’, qualifiers of Tribe Nine’s ethos. Ergo, through his lens, Troy creates a present-day representation of ‘past ancestral dreams… the way our ancestors saw themselves in the future’.
‘We design for the extended diaspora; the people that want to see who we [Jamaicans] are… evolved,’ he said before describing his ‘tribe’ as expressive folk, who know and own ‘who they are’, and celebrate that.
He places himself square amongst up-and-coming British designers –no surprises here – like Labrum’s Foday Dumbuya, Ahluwahlia’s Priya Ahluwahlia, and Nicholas Daley, from his eponymous label.
But, when it boils down to creating a persona and image-making, Troy believes, we’ve a long way to go.
His approach involves researching the talent and challenging them to choose items that they connect with. Then, he creates a personalized mood board and lookbook, collaborating with the people around the artiste in many instances so that everyone’s in on the game plan.
BY KADEEM RODGERS @thekadsmeow
It’s a movement and a psychological process indeed, but the results are often so rewarding.
Changing a client’s mind and thrusting them into unchartered territories is at the core of creating these curated worlds.
Rapper A$AP Rocky (RiRi’s beau, ICYMI) is front of mind in the way his personality, style, and even fashion label, AWGE, precedes his music. ‘He can walk into any room and own it… we need [artistes] in Jamaica on that same wave’.
Troy implies that where fashion is concerned, cultural nuances are only visible through the lens of consistent style and the expression of true personality. ‘There isn’t any context of fashion in Jamaica that [foreigners] have seen on a consistent level’.
But there’s hope. ‘Koffee… D’Yani… Teejay, and… Alkaline are musicians that can push the new evolution of Jamaican style’, he stated after a series of significant pauses.
While he believes that Koffee has a strong sense of self, Oraine is adamant that her image has not been consistent over the years, ‘it changes depending on who’s styling her…she’s done some cool things… she knows who she is, understands what suits her in terms of fabrics, but she goes along with a stylist’, instead of, he suggests, reinforcing her own narrative.
D’Yani’s inclusion on the list was a no-brainer. The reggae crooner wears Tribe Nine religiously. He was described as a flexible client who is clear about his goals and willing to take fashion risks when necessary. Alkaline and Teejay had their hurrah in fashion on a global scale. In January 2023 it was announced that dancehall artiste Alkaline not only inspired Givenchy Creative Director Matthew M Williams’ Spring/ Summer 2023 collection but was named the face of the subsequent campaign. ‘Alkaline knows exactly who he is and what works for him’. Teejay caused Troy to pause last March when he spotted the Drift deejay in a Wonderland mag feature. ‘I was a bit surprised,’ he said, recounting the moment he saw images from the feature. ‘It felt exactly like what I’d imagine him wearing. I think he has a clear understanding of who he is as an artiste.’
There’s also Tarrus Riley because he ‘also understands his style’; Yaksta, who ‘gets excited to get fitted in Tribe Nine, every time’; Romain Virgo, who is ‘obsessed with a specific suit from the St Albans collection and now has it in several colours’.
The legacy and unexpected alignment of an entertainer, their past, and future goals are major contributors to successfully creating their lasting image. While Troy is focused on foreshadowing a visual representation of each client, he prioritizes merging their past style with their current ideas of image.
From November 21 to 23, the vibrant city of Kingston, Jamaica, came alive with the energy of MoDA Market, Jamaica’s premier business platform for creative talent. This year’s event brought together over 40 exceptional Makers from across Jamaica, St. Vincent, The Cayman Islands, Trinidad, and the USA, transforming the venue into a curated haven for lovers of art, fashion and lifestyle.
From November 21 to 23, the vibrant city of Kingston, Jamaica, came alive with the energy of MoDA Market, Jamaica’s premier business platform for creative talent. This year’s event brought together over 40 exceptional Makers from across Jamaica, St. Vincent, The Cayman Islands, Trinidad, and the USA, transforming the venue into a curated haven for lovers of art, fashion and lifestyle.
MoDA Market is more than just an event; it’s a movement celebrating creativity and entrepreneurship. By providing a platform for Makers—emerging talents in fashion, design, and artisanal crafts—the market champions local innovation while connecting creatives with discerning shoppers. With its focus on beautifully curated offerings, MoDA is the ideal destination for anyone seeking unique, high-quality items that resonate with individuality and artistry.
