Caribbean-American artistic Vinik Ernest is bringing his daring imaginative and prescient to life with the official launch of Palmtree magazine on Might 2. The journal, an extension of the bigger Palmtree model, celebrates Caribbean girls, carnival tradition, and creative expression throughout the diaspora.
Based by Ernest, a first-generation American of St. Lucian heritage, Palmtree is greater than a publication; it’s a cultural platform. “Palmtree is a model that celebrates Caribbean girls, carnival tradition, tender energy, boldness, and our tradition in a Palmtree approach — with a carnival spirit,” mentioned Ernest in an interview. “Carnival to me is celebration and unity.”
Ernest described Palmtree as each editorial and aspirational, aiming to offer an area the place Caribbean girls are seen, heard, and celebrated. The journal will function interviews, Q&As, and profiles on rising and established expertise within the Caribbean and its diaspora, together with vogue, modeling, artwork, movie, and tv protection.
Among the many girls featured within the debut difficulty are culinary innovator Nneka Nurse, who leads Caribbean Custom and Finest Dressed Plate, and media entrepreneur Melissa Noel, CEO of Mel&N Media and editor at Essence. Different featured voices embody author Tracey Khan, Dr. Corrie Amos, and up-and-coming fashions and creatives.
“Palmtree is sort of a combination of Playboy and V Journal — with style,” Ernest defined. “You might have the sexiness but additionally the fashion-forwardness and edge. However greater than that, it’s the place Caribbean girls shine and goals take flight.”
The model’s mascot, Pamela — a stylized palm tree with expressive eyes, full lips, and a crown—embodies this fusion of enjoyable, vogue, and empowerment. Ernest attracts inspiration from numerous influences, together with the Victoria’s Secret Trend Present, Miss Universe, Dwelling Single’s Taste Journal, and the Harlem Renaissance, significantly its architect Alain LeRoy Locke.
As an artist and author with a background in vocal efficiency and visible arts—skilled at establishments just like the Harlem College of the Arts and Brooklyn Excessive College of the Arts—Ernest sees Palmtree as a pure extension of his private and inventive journey. His imaginative and prescient, nevertheless, extends past print.
Palmtree’s long-term objective is to develop into a multimedia leisure firm — “a Caribbean model of Common Studios,” Ernest mentioned —spanning every little thing from animation and comedian books to stay performances. He goals to fill a cultural hole within the media panorama by creating house for Caribbean girls as heroines, creatives, and leaders.
At its coronary heart, Palmtree is about creating entry and visibility for Caribbean girls of all walks of life, from influencers and entrepreneurs to artists simply starting their journey.
“I wish to create a platform the place all Caribbean girls can shine,” he mentioned. “Your voice issues whether or not you’re already well-known or simply getting began.”
The journal’s launch occasion will replicate that spirit of celebration, that includes a Caribbean culinary expertise curated by Chef O. Smith of the newly opened Outdated Prepare dinner Store in Orange, N.J., performances by Future Xoda and Ilana, and music from acclaimed DJ Dylan Ali, recognized for her work with prime vogue manufacturers.
With goals of comedian books, animated collection, and world affect, Ernest units the stage for a brand new cultural renaissance—one rooted in Caribbean id, pushed by daring creativity, and centered on girls.
“Palmtree is for the dreamers,” Ernest mentioned. “It’s for anybody who believes within the magic of our tradition and the ability of girls to paved the way.”
