Giselle Laronde-West Launches Jewelry Line Inspired by T&T Culture
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Giselle Laronde-West, the 1986 Miss World, has launched a bespoke silver jewelry collection called 'Dancing in the Wind' in collaboration with designer Rhea Lee Sing.
- The collection aims to reflect Trinidad and Tobago's culture and heritage, featuring designs inspired by Carnival characters and folklore legends.
- Laronde-West, who always dreamed of creating jewelry, pursued this venture after retiring from the corporate world, aiming for valuable keepsakes at an affordable price.
Trinidad and Tobago's own Giselle Laronde-West, crowned Miss World in 1986, is stepping into the world of design with her new jewelry line, 'Dancing in the Wind.' This venture, a collaboration with local jewelry designer Rhea Lee Sing, is more than just a new business; it's a heartfelt expression of T&T's vibrant culture and rich heritage.
I donโt have an extensive collection, but I do have at least one or two pieces from most of our jewelers and artisans in Trinidad and Tobago, who all produce and sell beautiful work.
Laronde-West, who has always harbored a passion for jewelry making, sees this collection as a way to bring her lifelong dream to fruition. After a successful career in the corporate world, she found the perfect moment to explore her artistic side. The 'Dancing in the Wind' collection is designed to be more than mere adornments; it aims to capture the spirit of T&T's festivals, folklore, and ancestral stories, transforming them into wearable art.
I always wanted to produce jewelry for as long as I could remember. Life got in the way of me pursuing that dream, so I never had time to learn about it, get the training to be able to make it, or even try to turn it into a business.
This collection is particularly special because it seeks to create valuable keepsakes that are both beautiful and accessible. Unlike mass-produced items, these pieces are crafted with precious metal and imbued with cultural significance. The collaboration with Rhea Lee Sing was crucial, with Lee Sing's expertise helping to translate Laronde-West's vision into tangible designs. The process, which began in October 2025 and concluded in April 2026, was a meticulous journey of shared creativity.
I wanted to start a line of bespoke silver jewelry and needed to find a jeweler who was creative and who thought outside the box.
From the perspective of the Trinidad Express, this story celebrates local talent and the successful fusion of art, culture, and entrepreneurship. It highlights how individuals can leverage their experiences and passions to create something meaningful that resonates with national identity. The 'Dancing in the Wind' collection is a testament to the artistic spirit thriving in T&T, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's soul through the language of jewelry.
She totally understood what I wanted and what I should do.
Originally published by Trinidad Express in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.