St Lucia-born designer Petra Baptiste is stepping into the spotlight with her debut at Paris Fashion Week on March 7, unveiling a bold, Caribbean-inspired costume collection on an international stage.

Though this marks her first public showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Baptiste says fashion has long been part of her journey.

“Being in fashion has always been something that’s natural for me,” she told Caribbean Pulse in an interview. “I’ve always done my designing, but I’ve been one of those designers behind the scenes. I wanted my work to speak for itself.”

Originally from Saint Lucia, Baptiste moved to England when she was young and lived there for 18 years before relocating to France, where she has now spent nine years. 

It was in London that she began fully exploring her creative abilities, particularly within the Carnival scene, working behind the scenes in mas camps and on commissioned projects.

“I’ve been doing this for a while — probably 20-something years behind the scenes,” she said. “I’m just now coming out so everybody can truly see that I’ve been putting the work in.”

Carnival meets couture

Instead of presenting traditional gowns and ready-to-wear pieces typically associated with Paris runways, Baptiste chose to debut with a 10-piece costume collection rooted in Caribbean culture.

“Caribbean is what I know best,” she said. “If I’m going to do this, I’m going to stay natural to who I am.”

Her collection represents elements such as the ocean, flowers, Carnival and macramé. 

While remaining tight-lipped on her creation, she revealed two of the pieces use the intricate knotting technique of macramé technique , transforming rope into elaborate costume designs. 

Other pieces draw inspiration from Saint Lucia’s national flowers, with fabric flowers handcrafted rather than purchased.

Feathers, shells, iridescent fabrics and vibrant colour palettes are central to the collection. 

For Baptiste, each shade carries meaning — burnt orange symbolises Caribbean sunsets, green reflects lush rainforest vegetation, and blues evoke the sea and sky.

“Everything that I’ve created tells a story, either in the colour or the style,” she said.

She is the only Caribbean designer scheduled to appear on her showcase platform, which will feature between eight and 10 international designers from countries including the United States and the Philippines. 

The event is being staged by World Fashion Expo, an international platform that hosts shows in multiple cities.

Promoting culture without apology

Baptiste describes herself as a cultural promoter first and foremost, saying she carries her Caribbean identity wherever she goes.

“I promote my culture through and through no matter what country I am in,” she said. “I take pride in my culture. My culture is the foundation for who I am.”

Asked whether the global fashion industry is ready for Caribbean fashion beyond resort wear stereotypes, Baptiste was candid.

“The better question is, does it really matter if they’re ready or not?” she said. “If they’re not ready, we just have to make them ready. We have to put it in their faces so they can see us for what we are.”

She urged other Caribbean designers not to play it safe when presented with global opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid. If it’s a natural-born skill and talent, do the thing.”

Looking beyond Paris

Baptiste revealed that opportunities are already emerging ahead of her Paris debut, including potential costume design work for a theatre production and a beauty pageant next year.

For Baptiste, Paris is not about validation but visibility.

“It’s not just about me,” she said. “It’s about all of we. I cannot call myself a cultural promoter if I’m not willing to put myself out there for the culture.”

As she prepares to present Carnival costuming on one of fashion’s most recognised stages, Baptiste says she is embracing the moment fully.

“I’m not nervous. I’m sitting in the moment,” she said.