The Caribbean is rich in talented designers, but few have combined creativity with business flair as successfully as Meiling. Her clothes are exported from her Trinidad base across the Caribbean – to Barbados and Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St Thomas, the Cayman Islands – and beyond, to centres like New York and Dallas.
A veteran in fashion design, she launched out on her own 20 years ago and has made her name with the style and professionalism of her products. Her trademark is loving and detailed handwork – faggotting, beading, smocking – and a simple, classic elegance. Her clothes are highly versatile, easily adapted to casual or formal use; her chosen materials are the cottons and linens best suited to the Caribbean lifestyle.
Visitors to Port of Spain can find a wide range of clothes at her shop in the Kapok Hotel.
Photography: Steve Cohn
Hair and make-up: Noelle Attaway
Location: Jane’s Harbour Villa, St James, Barbados (Jennifer Alleyne Ltd, tel. 809 432-1159)