FEATURED PERSONALITY: SoKa: Where Caribbean Culture Meets Power, Purpose, and High Fashion

In a global fashion landscape increasingly drawn to authenticity, storytelling, and social impact, SoKa stands tall as a brand that does far more than dress the body, it speaks to identity, resilience, and Caribbean pride. Founded in 2014 by Vincentian designer Karen de Freitas, SoKa has evolved into a contemporary Caribbean fashion label and social enterprise that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with meaningful advocacy.

Rooted in Caribbean vibrancy and shaped by New York edge, SoKa represents a modern vision of island luxury—fearless, unapologetic, and deeply connected to community.

From St. Vincent to the Global Fashion Stage

Before becoming a fashion force, Karen de Freitas was a visual artist from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with a natural eye for color, form, and expression. Her journey took her to Parsons School of Design, where her creative instincts were sharpened through formal training and elite industry exposure.

During her time in New York, De Freitas gained invaluable experience interning with established fashion houses, absorbing the discipline of sharp tailoring while maintaining her instinctive, culture-driven approach to design. That duality—precision meets passion—would later define the SoKa aesthetic.

The SoKa Aesthetic: Streetwear, Fete-Wear, and Female Power

SoKa’s designs are instantly recognizable. Bold color palettes, striking prints, and edgy silhouettes collide with sensuality and movement inspired by dancehall culture, carnival energy, and Caribbean street style. From neoprene to organza, the brand plays with unexpected textures, transforming everyday wear into statements of confidence and self-expression.

Rather than follow trends, SoKa reinvigorates silhouettes, celebrating curves, strength, and individuality. Body positivity is not a buzzword here—it is built into the DNA of the brand. Every piece is designed to empower women to take up space, command attention, and feel seen.

Fashion With a Mission

What truly sets SoKa apart is its purpose-driven foundation. The label operates as a social enterprise, weaving sustainability, fair trade practices, and community upliftment into its business model. Eco-conscious production methods and ethical sourcing reflect De Freitas’ belief that fashion should be responsible as well as beautiful.

Under the umbrella of SoKa the Label, the brand has expanded into multiple creative ventures, each carrying its own cultural and social narrative:

• Sokanaval – A vibrant extension inspired by Caribbean carnival culture

• Charles + Olive – A lifestyle and beauty-focused brand emphasizing self-care and wellness

Together, these ventures reflect a holistic vision of Caribbean creativity—fashion, beauty, and community working in harmony.

Giving Back: Advocacy Beyond the Runway

SoKa’s impact reaches far beyond fashion shows and editorials. Through initiatives like Project Pink and Project Blue, launched between 2016 and 2017, the brand has raised awareness and funds for breast and testicular cancer across St. Vincent and Grenada.

The Soka Gyal movement further reinforces this mission, offering education, mentorship, and networking opportunities for Caribbean women seeking empowerment through creativity and entrepreneurship.

In 2021, following the devastating La Soufrière volcanic eruptions, De Freitas founded The Tallawah Collective, mobilizing resources and support for disaster relief efforts in St. Vincent—proof that SoKa’s commitment to community is not performative but deeply personal.

Global Recognition, Caribbean Soul

SoKa’s bold vision has not gone unnoticed. The brand has been featured in international and regional publications, including Vogue.com, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, and Caribbean Beat Magazine. It has also received accolades for fashion innovation and cultural excellence, solidifying its place on the global fashion map.

Yet despite international acclaim, SoKa remains proudly Caribbean at its core—telling stories that are often overlooked, through designs that refuse to be muted.

The Future of SoKa

As fashion continues to reckon with sustainability, representation, and authenticity, SoKa stands as a blueprint for what the future can look like. It is a brand that honors heritage without being confined by it and that embraces global influence while remaining unmistakably Caribbean.

For Karen de Freitas, fashion is not just about clothing—it is about visibility, voice, and legacy. And through SoKa, that legacy is being stitched, one powerful silhouette at a time.

By Isla Bailey | Fashion Editor