Crop Over, the Barbadian equivalent of Carnival, is an annual celebration of music and heritage — and amazing outfits.
The Crop Over festival dates back to 1687, celebrating the end of the yearly sugar cane harvest. Formerly known as Harvest Home, the festival began on plantations across Barbados during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and was one of few times of the year when enslaved people could freely celebrate, dance and sing. Since 1983, Crop Over has been organized by the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados.
The festival lasts for three months, with parties, events and markets taking place throughout. It all leads up to Grand Kadooment Day, in which revelers dress in elaborate costumes and dance “on the road” along a dedicated route.
The costumes are a major highlight of the experience, and Crop Over style has influenced fashion on a global scale. Rihanna and Jourdan Dunn have worked with local designers to execute their elaborate festival looks, helping to solidify the signature style associated with Crop Over in the modern day.
Though many of the designers are men, women hold a firm place in the creation of the festival, which is steeped in history and culture. Whether they are carrying on a family legacy of design or are self-taught innovators, their creativity and vision is remarkable.
Head to the link in bio to read about four of the visionary women whose work is shaping Crop Over fashion and how they describe their style. Photos by @sheekswinsalways.
