Award-Winning Designer Peta Odini to Launch Women’s Wear, Celebrates 10 Years in the Industry

I hope it’s a brand that can represent the Caribbean outside of the Caribbean,”

The name Peta Odini has joined the ranks of the most revered and sought-after Caribbean brands, a testament to the hard work, vision, and creativity of its award-winning designer. Hailing from the picturesque island of St. Vincent, Peta Odini Sutherland has carved out a unique niche in the fashion world, particularly in menswear. Since debuting her collection “Sans Peur” (French for “Without Fear”) in June 2014 at the Trinidad Lookbook’s Style Spirit show, Peta has continuously captivated regional and international fans of Caribbean fashion. Now, as she celebrates the tenth anniversary of her brand, she is challenging herself once again with an entirely new venture: women’s wear.

“I’ve actually just started focusing on women’s wear this year,” Peta shared, recalling the frequent requests from women who have long admired her designs. “I used to get a lot of stress from girls going, ‘So, you’re not making stuff for us too?’” Already, the women’s collection promises to be a monumental success, as demand for her designs has been overwhelming. For example, a private collection of women’s pieces recently sold out in Jamaica, hinting at the upcoming release of a collection featuring “Tie Up” shirts and dresses.

While Peta’s designs have always been tailored for men, they’ve garnered a universal following, with all genders drawn to their unique style, comfort, and functionality. To cater to lovers of unisex clothing, she has adjusted her branding language—for instance, instead of labeling pieces as “men’s” clothing, she now opts for more inclusive terms. 

What sets Peta Odini apart is her unmistakable signature, which she describes as “happy clothes.” “I always say it’s happy clothes—it literally puts a smile on your face with the colors and the prints,” Peta explained. One standout piece is her “Slow Boat” print, a playful design inspired by drawings she created while teaching kindergarten students in China. Initially conceived during an art class, the print’s whimsical charm unexpectedly became a bestseller when it debuted. 

“The response to that print has been ridiculous. The initial plan was to use it for a year, but it sold out, and people kept asking for it, so I had to bring it back,” she said, expressing gratitude for the design’s popularity.

As she marks a decade in the industry, Peta is celebrating with 10 “little projects” that honor her brand’s growing legacy. These include new product launches, creative collaborations, and charitable initiatives. For instance, Peta has collaborated on a print with Trinidadian graphic designer Kern Saunders and partnered with the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), donating profits from specially designed bags to support animal welfare efforts.

Peta’s career exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one’s true passion. Though she initially aspired to become a civil engineer, she later realized her calling in design. After working as a Marketing Executive for nearly two years, she moved to London to study fashion at Ravensbourne University. There, she immersed herself in textile design, fashion journalism, pattern cutting, and menswear—an experience that realigned her path toward a thriving career. Her accomplishments include earning the Fashion Excellence Award for Innovation from the Caribbean Style & Culture Organization in Washington in 2017.

2024 Holiday Gift Suggestions

For the holiday season, Peta Odini’s designs offer a perfect blend of comfort and style. Here are her top picks:

Signature T-Shirts  

Budget-friendly t-shirts for kids and adults, and crop-shirts that Peta “can’t keep in stock.” She noted, “People love them because they can be dressed up or down.”

Swim Shorts 

With a fun and versatile design, these shorts are perfect for outings at the beach and beyond, as they can be styled for occasions such as holiday gatherings or festive events.

Button-Up Shirts These cool designs are made from uncommon, “interesting fabrics,” she shared, emphasizing their distinctive and unique style.

Peta’s collections embody her bold and effervescent Caribbean spirit, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday wardrobe! So, whether you’re shopping for gifts or jazzing up your look, Peta Odini designs are sure to bring joy and add to the merriment of the season.

The Future of Peta Odini

Peta envisions her brand as a glowing representation of Caribbean talent to a global audience. “I hope it’s a brand that can represent the Caribbean outside of the Caribbean,” she shared. Her goal is to establish a presence in multiple islands, making it easier for consumers to access locally made, high-quality fashion. “We’re so bent on buying everything from [fast fashion companies] like Shein… but I think it’s often because people don’t know where to find local or regional brands,” she added.

Peta has already begun to realize this vision through Common Ground, a store she co-owns with Ikesha Delpeshe. Founded to support local and regional entrepreneurs, Common Ground has two locations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal and the Gingerbread Hotel compound in Bequia. “I would love to see Common Ground in different islands,” Peta said. “Imagine going to a Common Ground Barbados and finding items made by Barbadians alongside products from other Caribbean countries. It’s about showing people that something like this can be made here in the Caribbean and made accessible to the masses.”

To learn more about the Peta Odini fashion collection or to place an order, visit their website or Instagram  page.