Angelica Dodds
WOVEN THROUGH TIME
As a love letter to my home, ‘Woven Through Time’ reflects upon the pioneers of the Cayman Islands and their craftsmanship throughout the island’s formative years. This luxury Resort wear
collection for S/S 2023 examines traditional crafts like Silver Thatch plaiting, weaving, roofing and rope making through a modern lens and elevates these techniques to inform contemporary design. Through drawing on my experience as a young Caymanian and examining the history, culture and heritage of my home this collection pays homage the now dying crafts that once helped breathe life into our unique, little, paradise. ‘Woven Through Time’ aspires not only to celebrate these traditional crafts and trades but to spark a conversation as to why modern, Caymanian society often prioritizes wealth and notoriety over cultural and environmental preservation.
Being born and raised in the Cayman Islands to a Caymanian mother and an English father who immigrated to the Caribbean as an expatriate, my perception of Caribbean culture and identity is very unique. Though many of the issues posing threat to our islands stem from foreign influence, opinion and funding, I feel it is important to reinforce the notion that local and expatriate communities can thrive symbiotically within Caymanian society. However, it is the responsibility of us as Caymanians to control the narrative by enforcing restrictions, promoting traditions, protecting our resources, and reframing non-academic subjects as well as creative practices and trades as viable career options.