George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Orinoco Odyssey blends fashion, sport, history and cultural storytelling into a deeply personal exploration of Jair’s Trinidadian and Venezuelan heritage. The exhibition traces the connections among the Orinoco River Delta, the Gulf of Paria, and the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago long before modern borders existed.
For Jair, the exhibition is the culmination of more than three years of research, design and storytelling.
“A lot of my work is based on historical facts,” he says. “How can I tell a story that otherwise may be overlooked through something tangible or relatable? Football became that vehicle for me.”
Through handcrafted garments, custom-designed football jerseys, hand-stitched footballs, patches, and accessories, Jair explores themes of migration, endurance, identity, and belonging.
One installation features three hand-stitched footballs representing the Venezuelan states of Delta Amacuro, Sucre, and Nueva Esparta—regions whose histories remain closely tied to Trinidad and Tobago and to Jair’s personal history.
“Everything is very connected,” says Jair. “My heart will always be about telling historical stories of where I’m from and translating them into something we can all appreciate and understand, like football.”
From George Brown student to emerging creative force
Jair’s path to becoming a designer and entrepreneur was shaped in part by his experience at George Brown. Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, but he remained committed to completing the program despite the disruptions of online learning.
He credits faculty members, including Professor Winnie Leung and Leah Barrett, for helping shape his perspective and encouraging his growth as a creative professional.
Today, Jair has expanded his brand, JIVE, internationally, with his footwear currently carried by retailers in Japan while continuing to build opportunities in Canada and abroad. His work continues to draw inspiration from textiles, history, design and the stories that connect communities across generations.
The exhibition also reflects personal family influences. Several pieces are inspired by his father's experience playing football in Claxton Bay, Trinidad, and fragments of his mother’s ancestral memory, while others reference the geography, trade routes and cultural exchanges that shaped the region's history.
“This project is really me diving deeper into who I am,” says Jair. “I grew up around sport, playing football competitively before transitioning into being a sponsored skateboarder, and all of those influences are still a part of me today.”
Football isn’t just present in this exhibition; it is embedded throughout his work. His signature JIVE sneaker, the La Foucade, is named after Trinidadian football coach Dion La Foucade, and many of the colourways reference the Caribbean and South America through names such as Mangroves and Sorrel. These references show that sport, place, and cultural history continue throughout his broader practice, not only within this exhibition.
Giving back to the George Brown community
While his career continues to grow, Jair remains closely connected to George Brown. Through JIVE, he has welcomed George Brown students into co-op placements, returned to campus as a guest speaker and maintained relationships with faculty, staff and fellow alumni.
His commitment to mentorship reflects his belief in supporting the next generation of creatives entering the industry.
“Jair is a remarkable example of the creativity and cultural storytelling we value at George Brown,” says Dr. Ana Rita Morais, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Creative Industries, and Culinary Arts. “His exhibition Orinoco Odyssey beautifully reflects his heritage and passion for sport, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements. Equally inspiring is his commitment to giving back to our students, demonstrating the lasting impact of our graduates.”
Jair hopes to continue sharing his time, expertise and encouragement with students while expanding his creative practice. He’s already working on his next project, which will explore Trinidad’s historical cotton trade, once again combining fashion, history and storytelling.
Advice for future students
Looking back on his own journey, Jair encourages students to stay curious and commit themselves to continuous learning.
“Read—a lot,” he says. “The industry is always changing. Supply chains, shipping, costs, regulations and processes are constantly evolving. The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you'll be to adapt, grow and reach your goals.”
Orinoco Odyssey is on display at the Waterfront Campus Store until July 26.
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