Although he’s built a career in music, Michael Robinson continues to find new ways to push his own boundaries. Last September, the Saint Lucian artist marked another first — performing on one of the world’s biggest fashion stages, New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Dressed in a tailored ensemble from Japanese designer Shun, Robinson took the stage at the designer’s runway show, his look echoing the collection’s minimalist sophistication.
“His collection is Japanese-inspired. Sleek, elegant, modern,” Robinson told St. Lucia Times. “So, I had to match my energy and performance with that.”
Though not new to fashion events as he has performed at Export Saint Lucia, Robinson said the NYFW stage took him out of his comfort zone in the best way.
“It was a totally different spotlight than what I’m used to,” he said, recalling a crowd of diverse faces fixed on the runway. “But then while performing, I started to see the smiles, then the phones came out, people were moving, some even stood up to dance.”
Keen to blend Caribbean rhythm into the high-fashion ambience, Robinson performed three of his original tracks; Body Language, Honestly, and his latest single Muse.
Robinson’s connection with Shun came through a mutual friend, Saint Lucian photographer and videographer Jelani Paul, who works internationally. Robinson said it was another reminder of how authentic connections and openness to creative expression continue to drive his career forward.
His September appearance in New York was more than just a fashion moment; it capped off a milestone month. Robinson also attended the Caribbean Music Awards after earning his second nomination. This time, he was up for Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year, alongside 5 Two, Kalash, Kanis, Naïka, and Stefflon Don.
“To be even mentioned in categories with people like Kalash and Stefflon Don, and to be on the red carpet with Buju Banton, Sizzla, Shenseea, you know some of whom I would have grown up looking up to, it’s just an honour,” he said. “I feel like I’m definitely onto something. People are really starting to lock in with my brand, MR, and my music.”
Now, Robinson is working on his next project — an EP or possibly a full album — with international collaborations in the mix. He’s keeping the details under wraps but hinted that a concert might also be on the horizon.
As for fashion, the NYFW experience may be another stitch in the multicoloured fabric of an ever-expanding career, but Robinson says he’s open to more. “I think music and fashion go hand in hand,” he said. “I love the idea of stepping outside my usual spaces, being part of a global creative moment. Working with Shun opened my eyes to new ideas, so I’m definitely open to doing more fashion shows.”
For Robinson, moments like NYFW fit neatly into a larger vision of what he hopes his career will represent. “I think it’s about growth and stepping into new arenas,” he said. “I want my career to be about more than just music… About creating experiences, connecting with different industries and personalities, and showing my versatility. NYFW was another chapter in that journey, and I look forward to bringing the MR brand to a global stage.”
