Trinidadian designer Zenae sought innovation when she founded luxury fashion brand Zlitt in 2016. A believer in her West Indian people and culture, Zenae wanted to be the local force behind a brand making a conscious splash in the wider ‘Fashion World’. Zlitt caters to the fashion moguls, whether established or in the making, across the West Indies and its Diaspora as well as anyone with a deep interest in the native culture. The brand philosophy Baptiste describes as “a wholly modern approach to fashion and redefining luxury by including the culture, style and aesthetic of the Caribbean”. The result? Creating freedom positively impacting people who are progressively reshaping the Caribbean across music, art, fashion and activism, and ultimately giving back to natives.
Though an island brand, Zlitt has every intention of keeping up with the professional standards set by international houses that have managed worldwide notoriety. Unique and high-quality pieces are released in limited edition and exclusive drops, always evoking the culture, style, and aesthetic of the West Indies. Even adopting the label “luxury” and continuing to provide pieces of that quality, Zenae maintains the principle that luxury should not be defined by the digits in a price tag but instead in the connection a brand forms between item and consumer.
“The Caribbean culture and commodity is intertwined to reshape consumers’ value. We believe that luxury should not be defined by price, but instead, highlight culture, local communities, the values shared and the consumer’s alignment with brands that can help enhance that worldview.”
The process behind the shiny products you’ll see presented on the Zlitt Instagram is a tedious and heavily researched one. “We think long and hard…to ensure that every design and its concept emblematizes the island vibes.” Zenae describes the model they adhere to entailing the selection of the season, the muse, target market, fabric, raw materials and costing before moving forward to developing prototypes.
“Most times they are stitched by our selected manufacturers and printed by our screen printers.” A well looked forward to ending result Baptiste excitedly recounts, is the “creative and impressive” pictures of Zlitt consumers wearing the products and the “excessively stylish” outfits generated.
Zlitt doesn’t take creative inspiration from Caribbean designers; the brand’s style and feel are unique to it. While this is true, brand founder Zenae divides she does see similarities between Zlitt and other brands by West Indian natives such as Fe Noel by Feism and Fenty by Rihanna Fenty saying: “These two designers do exceptional work whilst keeping the aesthetic of their local community.” Inspiration is instead drawn from more unorthodox places.” we try not to look at other brands with similar mediums, oftentimes we look at past style, trends, cultural festivals, magazines the street etc.”
The future of fashion in the Caribbean according to Baptiste, entails more West Indian natives working across the world in the industry with her brand Zlitt being a major catalyst for that revolution.
“I would like to see our fundamental dream and vision become a reality, more native West Indians becoming the world’s best high fashion designers, in addition to that, the lifestyle of Caribbean people are displayed in the designs and concepts.” Also, Zenae predicts the rebirth of the street-grunge style era that marked the 90’s saying she sees it “blowing up within the Caribbean space and becoming one of the most popular looks and trends.”
Despite her current success as a designer and founder of her brand Zenae discussed her more traditional starting route.
“Like most Caribbean parents, my parents always instilled going to school, do well, become a doctor, lawyer or any other high paying 9-5 job, which I did, I am fully qualified, however, the passion stirred up when I placed first in a costume design competition at Secondary School. I then realized that my level of creativity is captivating and attractive to others.”
“People can expect a jaw-dropping peek into [Trinidad’s] known festivals [as well as] swimwear, street styles and much more.”
Gushes Zenae in regards to upcoming product drops.
