Junior Sealy’s Bajan Favorites Offer a Taste of the Real Barbados
For Barbados-born designer Junior Sealy, a move was necessary to pursue his interests in fashion. "When you don’t have a certain type of community in your country, you try to find it elsewhere," he says. Sealy landed in Toronto, where he studied management and ran his retail brand, L A B & iD. "Toronto basically birthed me as the person I am," he says. His career eventually took him to Berlin, where he immersed himself in the industry before moving back to his Caribbean home. Now he more frequently gets to enjoy the creations of Bridgetown, Barbados’s capital.
Barbados-born designer Junior Sealy is the founder of retail brand L A B & iD.
Bajan Fishing Boat Replicas by Michael Marshall & Laura Ward
"Designers Michael Marshall and Laura Ward make small wooden replicas of fishing boats. They remind me of the first time I went into the ocean and learned how to swim. We would swim to boats in Tent Bay. These little replicas spark beautiful memories."
Texturized and Ebonized Vessel by Cy Hutchinson
"Cy told me that this piece reminds him of trips to neighboring islands’ black sand beaches. He says it's intricate and delicate nature yet visible ruggedness also reflects Barbados’s eastern coast— his favorite part of the island."
Sublime Perceivable Miniature Art by Karen Birch
"Sometimes you need a small art piece to provide inspiration. Just one tiny detail can trigger
something in your brain and start a conversation."
Bape Hat Puzzle by Junior Sealy
"I love woodworking as well as clothing design. This piece, in the shape of one of Japanese fashion brand Bape’s hats, represents the new wave of art-infused fashion."
Money Bag by Ayola x Junior Sealy for Loyalty and Brotherhood
"Handmade in Barbados, these designs push Caribbean culture and fashion forward. They’re beautiful pieces of apparel and art. They work as well going to a party as they do as fixed elements in a nice room."
"Everyone in Barbados drinks Plus. It brings me back to my teenage years and my culture. Plus, it’s tasty and provides a good energy boost. "‘Drink a Plus and catch yuhself’ is something you hear a lot in Barbados."
"The best way to understand us and our language is to hear it from one of us. Cummins’s book is based on her extensive exploration of our culture."
Remnant Bowl by Ashanti Trotman
"Mahogany is such a sacred tree on the island. If you can get a piece of it masterfully crafted, I’d say do it."
Barbados
Where to Eat: Oistins is a fishing town on the south coast of the island nation that hosts a fish fry every Friday night. An assortment of vendors set up shop and serve fresh, authentic Bajan fare. There, you can check out Sealy’s favorite spots, Mo’s Grill and Bajan Cooking, and get a plate of grilled swordfish, macaroni pie, rice, and salad. And if you ever encounter a street vendor with a long line of locals, you can rest assured that the food is of good quality.
Oistins Fish Fry
"This incredible cliff edge sites a cave and the best breadfruit tacos."
Where to Sleep: There are plenty of options. The south coast is known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere. The east coast, Sealy’s old stomping ground, offers a more traditional island experience with its rugged and scenic attractions. The "Platinum" west coast features some of Barbados’s best beaches. Sealy recommends staying in an Airbnb for better immersion in the island’s culture and environment.
Where to Shop: Barbados’s west coast hosts many of its designers, who occasionally arrange pop-up shops selling unique, high-quality clothing. The shopping mall located in Holetown, Limegrove offers a selection of luxury jewelry and apparel from leading retail brands and other specialty retailers.
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