Isy B supports CIFEC Earth Day fashion show

By Lindsey Turnbull

In a fitting tribute to Earth Day, CIFEC held an Earth Day ‘Trashion’ Show on 22nd April, whereby young minds showcased their creativity using thrift shop finds.

The event came together when CIFEC educator and artist Sarah McDougall approached the Isy B. Fund with this project that she had in mind for her students. The project was a great fit for the fund’s philanthropic goals.

Fashion designer Isy B., famed for her beautifully colourful designs inspired by the Cayman environment, established the fund as an initiative which gives back to the Cayman Islands.

“The islands’ flora and fauna inspire Isy B. designs, so it made sense for us to work with groups seeking to protect the Island’s environment,” Isy explained. “The fund is a programme that provides a micro-grant to grassroots organisations and individuals making a difference in the Cayman Islands through sustainability and community work and the groups are often led by everyday heroes who don’t often get the recognition or support they deserve.”

Their aim is to support small projects that can create real impact; from protecting mangroves to educating youth about biodiversity.

“It’s sometimes the powerful small actions that make the biggest changes in our community,” Isy said, “but sometimes because of the small scale of the projects it can be hard to find resources for these activities. That’s why we created the Isy B. fund—to help bridge the gap, offer encouragement, and say, ‘We see you. We believe in what you’re doing. And we’re here to support you!’”

Isy said this was her first foray into sustainability and she wanted to make sure that they would do this right, so she assembled an advisory panel of a group of dedicated people with deep ties to sustainability, philanthropy, and the Cayman community.

“Each member brings a unique perspective to the project and helps ensure that our grants go to organisations that are doing meaningful, impactful work. We donate a proportion of our annual profits into the fund and make grants to local initiatives through a simple application and review process with the panel,” she advised.

Isy said they loved Sarah’s idea of having the CIFEC students turn unwanted items into runway-worthy outfits. 

“We made a micro-grant to the CIFEC programme, but additionally we donated some of our deadstock beach bags for the students to transform. We incorporate the principles of reuse, recycle, and upcycling into our design and this project offered a great opportunity for that. I also served as a judge on the panel awarding prizes to the best pieces,” she said.

In collaboration with Isy B, the students, who are studying BTEC Art & Design, were tasked with designing and producing a minimum of one garment. Each student’s artwork had to include a completed fashion design. Then, using 3D techniques, based on the title ‘Art of Fashion’, they created their design incorporating recycled or repurposed materials.

Sarah advised: “The Art & Design students were excited and very motivated to explore the global issues with fast fashion and textile waste. We teamed up with One Dog at a Time Thrift Store who run monthly offers for anyone attending the store - for example 10 tops for $5 throughout January!”

Jayquan Rankine, 17, produced ‘Deadly Currency’ and explained: “I transformed a second‑hand suit jacket into a bold statement piece that critiques fast fashion, overconsumption, and their hidden consequences. By using a thrifted jacket, I intentionally rejected the cycle of constant buying and discarding that defines fast fashion.”

Zoey Miller, 17, spoke about her artwork ‘Cut From What Exists’.

“The artwork is a contemporary, high‑fashion outfit created entirely from repurposed materials. The top is a deep‑plunging, haute‑couture‑inspired design constructed from pre‑existing men’s neckties. Carefully arranged and layered, the ties create structure, movement, and a striking focal point while retaining their original patterns and identity,” she stated.

Isy said it was amazing seeing the students’ imagination and creativity displayed on the runway.

“There were some truly runway-worthy designs from both students and teachers, made from paper, plastic, thrift store finds, and even a top made from a broken umbrella! I also loved the enthusiasm shown by all the students—both participants and audience members—and I felt very proud of the students and teachers, and very proud to be a part of it,” she said.

Looking ahead, Isy said she was always designing something new, and had been working on some new pieces for launch at the end of the year. She is also helping to produce Beyond the Scar, the Breast Cancer Foundation’s runway show on May 16th, 2026 at Hotel Indigo.

“I love projects that encourage people to be more creative and confident and feel privileged to be able to contribute to such great creative initiatives locally,” she said.