Xavier Walker is a fashion producer, casting professional, and cultural connector whose work is redefining how Caribbean designers and creatives access global fashion platforms. Born and raised in Jamaica, Walker began his journey as a freelance model before relocating to the United States, where he quickly immersed himself in the international fashion industry. What began in front of the camera soon evolved into a broader vision behind the scenes. Drawing from his lived experience as a model, Walker transitioned into casting, production, and fashion week development, building a career rooted in both creative insight and operational expertise. His ability to navigate multiple facets of the fashion ecosystem has become one of his defining strengths.
Walker is the Founder and CEO of the Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC), a platform dedicated to elevating emerging designers, particularly those connected to the Caribbean, onto global stages such as New York Fashion Week. Under his leadership, CFC has become known for its commitment to diversity, cultural authenticity, and professional excellence, producing runway showcases, industry workshops, and networking opportunities that connect creative talent with global markets. In addition to leading CFC, Walker has played a pivotal role n fashion week strategy and production for established and emerging designers. From 2022 to 2025, he served in Fashion Week Development for Negris Lebrum, contributing to the brand’s runway growth and presence within the New York Fashion Week landscape.
Your journey began as a freelance model in Jamaica before evolving into a fashion producer and casting director in the U.S. What pivotal moments shaped that transition from being in front of the camera to leading creative direction behind the scenes?
My transition really began with observation. As a freelance model in Jamaica, I was always curious about what was happening beyond the runway, who was making the decisions, how stories were being shaped, and why certain faces or cultures were elevated while others weren’t. When I moved to the U.S. and started working more closely with agencies and production teams, I realized how much power exists behind the scenes. A pivotal moment was recognizing that I could use my firsthand experience as a model to improve systems—casting, communication, and representation. That shift wasn’t about leaving modeling behind, but about expanding my impact and helping shape opportunities for others.
2. Caribbean Fashion Collective has become a powerful platform for emerging designers. What gap in the fashion industry inspired you to create CFC, and how did your Caribbean roots influence its mission?
I noticed a clear gap: Caribbean designers had talent, vision, and cultural depth, but lacked consistent access to global platforms. When they did appear, it was often in isolation rather than within a supportive ecosystem. My Caribbean roots shaped CFC’s mission deeply, we come from cultures built on resilience, creativity, and community. CFC was created to be more than a runway show; it’s a bridge. A space where designers aren’t just showcased, but supported, respected, and positioned for long-term growth.
3. Representation and cultural storytelling are central to your work. How do you ensure that Caribbean identity is authentically expressed on global stages like New York Fashion Week?
Authenticity starts with listening. We prioritize the voices of designers and creatives telling their own stories rather than filtering them through external expectations. Caribbean identity isn’t monolithic, so we avoid stereotypes and surface-level aesthetics. Instead, we focus on craftsmanship, narrative, and intention. From casting to music to production flow, every element is curated to honor culture without diluting it for mainstream consumption.
4. The Caribbean diaspora is incredibly diverse. How do you balance honoring individual island cultures while presenting a cohesive narrative through CFC showcases?
The cohesion comes from shared values rather than uniform aesthetics. Each island has its own history, rhythms, and influences, but we’re connected by themes of migration, resilience, and innovation. CFC allows designers to express their individuality while being part of a collective story. Think of it as a mosaic: distinct pieces that come together to form something powerful and unified.
5. As a casting director, you’ve helped redefine runway representation. What does inclusive truly mean to you, beyond visibility, and how do you practice it in your work?
Inclusion isn’t just about who is seen, it’s about who is supported, respected, and given real opportunity. For me, it means casting across sizes, ages, genders, and backgrounds, but also ensuring models are treated professionally and thoughtfully. Inclusion shows up in pay equity, communication, preparation, and long-term career development. Visibility is the starting point, not the finish line.
6. Caribbean designers are gaining increased recognition in global fashion. What do you believe has contributed to this shift, and what challenges still remain?
There’s a growing global appetite for authenticity and storytelling, and Caribbean designers bring both in abundance. Social media, diaspora networks, and independent platforms have also helped bypass traditional gatekeepers. However, challenges remain, access to funding, manufacturing infrastructure, and sustained global exposure are still major hurdles. Recognition is growing, but equity is still a work in progress.
7. How do you translate culture, history, and community into a runway experience?
By treating the runway as a narrative space rather than just a presentation. Every show has intention—whether it’s reflected through styling, pacing, sound, or casting. Culture lives in the details: fabric choices, movement, energy, and the people involved. The community shows up in collaboration. When everyone involved understands the “why” behind the show, it becomes an experience rather than just a moment.
8. What lessons have you learned about building a sustainable fashion organization while staying true to your artistic values?
Sustainability requires structure. Passion alone isn’t enough, you need systems, transparency, and partnerships that align with your mission. I’ve learned the importance of saying no to opportunities that don’t align, even when they look good on paper. Staying true to artistic values means building slowly, intentionally, and with integrity.
9. For aspiring creatives from the Caribbean who want to enter the global fashion industry, what advice would you give them about navigating spaces that weren’t originally built with them in mind?
Don’t wait for permission. Learn the system, but don’t feel pressured to assimilate into it. Your difference is your strength. Build community, seek mentors, and create your own platforms when doors don’t open. Most importantly, understand your value before entering any space, confidence rooted in self-awareness is powerful.
10. Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Caribbean Fashion Collective, and how do you hope your work will influence the future of global fashion culture?
My vision is for CFC to be a global institution that nurtures Caribbean talent across fashion, education, and business. I want it to be a launchpad, a resource, and a cultural archive. Ultimately, I hope our work helps shift global fashion culture toward deeper representation, where diversity isn’t a trend, but a foundation.
