For Barbados-born designer Junior Sealy, a move was necessary to pursue his interests in fashion. “When you don’t have a certain type of community in your country, you try to find it elsewhere,” he says. Sealy landed in Toronto, where he studied management and ran his retail brand, L A B & iD. “Toronto basically birthed me as the person I am,” he says. His career eventually took him to Berlin, where he immersed himself in the industry before moving back to his Caribbean home. Now he more frequently gets to enjoy the creations of Bridgetown, Barbados’s capital.

Bajan Fishing Boat Replicas by Michael Marshall & Laura Ward

Texturized and Ebonized Vessel by Cy Hutchinson

Sublime Perceivable Miniature Art by Karen Birch

Bape Hat Puzzle by Junior Sealy

Money Bag by Ayola x Junior Sealy for Loyalty and Brotherhood

Plus Barbados

Bajanisms by Mahalia Cummins

Remnant Bowl by Ashanti Trotman

Barbados

Where to Eat: Oistins is a fishing town on the south coast of the island nation that hosts a fish fry every Friday night. An assortment of vendors set up shop and serve fresh, authentic Bajan fare. There, you can check out Sealy’s favorite spots, Mo’s Grill and Bajan Cooking, and get a plate of grilled swordfish, macaroni pie, rice, and salad. And if you ever encounter a street vendor with a long line of locals, you can rest assured that the food is of good quality.

Oistins Fish Fry

Animal Flower Cave

Where to Sleep: There are plenty of options. The south coast is known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere. The east coast, Sealy’s old stomping ground, offers a more traditional island experience with its rugged and scenic attractions. The “Platinum” west coast features some of Barbados’s best beaches. Sealy recommends staying in an Airbnb for better immersion in the island’s culture and environment.

Where to Shop: Barbados’s west coast hosts many of its designers, who occasionally arrange pop-up shops selling unique, high-quality clothing. The shopping mall located in Holetown, Limegrove offers a selection of luxury jewelry and apparel from leading retail brands and other specialty retailers.

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