From Sketch to Crown: The Story Behind Shakyrah Davis's Miss Caribbean UK Pageant Dress

When Shakyrah Davis stepped onto the stage at Miss Caribbean UK, the room was captivated—not only by her poise and confidence but by the gown she wore, a design crafted with heart and pride by our clothing line, Dekaria.

Shakyrah isn’t just Miss Caribbean UK; she’s also my best friend, and creating her winning look was an experience filled with joy, cultural inspiration, and a deep connection to our roots. From the initial sketches to the final fitting, this dress was a labor of love, celebrating Shakyrah’s journey and the spirit of the Caribbean. Today, we’re thrilled to share the story behind this design and how it became a part of Shakyrah’s crowning moment.

The Design Process: A Dress Rooted in Culture and Celebration

Creating Shakyrah’s dress was more than a design project; it was a celebration of heritage and symbolism. The inspiration for this gown stemmed from the vibrant bougainvillea flowers that bloom across the Caribbean islands, particularly Antigua. Their stunning fuchsia tones became the heart of our design, a color that not only stands out but holds deep cultural resonance.

We crafted the bodice with a corset structure to give Shakyrah an elegant, regal silhouette—befitting a queen. Adorning the top of the gown are delicate diamond-like beads, chosen to capture the festive spirit of Carnival. Each bead’s color and sparkle represent the dazzling costumes, lively dances, and the joy of Carnival celebrations. The dress itself was designed to mirror the energy, strength, and beauty that Shakyrah embodies as a Caribbean woman.

Through every fitting and adjustment, our focus was on creating a dress that Shakyrah would feel proud to wear—a piece that would connect her to her roots while empowering her to shine on the Miss Caribbean UK stage. The result was a gown that transformed tradition and inspiration into elegance and confidence, helping Shakyrah truly feel like the queen she is.

The Impact of a Winning Dress

When Shakyrah stepped onto the stage at Miss Caribbean UK, it was clear she was ready to shine. Her confidence radiated, and she owned the stage in a way that left everyone captivated. The gown, with its vibrant fuchsia hues and sparkling embellishments, perfectly captured her spirit and the energy of the Caribbean. The judges and audience alike were mesmerized—not only by her presence but by the gown itself. The result? Shakyrah was awarded Best Dressed, a testament to the dress’s elegance and the pride she felt while wearing it.

As a designer, witnessing this moment was a personal and professional highlight. The response was overwhelming; I received countless compliments on the gown, along with requests from others looking to experience a custom Dekaria design. Shakyrah’s Best Dressed win opened doors, sparking new opportunities to create unique, statement-making pieces that celebrate individuality and cultural heritage. The impact of that night, and the dress, will always be a proud milestone in Dekaria’s journey.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing a Vision to Life

Creating Shakyrah’s winning look was an adventure filled with inspiration, late nights, and careful planning. It all started with countless trips to fabric shops, hunting for the perfect stretch fabric that would provide both comfort and elegance, allowing her to move confidently on stage. Finding the ideal material was essential to ensure that the dress complemented her silhouette and provided a luxurious, form-fitting look.

To keep the vision focused and inspired, I created a mood board on Pinterest, drawing in images of vibrant bougainvillea flowers, iconic Caribbean styles, and sparkling Carnival costumes. This mood board became a creative anchor, guiding each decision and helping me stay true to the essence of both Shakyrah’s personality and our Caribbean roots.

I also decided to design custom gloves, a bold addition that added sophistication and elegance to the overall look. Crafting the gloves with the same stretch fabric and embellishing them to match the gown ensured a cohesive, standout appearance. Every detail, from the gown to the gloves, was crafted with care and attention, knowing it would all come together for a truly memorable entrance.

Each step of this journey, from selecting fabrics to final fittings, was about creating something exceptional. Seeing Shakyrah radiate confidence on stage made every moment of preparation worth it.

A Dress That Made Headlines

Shakyrah’s journey didn’t end on the Miss Caribbean UK stage; it continued to make waves back in Antigua, the country she proudly represented. Following her win, she appeared in multiple press outlets, including the Antigua Observer and Caribbean Loop News, each showcasing her stunning look and sharing the story behind her achievement. Seeing Shakyrah featured in these publications was incredibly rewarding, as it highlighted not only her win but also the cultural pride woven into the gown.

The media coverage captured the essence of Shakyrah’s journey and brought wider recognition to the design. Her interviews and press shots celebrated her heritage, while the gown became a symbol of Caribbean beauty and strength. This exposure has brought new opportunities to Dekaria, with inquiries from people inspired by the design and eager to wear a piece that reflects both elegance and identity.

From the stage to the headlines, Shakyrah’s story—and the gown she wore—continues to inspire and connect with audiences near and far.

Final Thoughts: A Moment of Pride and Inspiration

Shakyrah’s victory at Miss Caribbean UK was more than a personal win—it was a celebration of heritage, hard work, and the unwavering support she received along the way. In her acceptance speech, Shakyrah expressed how surreal it felt to bring the crown home to Antigua and to make pageant history by winning four titles: overall winner, Best Evening Wear, the People’s Choice Award, and Best Charity Pitch. “It’s such a surreal feeling to have brought the Crown home,” she shared, “and to break a record for the pageant organisation by winning four titles.”

Her dedication to preparation, from practicing late into the night to gathering advice from past queens, was a testament to her commitment and determination. She acknowledged the profound support she received from friends, family, and the Antiguan and Barbudan community both on the island and in the UK, which fueled her confidence and helped her overcome any initial nervousness about competing.

Reflecting on the honor of designing Shakyrah’s Best Evening Wear-winning gown, I’m deeply grateful for the chance to create something that allowed her to truly shine on stage. The gown not only highlighted her elegance but became part of a larger story that celebrates Caribbean pride and unity. The feedback we’ve received since has been both overwhelming and inspiring, with new opportunities emerging to design for others who resonate with our brand’s unique blend of culture and style.

As Shakyrah looks forward to using her platform to represent Antigua and Barbuda and support causes like the Sunshine Home for Girls, I’m reminded of the power fashion has to tell stories and connect people. I couldn’t be prouder of Shakyrah’s achievements or of the role Dekaria played in helping her feel empowered and ready to take on the world.

We’re excited to continue creating designs that celebrate individuality, confidence, and cultural heritage—just as this gown did for Shakyrah on her journey to the crown.