AN AFRO-CARIBBEAN STYLE STORY FEAT. ELLE’S AFROCENTRIC COLLECTION

Ellenor Paul-O’Neil is the founder of Elle’s Afrocentric Collection, a brand that connects Afro-Caribbean women to their roots through bold fashions.

St. Croix native Ellenor Paul-O’Neil, 44, known in fashion circles as Afrocentric Elle, is the founder of Elle’s Afrocentric Collection, a lifestyle brand established in 2022 that specializes in modern, Afro-inspired clothing and accessories.

But there’s so much more to the brand; it’s mission and meaning run deep.

Below, in her own inspiring words, Elle tells the story of Elle’s Afrocentric Collection—a story that is culturally centered and steeped in pride and purpose, and that is on a clear mission to connect Afro-Caribbean women to their roots through clothing that reaffirms their identity and compels them to lift as they climb.

Dress Better on the Weekend (DBOW): What ignited your love for fashion, particularly Afrocentric fashion? How did you get into the field?

Afrocentric Elle: My love for fashion began as a young girl who found joy in watching my mom, sisters, and aunties dress up and express themselves through style. My sisters could dress up! I would lay on the bed and watch my sister, Andrea, make up her own style. When my older sisters Sephra and Ezra came around, they were always fly.

My passion for Afrocentric fashion was truly ignited when I began exploring how clothing could tell stories, honor heritage, and empower women.

Growing up in the Caribbean, I was surrounded by vibrant colors, bold patterns, and a deep cultural pride that naturally drew me to Afro prints and textiles. Elle’s Afrocentric Collection was born out of my love for pattern and prints, and a desire to blend beauty with purpose, culture with commerce, and design with dignity.

DBOW: You have a unique perspective on African prints and fabrics as it relates to the Caribbean woman. Please explain.

AE: As a Caribbean woman with strong ties to Africa, I see African prints as more than just style, rather they are legacy, energy, and power. Caribbean women have a dynamic identity that empowers us to be resilient, expressive, and deeply rooted in both African and island traditions.

African prints speak to our history, but also to our everyday lives—the rhythm, the vibrancy, the strength. I design with the Caribbean woman in mind: someone who wants to be seen, celebrated, and comfortable in her skin. These fabrics are bold and carry legacy. I see them as a bridge between our ancestral past and our modern voice.

DBOW: What is the deeper purpose behind your brand? Why do you do what you do?

AE: At its core, Elle’s Afrocentric Collection is both a fashion brand and a ministry. Through our work, we provide seed funding and economic opportunities to women across Africa, helping them launch or grow their own businesses. In return, they sew and collaborate on my designs—creating a powerful cycle of empowerment.

I’ve opened two successful shops in Ghana and currently run one while maintaining active contracts with artisans in Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Congo, and Malawi. Our work is inspired by the Bese Saka Adinkra symbol, which represents affluence, power, abundance, and unity. This concept reminds us to engage in work that creates lasting economic impact.

We are rooted in this belief: that fashion can transform lives, not just closets.

I believe clothing should reflect who you are and who you’re becoming. This brand exists to help women—especially Caribbean and Afro-diasporic women—see themselves as bold, beautiful, and worthy of celebration.

DBOW: As part of the brand, you have regular, intentional “retail therapy” parties and gatherings. Explain what they are and what you want women to get out of them.

AE: Retail Therapy Rendezvous is a space where fashion meets soul care. These gatherings are about more than shopping. Women come together to connect, laugh, release, and rediscover themselves. It’s therapy through style, sisterhood, and self-celebration. I want women to walk away feeling affirmed, valued, and energized—clothed not only in beautiful fabrics, but also in purpose and possibility.

DBOW: Why should women shop Elle's Afrocentric Collection? What can they expect from the brand?

AE: Women should shop Elle’s Afrocentric Collection if they want to wear something that reflects both style and substance. When you wear our pieces, you’re stepping into boldness and supporting a global sisterhood. My pieces are thoughtfully designed for women by women to flatter different body types, spark conversation, and celebrate heritage.

I am creating pieces for my mom, your mom and sisters, aunties, and girlfriends. Customers can expect vibrant, high-quality fabrics, limited-edition drops, and a brand that honors both fashion and purpose. Every piece is curated to help you stand out and feel grounded at the same time.

DBOW: How do you come up with the inspiration for your fashions?

AE: My inspiration comes from the everyday women I serve, the cultures I cherish, and the stories I want to tell. I often collaborate directly with seamstresses and artisans who bring their regional flair to our pieces.

Caribbean culture, African history, street style, music, even the textures and colors of nature impact my pieces. But most of all, I design with real women in mind. I think about what will make her feel powerful at brunch, confident in a boardroom, or radiant at a community event. I also listen to my customers—their feedback helps shape each new collection.

DBOW: What advice would you give to women who tend to lean toward neutral tones, but who might be interested in adding more color and prints into their wardrobe?

AE: Start by treating color like a new conversation—one you ease into. Start small but intentional. Add a vibrant headwrap, a bold clutch, or a statement piece like a printed kimono over your usual outfit. Think of it as building color confidence one piece at a time. Prints and bold hues can be empowering—they help you step into your energy. The goal isn’t to be someone else; it’s to discover new ways to express the amazing woman you already are.

DBOW: What are some of your go-to pieces when it comes to Afrocentric fashion?

AE: I’m a big fan of my signature pants, wide-leg palazzo pants in Ankara fabric because they’re flattering, versatile, and instantly elevate your look. A printed blazer is another favorite—it transitions beautifully from casual to chic. And of course, you can never go wrong with a statement earring or headwrap to complete the look. These pieces make bold statements while staying true to cultural roots.

DBOW: Where can local USVI women purchase pieces from Elle's Afrocentric Collection?

AE: Local USVI women can shop with us at pop-up events, our signature Retail Therapy gatherings, and exclusive collaborations with local boutiques, such as Sweet Magnolia Boutique on St. Croix. We also take orders and offer private styling sessions. To stay updated, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ellesafrocentriccollection for drop alerts, event invites, and styling inspiration.

Ellenor Paul O’Neil is an educator, talent resources and education consultant, entrepreneur, designer, ministry leader, and public health leader.