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Models wear designs by Meiling on the runway at Portugal Fashion Week (Photo: Marco Brites)

The PAPAIŸO x Meiling capsule series brought a rainbow of colour to Portugal Fashion Week in Porto on October 14 with an exquisite showcase of Caribbean artisanry. Models floated across the runway in wistful silhouettes with intricate details from handcrafted crochets to heirloom finishes boasting a whimsical take on resort wear. The show featured pieces from the duo’s Resort’ 22 and Resort’ 23 collections.

“The PAPAIŸO x Meiling capsule series is a collaboration we proposed to Meiling in 2021 as a means of celebrating Caribbean artisanal luxury and placing it on a global stage,” says PAPAIŸO founder and CEO Micha Alleyne. PAPAIŸO drives the design and look and feel of the silhouettes, with emphasis on how the pieces drape the body, the fabrication, colour stories and visuals; while Meiling drives the intricate design details of the collection, with emphasis on artisanal flourishes and the impeccable craftsmanship that has become a hallmark of the brand. “It was such a joy to see how much our audience in Portugal appreciated the intricacy of the pieces. We spend a lot of time refining these handcrafted finishes, which are a key aspect of the Meiling DNA,” says Meiling. In a world of store-bought trims and mass production, Meiling is determined to keep the handcraft tradition of the Caribbean alive.

The series’ first capsule — Wren — was launched in 2021 and received a warm reception across international markets for its delightful colour palette and artisanal details. This year’s collection, Battimamzelle, “was inspired by the magic and enchantment of a secret garden”, says Alleyne. “We sort of picked up where we left off last year, building on our classic silhouettes, hand-stitched finishes and a new dreamy colour palette.”

Through PAPAIŸO Showroom, the collections have been placed in markets across the globe, including California (where PAPAIŸO is based), Dubai, New York, Miami and of course Jamaica at the iconic Island Magnolia. Participating in Portugal Fashion Week is key in expanding this global footprint. For personal orders, the collections can be preordered straight from the runway on papaiyo.com, with deliveries starting between December and January.

Credits

PAPAIŸO x Meiling, R23 – Battimamzelle

Portugal Fashion Week

Photographer: Marco Brites/@mbritesphotos

Location: Porto, Portugal, Museum of Natural History

Campaign Editorial

Model: Jey Rocher

Photographer: Emily Sandifer/@emilysandiferphoto

Creative Direction: PAPAIŸO Imagine/@papaiyoimagine

Location: Hollywood Hills, California