Connect with us

Fashion Buzz

Trini Fashion Designer Brings Caribbean Cultural Ethos To Clarks Footwear Brand.

Published

on

Approx. 3 min read

A Trinidad born fashion designer is making his presence felt internationally. Joshua Joseph of New York-based fashion brand, Rebels to Dons, has joined forces with classic shoemaker, Clarks Originals and American designer Ronnie Fieg, to create an exclusive new design.

The design was released on June 30th, online and commerated with an in-store event at menswear boutique Blue in Green. The landmark Rebels to Dons x Clarks shoe is part of 8th Street — the innovative sub-label by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. 

The collaboration marks the next major chapter in the Caribbean’s storied relationship with the British brand. For decades, Clarks Shoes have remained a preferred footwear brand in the islands with many Caribbean artistes even highlighting the brand in their music. In turn, the brand has released many Caribbean-inspired collections over the years. Joseph however, is the first Caribbean-born designer to create his own Clark’s silhouette. 

“It’s exciting to work with such a classic brand that has been a part of our culture for so long,” said Joseph. “As the designer, I see this as an opportunity to give a sense of ownership to the people that truly embodied and embraced this brand so much,” he continued.

For his landmark project, Joseph took inspiration from the late 1970s and 80s, when a new wave of Caribbean immigrants imported their distinctive fashion (and eternal love for Clarks) into New York City’s streetwear lexicon. Honoring the two places that shaped him as a designer, “I wanted the design to show how the city and the islands are connected through style,” said Joseph.

With this in mind, the designer reimagined Fieg’s Clarks maycliffe into a mule, incorporating dynamic details that can morph into the wearer’s day-to-night flex. “This is something that you can dress up and dress down, all at the same time,” he explained.

Made of natural tan nubuck leather, the mule features hallmarks of the Clarks brand, from the crepe outsole to stitched upper detailing. Personalization comes courtesy two removable fringed straps, one in a matching tan nubuck, and the other a nubuck brun. These trimmed straps can be swapped or layered together. 

By remixing these detachable accents, one can transform the mule, “from simple to extravagant,” said Joseph. “This one design gives you room to do as much as you want,” he highlighted.

Expressive, adaptable adornments cut to the core of Joseph’s overall ethos at Rebels to Dons. The brand has garnered wide acclaim for their radical reinterpretation of streetwear staples, splicing together kinetic colors, patchwork textures and off-kilter silhouettes to form something truly surreal. “For us, embellishments are our way of disrupting the familiar and making something unexpected,” explained Joseph. “And our Clarks mule captures that spirit.”

The Rebels to Dons x Clarks maycliffe mule have been released in a limited edition run. They will be sold exclusively online via the Rebels to Dons website rebelstodons.com. The closing event to celebrate the launch will take place at Soho Beach House in Miami on July 30th.

Continue Reading
1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Ayanna

    22nd April 2025 at 1:22 PM

    My first time,can’t wait to be apart of this journey

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Fashion Buzz

Yung Bredda and His Team Turn Heads on The CMAs Red Carpet. Local Designer, Ecliff Elie Works His Magic.

Published

on

By

Approx. 3 min read

The Caribbean Music Awards, held in Trinidad and Tobago on the weekend presented a mixture of classy detail and down- home, natural vibes and energy, this as the fourth installment of the monumental ceremony came to the Caribbean for the very first time.

A lot stood out on the red carpet on Saturday, September 19th, among it all, the dapper designs worn by Trinidad and Tobago artiste, Yung Bredda, his DJ and friend, DJ Hotty and Manager, Jesse of Optimus Productions.

Yung Bredda with Manager, Jesse John.

Fashion, a major part of any awards ceremony, the trio stepped onto the carpet at the National Academy for the Performing Arts wearing suits, carefully tailored by Trinidad and Tobago menswear designer, Ecliff Elie. In a brief telephone chat with Ebuzztt, Ecliff said the artiste was hands on in the design phase, however they collaborated through dialogue on the color scheme and underlying reason behind every aspect of the creation. “Yung Bredda was very well prepared. He was the only person who came one month ahead of the awards, to ensure his suit was custom designed,” said Elie. He shared that, believe it or not, the entertainer’s spirituality had a lot to do with the colors chosen – emerald green and blue significant in reflecting prosperity. “He also wanted a certain militancy to the design so we used an officer’s mess jacket style, which is a cropped jacket, and we added gold buttons. He essentially designed his suit and we brought it to life,” said the designer.

