Terms of Reference Carifesta XV (Fashion Coordinator)

Fashion Coordinator

CARIFESTA XV Festival Overview

CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, will take place in Barbados from August 22 to August 31, 2025, under the theme “Caribbean Roots…Global Excellence.” This premier festival will celebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and innovation of Caribbean culture while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and peacebuilding. CARIFESTA XV aims to position the Caribbean as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and creative excellence.

Position Summary:

The Fashion Coordinator for CARIFESTA XV will be responsible for overseeing all fashion-related components of the festival, ensuring seamless execution of fashion showcases, runway events, and designer engagements. The coordinator will work closely with designers, production teams, and logistical staff to curate and deliver high-quality fashion programming that reflects the diversity and excellence of Caribbean fashion and design.

Scope of Work:

1. Develop and manage the overall fashion program for CARIFESTA XV, ensuring alignment with festival themes and objectives.
2. Coordinate with national delegations and invited designers to confirm participation and showcase logistics.
3. Liaise with fashion show producers, stylists, and technical teams to ensure production requirements are met.
4. Oversee the setup and execution of major fashion events, including runway shows, fashion exhibitions, and industry panels.
5. Manage the scheduling of fashion-related events, including Street Swag Fashion Show, the Fashion Hub, and Country Nights.
6. Ensure cultural authenticity and excellence in all fashion showcases.
7. Support designers with logistical needs, including travel, accommodation, and hospitality.
8. Develop contingency plans for unforeseen challenges in showcases and scheduling.
9. Work collaboratively with the artistic and technical teams to enhance audience engagement.
10. Implement and oversee health and safety protocols related to fashion events.
11. Manage budgets and expenditures related to fashion programming and production.
12. Document and report on the outcomes of the fashion program, identifying areas for improvement.

Listing of Fashion-Related Events for CARIFESTA XV:

• Street Swag Fashion Show: Outdoor showcase highlighting contemporary Caribbean streetwear.
• Fashion Hub: A space for networking, workshops, and industry discussions on Caribbean fashion.
• Designer Showcases: Runway presentations featuring leading and emerging Caribbean designers.
• Country Nights Fashion Features: Cultural fashion displays incorporated into national showcases.
• Fashion Business & Branding Workshops: Sessions focused on the commercial and creative aspects of fashion.
• Sustainable Fashion Panel: Discussions on eco-conscious and ethical fashion practices in the region.
• Live Fashion Installations: Interactive presentations in public spaces.

Candidate Qualifications & Competencies:

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Fashion Design, Event Management, or a related field.
2. At least 5 years of experience in fashion show production, styling, or festival coordination.
3. Strong knowledge of Caribbean fashion traditions and contemporary trends.
4. Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including designers, technical teams, and sponsors.
5. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
6. Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
7. Familiarity with runway production, lighting, and technical requirements for fashion showcases.
8. Experience in budget management and contract negotiations.
9. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
10. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
11. Knowledge of health and safety protocols for live fashion events.

Duration of Contract:
The contract period for the Fashion Coordinator will run from March through September 2025, covering all planning, execution, and post-event reporting phases of the festival.

Key Deliverables & Milestones:

1. Curated Fashion Program (March – April 2025): Finalized list of participating designers, shows, and presentations.
2. Event & Rehearsal Schedules (May 2025): Completed scheduling of all fashion events, rehearsals, and workshops.
3. Technical & Production Requirements (May – June 2025): Consolidated list of logistical needs for fashion showcases.
4. Logistical Coordination (June – July 2025): Confirmation of travel, accommodation, and hospitality arrangements for designers.
5. Festival Readiness (August 2025): All stage, runway, and production requirements set for fashion events.
6. Execution & Monitoring (August 2025): Supervision of live fashion showcases and troubleshooting any issues in real-time.
7. Post-Festival Report (September 2025): Detailed assessment of the fashion program’s successes and recommendations for future events.

Application Process:

📅Application Opens: February 10, 2025
📅Application Closes: February 25, 2025

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to Kim Butcher at Kim-butcher@ncf.bb.