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JESSEL BRIZAN, B.A., M.A.
A native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Jessel Brizan is a fashion entrepreneur, educator and author with over two decades of experience in the creative industries, tertiary education, and the global fashion industry. He began his career in New York, working with Macy's Merchandising Group and Solo Licensing Corporation on brands such as Alfani, Betsey Johnson, and Spalding.
A graduate of the American International College in Massachusetts, he distinguished himself academically, graduating summa cum laude as class valedictorian with a B.A. in Communication. He later pursued formal training in menswear design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, where he deepened his expertise in design, production and merchandising.
An educator at heart, he served a decade at The University of Trinidad and Tobago's Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design, where he developed and taught courses in digital fashion design, technical illustration, creative fashion presentations and portfolio development. His work introduced the region's first curricula in digital fashion design and technical package creation.
Jessel's expertise has been sought by FashionTT, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the National Training Agency and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, where he has contributed to the national standard for sustainable garment manufacturing.
Jessel pioneered several firsts in the Caribbean fashion landscape. As founder of Jessel Brizan Design Group Ltd., he established the first local fashion e?commerce platform, enabling global sales and fulfilment. In 2012, he launched Blue Basin Department Stores Ltd., the first local retail concept connecting Caribbean designers and artisans with international markets. He also played a key role in forming The Fashion Exchange Co?operative Society Limited, the region's first fashion co?operative.
In 2023, he was awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship and earned a Master's in Fashion Business Management from the University of Westminster.
He continues to advocate for a globally competitive and sustainable Caribbean fashion ecosystem, presenting thought leadership at regional forums, such as the Caribbean Investment Forum 2025.
As an author, he has published Costing for Fashion and Technical Package Development for Excel, practical guides that support designers and entrepreneurs in navigating the global fashion landscape. Guided by his philosophy of "philanthropy through fashion", he remains committed to education, industry development and mentoring at?risk youth.