The importance of shopping local cannot be overstated. Events like MoDA Market empower small businesses and support the creative economy across the Caribbean and beyond. Every purchase contributes to the growth of regional talent, fostering sustainability and creating opportunities for artisans to shine on a global stage. One of MoDA Market’s core missions is to increase regional trade and collaboration via CARICOM, with a strong focus on supporting small creative businesses. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering interconnectedness and shared growth among Caribbean nations, highlighting the region’s collective potential on a global stage.
This year’s market delivered an unforgettable experience, showcasing a diverse range of products and experiences:
Makers Representing the Region: Over 40 Makers from five countries displayed their talent, offering everything from handmade jewelry and bespoke clothing to innovative lifestyle products.
Locale’s Big Debut: The host, Locale, debuted its epinomous label, adding a touch of fresh innovation to the made in Jamaica scene.
Gastronomy and Beverages: Culinary delights were aplenty, with the MoDA Eats Lounge featuring Julie Mango, known for its delightful dishes, and Coco Cups, offering sweet indulgences. Complementing the experience, CPJ, the exclusive beverage partner, provided premium libations sponsored by Grey Goose. The lounge was kept even cooler by Chillin’ Air Conditioning Units and global beats by Iren Siren.
Automotive Showcase: Kingston Industrial Garage made a statement by showcasing their newest car, the Ford Territory, a sleek and modern addition that drew considerable attention from attendees.
Why Supporting Local Matters
Shopping at platforms like MoDA Market goes beyond acquiring beautiful things; it’s about nurturing the dreams of talented creatives and strengthening the Caribbean’s cultural legacy. By choosing to shop local, guests directly invest in the people and stories behind each product, making a meaningful impact on their communities.
MoDA Market 2024 was not just a celebration of creativity but a testament to the power of collaboration and community. As we look forward to next year’s event, let’s continue to support these emerging talents, ensuring their growth and success in the competitive global marketplace.
MoDA Market reminds us all: there is nothing more beautiful than a region united by creativity and empowered by those who dare to dream.
CESAR GALINDO
Cesar, who recently clinched a partnership with legendary designer Diane Von Fustenberg, has been in the design business for some 35 years. A master of fine tailoring, colour and balance, Cesar left his home in Houston, Texas after singer/ actress Grace Jones, upon seeing his remarkable creations asked “What are you doing in Houston? You should be in New York with all this talent.”
Moving to New York, his career took off, working with some major names in the fashion industry; Calvin Klein, L.A.M,B. by Gwen Stefani and Dolce & Gabbana to name a few. He was the creative director for the re-launch of Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons and now has his own design label. Cesar has dressed countless celebrities including; Melba Moore, Madonna, Missy Elliott, Cyndi Lauper and Courtney Cox to name a few. His collections have been shown all over the globe, including the Caribbean at Collection MoDA in Jamaica and Summer Sizzle in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Topping himself, season after season, Cesar says “Persistence is my passion. I love what I do. I can’t think of doing anything else.”
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
This beloved son of India has established himself as a recognizable force in the global fashion arena, For Spring/ Summer 2025, Bibhu was inspired by singer Patti Smith. Bibhu explained that through a tapestry of sensations, memory, and her words and musical notes, the collection aimed to express the purity and fragility of the human experience. Bibhu explained; “By using shape, structure, colour and details, I hope each piece may connect and amplify how these broader influences can ultimately shape our existence.”
Bibhu’s collection is breathtaking. Jacquards, vegan leather, faille, organza and nomad lace are his fabrics of choice. His color story ranges from a smokey dusty rose to steel and silver sequins on pale grey. This designer covers all the bases with
a fresh new attitude. A welcome addition to a crowded platform of true talent.
EPPERSON
Epperson literally took us to church for some spiritual upliftment at new york fashion week. Guests filed into pews at St Peter’s church in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. A saint altar became the backdrop and launching pad for the models who appeared like a choir in a tableau, as spoken word artist
dresses were loose and billowing, his menswear were a modern take of unique dressing with drapery, wide legged pants and scarvesall in Epperson’s signature layers, as the focus of his fashion expression. He told me later; “We all need God’s grace. This collection is a spiritual thing. We take so much for granted and we keep asking for more and more, not realizing that we already have all that we need within us.”
Walter Greene, International Journalist, Editor, Author & Fashion Consultant, spoke highly of designers and was a gem himself.
