Fashion is stepping into the future . . . literally powered by the sun. Barbadian fashion innovator Xela is turning heads with Soul-R Fashion, a brand that merges sustainability with cutting-edge technology. Since launching in June 2025, Soul-R Fashion has been pushing boundaries with solar-powered clothing and accessories, capturing sunlight and converting it into usable electricity.
Today, Soul-R Fashion makes its official debut at the Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) Sustainability Fashion Show Runway at the historic Old Spirit Bond in The City. Attendees can expect to see a stunning collection of solar fashion that is as elegant as it is innovative.
Twenty-four-year-old brand ambassador Richelle Haynes couldn’t contain her excitement. She showcased one of the solar-powered bags, demonstrating its ability to charge a mobile phone or any device simply by plugging it in.
“Sustainable fashion is interesting and unique. It’s different to walk around with electricity on you. With this bag, you’re both charged – literally and figuratively. I’m eager to explore it even more.”
The collection features a variety of solar-powered items: bags that store energy, beaded bags that change colour in sunlight, jackets, dresses and even Sargassum seaweed earrings that glow in the dark and shift hues under the sun. Every piece is crafted using sustainable materials such as cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester, demonstrating that style and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Haynes believes the brand has tapped into a fashion trend that resonates with environmentally-conscious consumers.
“People who care about the environment will fall in love with this.
I hope the showcase at the fashion show inspires others and receives positive feedback,” she said.
She also commended Soul-R Fashion’s bold approach.
“Many designers focus solely on the look, not the environment,” she said.
“Sustainable fashion should be the norm because everyday fashion often uses chemicals and dyes that harm the planet. Solar-powered fashion is a step in the right direction.”
