Jamaica-born, New York-based fashion designer, Raxann Chin, is among the esteemed fashion designers to receive the Caribbean Style & Culture Award of Excellence - Fashion Innovation in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2014, in honor of the ninth annual Caribbean American Heritage Month.
The Caribbean Style & Culture Awards and Fashion Showcaseorganized by Karib Nation, Inc. celebrate and reward the excellence and remarkable contributions of fashion designers of Caribbean heritage who have significantly impacted the fashion industry.
“The Award of Excellence in Fashion Innovation exemplifies the innovation of Caribbean fashion through unique and compelling designs, production and presentation,” said Cornel Jones, Chair of the Event Committee. Jones, who personally selected Chin for the award said he researched the fashion designer after seeing her work on the Maxine Tulloch TV Show in 2013 and was impressed with her designs and presentation. Jones followed the fashion line and felt compelled to acknowledge the fashion designer.
The high-end fashion line, Femheka by Raxann Chin, founded May 11, 2012, graced the red carpets at both the 86th Academy Awards and Festival de Cannes in 2014, among other prestigious events. “It is truly validating and quite an honor to be recognized by an organization such as Karib Nation, especially after just making our two-year mark,” said Chin. “There is no greater feeling than being rewarded for the manifestations of a dream that I was determined to see through. I yielded. I trusted. I have found my home through fashion.”
Karib Nation, Inc. was founded in 1992 in Baltimore, and as a non-profit organization, it promotes Caribbean-owned businesses. United States President Barack H. Obama declared June as Caribbean American Heritage Month. “Caribbean Americans are part of a great national tradition, descendants of hopeful, striving people who journeyed to our lands in search of a better life. They were drawn by a belief in the power of opportunity, a belief that through hard work and sacrifice, they could provide their children with chances they had never known. Thanks to these opportunities and their talent and perseverance, Caribbean Americans have contributed to every aspect of our society -- from science and medicine to business and the arts. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor their history, culture, and essential role in the American narrative,” said Barack Obama, during his presidential proclamation of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
Chin, who migrated to the United States with her family in 1995, joins the past awardees, which include Francis Hendy, Uzuri International, Lois Samuels, Patricia Coates, Michael Chataigne, Bill Edwards, Roger Gary to name a few.
The awarded fashion designers took part in a week of activities that included networking and a wider platform for the promotion of their brands. The week of events hosted the Bahamas Consulate General Reception on Wednesday, June 25th, the Congressional Black Caucus on Capitol Hill & White House visit on Thursday, June 26th, a Fashion Show and the Karib Nation Inc. Awards Presentation on Friday June 27th, ending with Couture in the Park on Sunday June 29th. Part of the proceeds of the Fashion Showcase will benefit the Caribbean’s Children’s Foundation.
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