What should have been an article from Walter, on fashion designers who are taking the stage, has sadly turned into a written piece of history. COAL received one of the final pieces of copy from the editor and design lover before he sadly died in his uptown New York apartment on December 2nd, aged 74. Greene was always very encouraging of black creatives, supporting generations of fashion designers, models, stylists and all those behind the scenes too. He kept a sharp eye out for individuals in the black community, who were just starting to bloom in their careers, and made sure to give them a voice of their own.
So, we share with you, a little snippet of his last written words. Full of depth, positivity, and respect. A tiny but true reflection of his thoughts on the current fashion world.
Jerome Jackson offered words of wisdom and upliftment from the pulpit. The models slowly made their way down the center aisle of the holy house.
With the theme ‘Grace’ Epperson dressed his models in monastic drapes of black and white with hints of grey. His
Those also mentioned in his copy were: FREDERICK ANDERSON, and THE SOUTH AFRICAN FIVE; MUNKUS, GUGUBYGUGU, NEIMI, HAMETHOP, and MANTHE RIBANE who closed out a group show, offering a melange of dramatic black robes that were loose and billowing. She excelled
in voluminous draped dresses with Arabian influences by way of the majestic headwear that also featured draped fabric that can cover the face. Huge straw hats and straw bags completed some of her ensembles.
The language he uses to describe all the names in this article tells the story of excitement and pride that he felt of the designers. It is clear that his character was genuine and because of this, he will be remembered by many who have nothing but positivity to say about him.
“In an era when Black journalists were not always welcomed or respected, he always managed to show up, cheer us on and share our triumphs with the Caribbean diaspora. I will miss his gentle presence.”
- Tracy Reese [quoted from WWD article on Walter Greene, 2024]
The international art world looks at itself through various lenses.
Increasingly our 13 independent nation states, 12 dependencies, 7 overseas territories and various disputed territories are included in the lens of the Caribbean. Multilingual with equally diverse colonial and contemporary histories, our artists are forging new pathways into the Global North art world, and there are several regional gallerists, advocates and artists currently bringing visibility. There have also been incredible exhibitions, most recently ‘The Other Side of Now’, curated by Maria Elana Ortiz at the Perez Museum, 2020, Miami; ‘Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora’, curated by Carla Acevedo Yates at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, 2022, and ‘Surrealism and Us’ at Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth, Texas, 2024. And publications of particular note are ‘Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers’, 2024 by Malene Barnett, and ‘A-Z of Caribbean Art’ published in 2019 by Robert and Christophers Publishers, Trinidad and Tobago.
Star Jamaican artist Phillip Thomas has turned his hand to curating an exhibition this year for TenNorth Group , titled ‘Jamaica on My Mind: Aliveness and Livity’ , featuring a wide array of Jamaican artists, including Camille Chedda, BryanMcFarlane and Omari Ra.
Jamaican textile artist Katrina Combs is showing works in Rachel Scotts’ Diotima capsule collection at the Webster hotel in South Beach
Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson is showing at the Point Comfort Art Fair in a presentation called ‘Ubuntu: I am because We Are’
Today we outline Caribbean art activity both in Miami and Jamaica!
BY,
WRITTEN
This month there are also a few art exhibitions, institutional, non profit andcommercial, of particular note locally to go and experience some interesting and complex work, so make sure you do!
Jamaican Trinidadian multidisciplinary artist Andrea Chung’s mid career survey “Between Too Late and Too Early’’ is currently showing at Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
New Art Dealers aka NADA
Simon Benjamin is showing with Swivel Gallery, and his work ‘Crown and Anchor’ has been acquired for Perez Museum’s collection as the annual NADA gift programme.
few of Miami’s wealthy families, strategised and advocated for by key figures in both the arts and design fields. This year’s staging has included Jamaican artist Ebony G. Patterson and Bahamian Lavar Munroe showing works with Monique Meloche, Trinidadian Che Lovelace with Nicola Vassel Gallery, Jamaican sculptor Kim Dacres with Charles Moffat Gallery and April Bey is showing with the Union of Contemporary Art.
