Althea Blackford
Expanding Horizons and Empowering Dreams Through Caribbean Fashion
Althea Blackford - Creator of Boston Caribbean Fashion Week
Althea Blackford, a powerhouse in the world of fashion and entrepreneurship, has carved her path with determination and creativity. Born in Boston but raised in the vibrant culture of Miami, her journey to success is marked by a fierce entrepreneurial spirit and a deep connection to her Caribbean roots.
Althea’s academic pursuits led her to Northeastern University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication 2003. Armed with her education and a drive for success, Althea embarked on a journey of self-discovery and innovation.
Becoming a Pioneer in Troubled Times
Amidst a turbulent economic landscape, her early endeavors included hosting her own internet radio show, a pioneering move in an era before internet radio became mainstream. Althea was also enraptured by the local fashion scene, where she worked as a model, but her passion was always behind-the-scenes in making the magic happen. It was during this time that Althea’s passion for fashion production and event choreography took root. In 2009, Althea was inspired to found V-Style Productions: her self-made, woman-owned, black-owned production company.
Finding Inspiration
By drawing her inspiration from her experiences in local fashion shows in Boston, Althea produced a Boston Neighborhood Network TV show named Style It Up highlighting emerging designers. This endeavor paved the way for her involvement in the fashion event, The Launch and created a fashion documentary centered around the Boston Fashion Week event, which she considers the catalyst for her success.
IMAGE: Boston Fashion Week 2009
Expanding Horizons
However, Althea’s ambitions extended beyond documentaries and television shows. She envisioned creating her own fashion showcase, which eventually blossomed into Boston Caribbean Fashion Week (BCFW). Drawing upon her Caribbean heritage, Althea sought to celebrate the vibrant colors and bold styles of Caribbean fashion while providing a platform for local designers.
Boston Caribbean Fashion Week has evolved into an international showcase, spotlighting Caribbean culture and fashion, while honoring creators of all backgrounds through initiatives like BCFW Honors, awards given to distinguished fashion professionals participating in the Caribbean and Fashion community. Althea’s dedication to her roots and her commitment to fostering local talent have transformed BCFW into a hallmark event in Boston’s fashion calendar.
Showcasing Talent & Recognizing Success
Despite her own reluctance to wield a sewing machine, Althea pays homage to her family’s legacy of creativity and craftsmanship. Her grandmother’s skill as a seamstress and her mother’s talent for dressmaking instilled in Althea a profound appreciation for handmade garments and the artists who create them.
In recognition of her achievements, Althea will receive an honor at the Afro Caribbean Black History Gala & Awards and invited to speak at the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Caribbean Boston Forum. Her influence transcends the realms of fashion and entrepreneurship, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Destination Let’s Go
Inspiration Through Travel
Althea’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to Destination Let’s Go, a travel business that complements her fashion ventures. Seamlessly blending her skills in event planning and marketing, Althea leverages fashion week as essential tools for designers and entrepreneurs alike.
This year, blending her passions together, Althea is hosting the Fashion Fusion Retreat in the stunning St. Kitt’s. If you ready to break free from the ordinary and immerse yourself in a transformative fashion experience, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is just what you need. Find your muse in the Caribbean this July!
Imagine This:
Hands-On Creativity: Dive into our exclusive batik fabric workshop and create personalized masterpieces that tell your unique story.
Island Immersion: Explore the beauty of St. Kitts, unlocking new perspectives that will inspire your fashion journey.
Networking Extravaganza: Connect with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and potential collaborators, opening doors for future opportunities.
Balance and Rejuvenation: Strike the perfect balance between relaxation and skill development. Return with a refreshed mindset and newfound inspiration.
What You’ll Gain:
Unique Fabric Masterpiece: Craft your own fabric masterpiece, a tangible symbol of your creative journey in St. Kitts.
Refreshed Creative Outlook: Return home with a renewed sense of creativity, ready to infuse St. Kitt’s inspiration into your work.
Diverse Network: Connect with like-minded professionals, building a network that goes beyond the retreat.
Confidence Boost: Gain the confidence to take your fashion passion to new heights, fueled by the experiences and skills acquired. Space is limited, so book today!
Stay Up-to-Date
As Althea continues to break barriers and champion Caribbean fashion, her legacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s vision.
Here are some upcoming opportunities to open your love of fashion with Althea Blackford in 2024:
Destination Let’s Go Instagram