,STAR GYAL is a personal mini collection that answers the question : “What would an Indo-Caribbean star gyal wear?” It is the ready-to-wear coupling to my other mini collection entitled CAPRICORN. Ultimately, the two collections were showcased together under CAPRICORN. STAR GYAL is inspired by 90’s Bollywood fashions as well as 90’s NYC denim streetwear. The collection revolves around the asymmetrical NESSA cargo jort, which combines the feminine origin of the Star Gyal concept with the masculine aesthetic of 90’s denim.

Concept & Colors

The phrase “Star Gyal” is tossed around my grandma’s house in Guyanese creole; especially in front of the tv. I’ve known it to reference Bollywood stars. The star gyal would tend to be dressed in traditional Indian wear, while the “quirky,” side characters, or even antagonists wore western styles/ streetwear. This occurrence maintains that 90’s Bollywood incorporated a significant amount of denim in their wardrobes, but upheld the classist opinion that western styles were reserved for undesirable characters.

This mini-collection answers the question of: “What does the Caribbean Star Gyal wear?”

Streetwear silhouettes constructed in denim are important to the modern Caribbean femme fatale, because she grew up in New York and needs to wear durable fabrics. “Star Gyal” should be plastered on her jeans, which is reminiscent of Rocawear and Baby Phat styles from the 90’s. Her garments attract attention, because of the intense surface work that is reminiscent of the intricate patterns and beadwork on traditional Indian garments. Most importantly, any Caribbean girl can be a Star Gyal, which is why it was important to cast my family members as models.

Technical Drawings