‘Chain of Love, detail
A pioneering public art commission by Kingston Creative has come to full fruition in Mannings Park (corner of Lower South Camp Road and Tower Street) with a sculptural work by Camille Chedda , ‘Chain of Love’ , and an international project team visit for a series of talks and official engagements. A powerful work, reclaiming space and nature for communities and offering new meanings about what urban transformation can look like when articulated by artists and driven by determined and committed leadership, the project has the potential to be a model upon which the City can integrate climate resilience and community cohesion into everyday policy. It is definitely to be experienced in person, so a visit to the park, whether independently or on the Kingston Creative ‘Last Sundays’ Artwalk bus tour is a must!
‘Chain of Love’ portal detail
Scope Art Fair Claire Oliver Gallery is showing new works by Bahamian Gio Swaby , and John Cox of Fuze art fair, is showing10 artists from the Caribbean region.
and Amanda
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Laura Facey’s vast exhibition ‘Portent’ , is installed onsite at her home in St Ann , and is open until February 2025. Working at times to huge scale, Laura’s sculptures are both tactile, tender, and triumphant. DM @ laurafacey_ for an appt to visit.
Bahamian gallery Tern is showing works by Jamaican Leasho Johnson , and Bahamians Heino Schmidt , and Tessa Whitehead. Miami based and Caribbean rooted Atlantic ArtHouse features a French Caribbean dach & zephir on residency at Fountainhead Miami, and showing at Untitled Art Fair.
Benjamin, ‘Crown and Anchor’, 2024
New Local Space (NLS) is showing a new body of work birthed from multidisciplinary artist Jasmine Thomas Girvan’s 7 week Sustainable Sculpture Residency with NLS, curated by Rianna Jade Parker, in an exhibition titled ‘Fugitive Pathways’. The exhibition can be viewed by appointment only, so make your appointment @nlskingston as this is a must see show!
And I Resumed the Struggle’ at Olympia Gallery is staging its 5th survey of contemporary Jamaican art, featuring 17 artists. A strong exhibition with several works of note, a few being: P rudence Lovell’s ‘ Untitled (Marcher aves du ponds)’, Paula Daley’s ‘Fragments of the Colonial Experience’, 2024 and Camille Chedda’s ‘While Picking Wild Flowers’.
Green X Gold, Kingston Biennial at National Gallery of Jamaica is opening for a 6 month run, curated by Ashley Graham , Associate Curator of the Guggenheim, New York, exploring land, environment and ecology in the Caribbean and her Diaspora.
@gavinjordanart
For Gavin Jordan, participating in the Making Home exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has been a profoundly enriching experience. As part of the Black Artists + Designers Guild’s (BADG) Underground Library, Gavin’s work is featured alongside 25 site-specific installations that explore the evolving concept of home across diverse contexts in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Tribal Nations.
“I never imagined my art would one day be exhibited in a historic space like the Carnegie Mansion, surrounded by artists and designers redefining what home means,” Gavin reflects. “Balancing my corporate career with my passion for art has been challenging, but moments like this make it incredibly rewarding.”
Gavin’s artistic journey began as a way to balance the stresses of his corporate career. In 2016, he rekindled his love for art after randomly purchasing pencils to find relief from work pressures. “Art became my refuge—a way to decompress and express myself beyond the confines of the corporate world,” he shares. “Picking up a pencil again felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend.”
“Maintaining both careers requires balance and dedication,” he notes. “My work in finance sharpens my analytical skills, while art allows me to explore creativity and emotion.”
Gavin’s featured piece, “Colors in Flux: Dreams Anew,” is a vivid narrative set in the vibrant tapestry of Port-au-Prince’s slums. It depicts a family at a pivotal moment, with a father carrying his daughter and their shared dreams against a backdrop of shifting colors symbolizing hope and change. “The painting reflects the universal experience of transition and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown,” Gavin explains. “It’s a theme that resonates with my own life—juggling the predictability of the corporate world with the unpredictability of artistic creation.”
Being part of the Underground Library, curated by BADG, holds special significance for Gavin. “The Underground Library reclaims libraries as spaces of empowerment, centering Black history and culture,” he says. “Contributing to this project while still active in my corporate role emphasizes that our stories and creativity are multifaceted.”
He draws inspiration from the legacy of the Underground Railroad and Andrew Carnegie’s vision of libraries as places for knowledge and growth. “Participating in this exhibition allows me to merge my professional experiences with my artistic endeavors, inviting others to reflect on what home and resilience mean to them.”
