Acknowledging ‘Selling Fashion Collections’

by Jessel Brizan | VALSAYN, Trinidad and Tobago | 6 May April 2026

 

The following article includes an excerpt from the Acknowledgements section of Selling Fashion Collections: Navigating the Buying Process as a Fashion Entrepreneur from Routledge and Taylor & Francis Group.

The gift of gratitude is given to those who possess the God-given grace to grant graciousness. And those who possess that gift are as few as they are rare.

Given my belief system, I often pray to my Creator (the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) to connect me with the right people who not only add value to my life but are also receptive to the value I offer. I do not take for granted the people with whom I come into contact, whether for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Anyone familiar with my modus operandi is undoubtedly aware of my propensity to pay homage to those who have played a pivotal role in my endeavours and in my life. And the publication of Selling Fashion Collections is no exception. This undertaking would not have been possible without the immeasurable insight, support and/or contribution of various entities, physical and spiritual, terrestrial and celestial.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my Creator, my Source of inspiration, and my Muse for Your divine blessings, inspiration, wisdom, guidance, and protection. Thank You for bestowing me with a sense of purpose, passion, vision, and giving. Thank You for blessing me with the gifts of mind, body, and spirit. Thank You for granting me the strength, courage and spirit to fulfil that to which You have called me. Thank You for granting me the free will to share Your gifts and serve Your will and humanity in the highest ideals of Your divinity. I have served. I serve. I will be of service. I AM a Root of Jesse.

Olga Mitterfellner

There is a distinct difference between a lecturer and an educator. Thank you for exemplifying the true essence of being an educator. I genuinely appreciate your humility, unwavering support, selflessness, and dedication to the noble profession of education. Thank you for your tutelage and for genuinely striving for the success of your students. I am particularly grateful for your understanding of the importance of building relationships and your willingness to share your professional network. You are greatly valued and appreciated.

Routledge / Taylor and Francis

I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation for your thoughtful consideration of my work. The opportunity to submit my proposal and manuscript for publication is invaluable. I am eager to share my insights and experience with your esteemed audience and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the global fashion industry. Your support in this process means a great deal to me. Thank you for this opportunity. For their direct impact on this work, I would like to honourably acknowledge Kirsty Hardwick, Sophia Levine, Nicole Doyle, and Sarah Rae. My sincerest apologies if I neglected to include anyone.

The Chevening Secretariat and the British High Commission, Port of Spain

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded a 2023 Chevening Scholarship and for the opportunity to join the esteemed global Chevening alumni. Thanks to your generous support, I successfully pursued further education in the United Kingdom and enhanced my capacity and skills as a leader, educator, and entrepreneur. Moreover, I fulfilled my desire for an immersive experience by engaging with the vibrant London fashion industry, interacting with diverse individuals, exploring the rich culture, and visiting the iconic landmarks that define London and the broader UK. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities afforded to me through Chevening.

Sanya Mathura

From the moment I met you and Tanya, our relationship has blossomed into one I deeply value. This includes officially becoming ‘publisher-mates’ if there is such a thing. Thank you for sharing your insight, experience, continual support, and endorsement. Moreover, I am extremely impressed by your accomplishments and the grace with which you navigate your profession. You personify that “woman is the glory of creation”.

Andrew Ramroop

From attending the Chevening farewell reception at the British High Commission, Port of Spain, to accommodating me at the Maurice Sedwell atelier in London, to bestowing your endorsement, your support and contribution are deeply appreciated. Even though I don’t believe in any form of monarchical system, you are the closest thing Trinidad and Tobago has to royalty, in my humble opinion. You have my utmost respect and gratitude.

The Global Fashion Industry

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the global fashion industry for its profound impact on my personal and professional growth. The creativity and innovation inherent in this industry have served as a continuous source of inspiration throughout my educational and professional journey. It has not only shaped my sense of identity, style, and self-expression, but also provided me with the tools and opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve. The fashion industry has provided me with numerous opportunities, facilitated connections with exceptional individuals, and enabled me to establish a career I am genuinely proud of. I would like to express my gratitude to all individuals and entities within this industry who have significantly contributed to my personal and professional development. Your dedication, expertise, passion, and vision have had a profound impact on my journey.

You all have my eternal gratitude!

Selling Fashion Collections: Navigating the Buying Process as a Fashion Entrepreneur is available for purchase now at a 20% discount on Routledge.com.

A native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Jessel Brizan is a fashion entrepreneur, educator and author with over two decades of experience in the creative industries, tertiary education, and the global fashion industry. He began his career in New York, working with Macy’s Merchandising Group and Solo Licensing Corporation on brands such as Alfani, Betsey Johnson, and Spalding. A graduate of American International College in Massachusetts, he distinguished himself academically, graduating summa cum laude as class valedictorian. He later pursued formal training in menswear design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, where he deepened his expertise in design, production and merchandising. Jessel pioneered several firsts in the Caribbean fashion landscape. As founder of Jessel Brizan Design Group Ltd., he established the first local fashion e‑commerce platform, enabling global sales and fulfilment. In 2012, he launched Blue Basin Department Stores Ltd., the first local retail concept connecting Caribbean designers and artisans with international markets. He also played a key role in forming The Fashion Exchange Co‑operative Society Limited, the region’s first fashion co‑operative. An educator at heart, he served a decade at the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design, where he developed and taught courses in digital fashion design, technical illustration, creative fashion presentations and portfolio development. His work introduced the region’s first curricula in digital fashion design and technical package creation. Jessel’s expertise has been sought by FashionTT, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the National Training Agency and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, where he has contributed to the national standard for sustainable garment manufacturing. In 2023, he was awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship and earned a Master’s in Fashion Business Management from the University of Westminster. He continues to advocate for a globally competitive, sustainable Caribbean fashion ecosystem, presenting thought leadership at regional forums such as the Caribbean Investment Forum 2025. As an author, he has published Costing for Fashion and Technical Package Development for Excel, practical guides that support designers and entrepreneurs in navigating the global fashion landscape. Guided by his philosophy of “philanthropy through fashion”, he remains committed to education, industry development and mentoring at‑risk youth.

Education, Industry, Magazine, Publishing, Fashion, BusinessJessel BrizanSelling Fashion Collections, British High Commission Port of Spain, Chevening, Chevening Awards, Chevening Alumni, Jessel Brizan, jessel brizan design group, Routledge, Taylor & Francis, Taylor & Francis Group, Olga Mitterfellner, Sanya Mathura, Andrew Ramroop, Brizan Publishing, fashion brand consultant CaribbeanComment