The young entertainer who won the award for Soca Song of the Year, beating back major Soca artistes like Kees Dieffenthaller, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, told Ebuzztt that he was extremely excited to have been nominated for four awards at this year’s event. “It’s a pleasure to represent for my culture and my country every time and it’s a blessing to be here with my DJ as well. We started in Covid time,” he recalled with a smile.

At his side, his manager, Jessie John, was also dressed in a custom made Ecliff Elie tuxedo. According to Elie, the suit channeled rapper, Rick Ross with a velvet necktie and carefully chosen eyewear to enhance the overall look. “For DJ Hotty, we understood that he loves the colour red so we went with a crimson blazer. We held consultations with each of them prior to delivering on their suits. We didn’t force anything on them and we believe that allowing them to have a major part in the design process gives them more self confidence to wear their suits.”

Confident, sleek and charming, the young creatives from humble beginnings showed the youth what’s possible with hard work.

The Caribbean Music Awards, in its 4th years , continued to celebrate the creativity of Caribbean artistes and others in the music industry. The red carpet at NAPA resembled a major International awards show, with Caribbean celebrities taking the time to engage with media and influencers. Yung Bredda said his journey thus far is a testimony to knowing exactly what he wants. “I would tell young people to keep believing, keep dreaming and know what you want. A lot of people don’t know what they want and they see other people doing something and they try to gravitate to that, but you have to know what you want- what you love to do. My manager and my DJ – all of us, we know what we love to do and we’re doing it.”

On Saturday night, Yung Bredda’s custom designed Ecliff Elie suit was emblazoned with a special quote ” I Am That I Am,” on the inside. The initial date of the consultation was also included, as a reminder of the magnitude of the moment. “It was a pleasure working with this team,” said Ecliff. There is no doubt that the trio was perfectly fitted in a Trinidad and Tobago menswear brand that has stood for excellence for many years. It is anticipated that Yung Bredda will be dressed in Ecliff Elie again in the future.

Continue Reading

Ebuzz News

Caribbean Fashion Is A Big Deal. Designer, Ecliff Elie Expands With Women In Mind.

Published

on

By

Approx. 2 min read

Caribbean fashion is top tier. In a world of copy and paste designs, Caribbean brands like the incomparable Ecliff Elie, stand in a class of their own. Earlier this month, the menswear brand made a major announcement and whether you’ve heard or not, we’re here to tell you, this is huge.

The Ecliff Elie brand will now be delivering its seamless, tailored appeal to women. The brand is known for its precision tailoring and disciplined garment construction so with that at its foundation, women can now feel the complete effect of the Ecliff Elie touch. The company steps out into this aspect of its business after what it says has been years of delivering this service privately to women. Dubbed ‘Bespoke — Tailored for Women,’ Ecliff Elie is now offering the service, at scale.

The introduction reflects a focused extension of Elie’s established approach to tailoring – one built on proportion, control, and consistency. Each garment is developed through a guided process that considers posture, movement, and presence, ensuring that the final result aligns with how the individual operates and presents herself.

From custom blazers to trousers, skirts, and dresses, customers will now be able to get their custom designed Ecliff Elie apparel, through a consultation-led process where every decision—from cut to finish—is deliberate. The company says fabric selection will be approached with the same level of discipline, with materials chosen for structure, performance, and longevity, allowing each piece to maintain its standard over time.

“This is not a new direction,” Elie states. “It is a continuation of work I have done over time, now introduced with structure and clarity.”

With more than three decades of experience, Ecliff Elie has consistently positioned presentation as a defining factor in how individuals are perceived. His work has guided clients across industries to approach style as a matter of precision and intent rather than preference.

“When the garment is correct, everything changes,” he adds. “You move differently. You carry yourself differently. That is the standard.”

As more women continue to operate at the highest levels across business, leadership, and professional environments, the demand for tailoring that reflects both authority and individuality has grown. This offering responds to that shift with a process designed to deliver consistency, clarity, and control.

Through Bespoke — Tailored for Women, Ecliff Elie continues to refine his approach while maintaining a clear focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a disciplined standard of execution.

Continue Reading

GET READY

NEW MUSIC 2026 – 2027

Facebook

Trending

error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.