For Gavin, the exhibition marks a significant milestone. “This opportunity challenged me to delve deeper into my personal narratives and how they intersect with broader themes of home and identity,” he shares. “Connecting with fellow artists who are also navigating multiple roles in their lives has been incredibly affirming.”
He expresses gratitude to the Smithsonian and BADG for providing a platform that elevates diverse voices. “It’s vital for artists of colour, whether full-time or balancing other careers, to have spaces where our stories are heard,” Gavin emphasizes. “I’m thankful to be part of this meaningful conversation.”
As the Making Home exhibition continues through August 2025, Gavin is eager to see the impact of his work on audiences. “I hope visitors find a piece of their own journey in my art,” he says.
“Understanding that it’s possible to pursue your passions alongside other commitments is a message I want to convey.”
By
Have you ever received an invitation with a dress code so bemused, you had to reach for your very dusty copy of Emily Post’s dress codes for beginners? Let’s talk about it…
Dress codes are visual languages that communicate our values, our social status, and our identity. As one would expect, there are some established norms, as it should be.
When we hold to a dress code, we indicate to others that we are part of a particular group or community. These codes, by large, can establish respect, trust and a sense of belonging.
A semi-formal dress code is more formal than what you would wear to an office, and a lot less formal than what you would wear for a formal event.
For Women
Knee length or below, afternoon or cocktail dress
LBD “little black dress”
Long dressy skirt and top
Long ankle length dresses
Dressy separates
Glitter is appropriate
For Men
Dark, business suit
Here are some guidelines for some of the most popular dress codes so we can avoid faux pas, side eyes, pursed lips, and the judgmental stares. (all of which I have perfected):
Casual dress code usually means clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet professional. It is not sweat pants, pajamas or clothing you wear around the house, and not the satin shower cap, even if it is bedazzled.
For Women
Sundresses
Long or a shorter skirt, maxi or mid-length
Khakis or nice jeans, no rips. And please leave the acid wash where it belongs in the 80s.
Mid thigh Shorts (depending on occasion.
Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck.
Casual button-down blouse
For Men
Khakis, jeans or cotton pants
Cargo or Bermuda shorts— depending on occasion.
Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals
Matching vest (personal style)
Dress shirt
Tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
A business dress code is a jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal.
For Women
Suit - skirt or trousers
Business-style dress
Dress with a jacket
Closed toe heels, low or high
For Men
Dark business suit
Dress shirt
Conservative tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Casual business attire is quite ambiguous, but generally means slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a dress shirt, blouse or polo. Dresses and seasonal sport jackets are also acceptable.
For Women
Skirt, khakis, or trousers
Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps, sheers or lace)
Dress
For Men
Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
Dress shirt, casual buttondown shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
Optional tie
Loafers or loafer-style shoes, and socks
Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but more formal than business attire. It is the most popular formal dress code and usually a request for events like weddings, proms, formal dinners, opera etc
For Women
Formal (floor length) evening
gown
Dressy cocktail dress
Sequins
For Men
Black bow tie (silk, satin, or twill)
Black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
Dressy braces to ensure a good fit
No gloves
Black patent shoes and black dress socks
In summer, in the tropics, or on a cruise: White dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe
White tie is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code usually indicates that guests are royals, or have high social standing.
For Women
Formal (floor length) evening gown
Ball gown
Long gloves
For Men
Black dress tailcoat
Matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front, never a dress shirt
Braces, to ensure a good fit
Shirt studs and cuff links
White vest
White bow tie silk, or cotton pique is best, never a dress tie
White or gray gloves
Top hat (optional)
Black patent shoes and black dress socks
It is important to remember, dress codes can vary within culture context, location and occasion.
However we must seek a balance between communal values/norms and personal style always ensuring that respect is paramount. Only then can we navigate the rules of aesthetics with creativity and confidence.
After all it’s not who you are, it’s what you wear. Who cares who you are anyway?
If you are wondering what to get someone for Christmas, Locale on 4 Holborn Road has your back. Whether buying for a man, woman, family member, friend, or loverthey have something for everybody. Plus, supporting artisans has never been easierwith multiple brands under the one roof, you can shop for everyone knowing you are supporting the independent maker community. Curate a gift box or simply find that one unique piece which is bound to create a lasting impression, it really is hard to go wrong. So, go on, we dare you to step into #thepinkbuilding and try NOT to find something...
Tam Stand Puzzle [500 piece] PUZZLES BY SG
