From the fabulous flapper girls in the 1920s to the sharp tailored looks of the 21st century, fashion designers throughout history have created vivid stamps on silhouette and style. Boldly inspired by trends past and present, Jamaican designer Juliette Dyke has created her own niche of fashion chic laced with contemporary feminine glamour.

The Julan collection debuted at Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) 2009 to rave reviews. “The feedback was extremely positive when I showed at CFW last year, it was a fantastic platform for me to present my line both locally and internationally,” notes designer Juliette Dyke. And, it is no wonder she is excitedly poised for her sophomore outing as she prepares for the 2010 collections.

A true student of her craft, Dyke is deliberate about delving into fashion’s history for inspiration. “I love period and Bohemian silhouettes, these elements are constants in my clothes,” the designer says. She plans to remain true to form with era-inspired garments for CFW 2010, “My collection will be an eclectic mix of the influences that inform my sense of fashion with a strong slant on the Victorian era.”

Heavy fabrics, however, will not dominate the line. The designer assures that her signature silk shantung, some cottons and linens coupled with a vivid colour palette will help to ensure her own, contemporary interpretation on a most interesting period in fashion.

Following her formative fascination with deconstructing and reconstructing her personal clothing, Juliette was inspired to study fashion formally at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in 2006. She got her first taste of runway while participating in the college’s annual Alternative Fashion Show and has since seized all opportunites to showcase her remarkable aptitude for fashion and style, including showings at CFW and at the Jamaica Market Penetration Show in Brussels, Belgium.

The Julan line will be among an impressive consortium of designers from across the Caribbean, Europe and North America who will participate in the 10th renewal of the Pulse produced Caribbean Fashionweek. In addition to designer collections, the event features an exhibition, business development forum, celebrity performances from international recording artistes and after parties. The Pulse Foundation’s Haiti Art & Fashion Project will be highlighted with a benefit night for the rehabilitation of that island’s creative arts and fashion industries.