In 2008, The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) launched the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD), the first tertiary level fashion design programme in the Caribbean region. It was based on the philosophy that the development of a student's individual creativity should always be supported by a strong foundation of techniques and informed thinking. Our students are creative, artistic and innovative; they think critically and are open to new ideas and team collaborations. They thrive under pressure and are intent on finding success in the exciting world of fashion. Our alumni have become fashion design entrepreneurs, assistant designers, stylists, fashion managers and graphic designers. The fashion industry is vast and exciting; opportunities exist for those with passion, direction and skill. The goal of CAFD is to educate and train aspiring designers and managers in the art and business of fashion, with an eye toward developing a Caribbean fashion industry. 

The accolades of  graduates' work at both local and  international fashion events, as well as the increasing number of non-national applicants, is a testament to the stellar leadership and success of the Academy. With a curriculum consisting of rigorous classroom teaching, interactive and interdisciplinary work and a balance between visual and liberal studies, CAFD offers a structured programme of learning crafted to maximise the creative, analytical and technical potential of each student.

With their talent and dreams of being Trinidad and Tobago's future designers combined with the expertise and vision of CAFD, graduates can and will reach global levels. Students develop aesthetic, intellectual, analytical and technological abilities through their four (4) years of study. One graduate recently received a scholarship to the prestigious Yale University, where she will pursue the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Costume Design.

"UTT FASHION WEEK" events are as follows:

June 1st:
CAFD will launch its 7th annual "Art and Design Exhibition" at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition runs until June 7th and opens daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is FREE.

June 3rd and 4th:
The senior students will host "Designer Spaces", a static display of their boutique spaces at UTT John S. Donaldson- The Creativity Campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All fashion stakeholders, industry professionals, media and the public are welcome. Admission is FREE.
Friday, June 5th
CAFD will present designs from the 4th graduating class in a stellar fashion show. After four (4) years of study, each student was given the freedom to research and conceptualise their own themes, building on their imagination and years of training in art and design. The skills gained, such as pattern drafting, draping, fashion drawing and conceptual design, give them the tools needed to conceive their collections of six (6) looks entitled, "Thesis Collection". The first part of this show, titled "Designer Critic" will be hosted by a group of CAFD's third year class (by invitation only).

Join us as we salute the new talent in Trinidad and Tobago
CAFD @ UTT: "METAMORPHOSIS"
A presentation by the 2015 graduating class
National Academy for Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain
Friday, June 5th, 2015
Show time 7:00 p.m.
Contact- 642-8888, Ext. 21145

BY INVITATION ONLY