Saint Vincent & the Grenadines National Dress

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea that is part of the Lesser Antilles. It is made up of Saint Vincent Island and the northern Grenadine Islands, which stretch southward toward Grenada. Jeremy Payne took first place in the National Wear Female competition. His design featured a white cotton ankle-length garment. Lacing ran down the front of the bodice, which was gathered beneath the breast. Puff sleeves gathered at the elbow completed the top. A triangle form was produced at the front thanks to the long flowing skirt and an apron collected on one side. A unique pattern of blue, yellow, and green breadfruit leaves gave contrast to the design. “Paying respect to the numerous women who have toiled to create our nation, showcasing our great work ethics as a people,” Jeremy said.

Sofia Blucher was the lucky recipient of the National Wear Men’s edition. She wore a three-piece ensemble consisting of a waistcoat, shirt, and a pair of black long pants with a classic yet modern style. The waistcoat was constructed of African kente cloth, and the bottom form was modeled after the diamonds in the National Flag. The garment was finished with kente fabric on the neck, sleeves, and wrists, taking stylistic cues from the African male dashiki. The black pants were basic yet effective in incorporating the black hints in the kente cloth.

Debbie Barbour won both the Female and Male National Costumes. Her female costume consisted of a creole dress with an off-the-shoulder white cotton bodice with frill around the top arm and a quarter-length sleeve completed with a square drape; and a skirt with side panels complete with multiple layers of frills and dominated by a unique breadfruit leaf pattern. The side panels gave the garment more fullness. A wideband was wrapped into a big bow at the front to draw attention to the waist. The look was finished off with a coiffe headdress. Her male outfit echoed the feminine designs’ style, resulting in a well-coordinated look. A long-sleeved shirt with an excellent cravat and a hip-length waistcoat with a distinctive breadfruit leaf pattern compliment the knee-length blue trousers. Ms. Barbour’s designs are believed to have included elements of our history and tradition, such as the breadfruit plant and the sea’s rhythm.