meet the cloth

This label is rooted in the pre-Columbian experience. What would life have looked like if the European conquistadors had not been driven by their greed to forcefully remove the lives and independent cultures and heritages of those living in the islands. Focused in Folk, Revolution, Restoration, and Integration as its pillars, the Cloth’s collections create stories.

Founded in 1986, the Cloth is revolutionary, blending traditional styles from the cultures of Trinidad and Tobago, while also inspiring the Haitian revolutionary spirit. For those who don’t know, Haitians successfully self-liberated themselves from the French Colonizers ending in 1804. Their population involved black, biracial, French, British, Spanish and Polish individuals who revolted seeking freedom from servitude. As one of the largest enslaved revolutions since Ancient Rome, the spirit of the Haitians in their revolution represented so much more than just their ability to achieve and maintain independence without colonial rule, but their spirit that could never be contained.

With this background and such incredible history that is being celebrated through clothing, patterns, models, styles and so much more, The Cloth is an experience for people to better understand the culture of clothing and appreciate what it means. Created by Robert Young, founder and main designer, The Cloth looks to create dynamic designs which are timeless, yet moving. He has been designing and creating for his brand for more than 35 years.

The high fashion pieces in both the mens and women's collections are structured by season. A most recent collection, called Wet Season 2021 demonstrates just how versatile and unique these pieces can be. From rompers to pants to dresses to tops, the Cloth celebrates environmentalism and a consciousness for the problems of the planet, incorporating natural dyes, including indigo, with a celebration of fading and bleaching that accompany natural colorings. The variation within each fabric makes pieces unique and continues the story of the clothes that you purchase.

While their price point stands around luxury, with many pieces costing upwards of $250-500 USD dollars for select pieces. Featured through the luxury and talent of their presentation, the Cloth represents just one of the best that the Caribbean continues to offer. One of the most alluring elements of their brand is just how well the tailor of each design is crafted. With reminiscent styles of warm places, the clothing is drapable and chic, updated with unique takes on clothes for climate. Comfortable, luxurious and well-made, these pieces look to last and continue strong for a long time.

Images from The Cloth