Haiti Haiti fashion Haitian designer SANDILOU Sandra Russo

Sandra Russo is the one behind Sandilou, Art-a-Porter - wearable art.  Originally from Port-au-Prince Haiti, Sandra Russo is a self-taught artist. She took up painting on fabric in 1992 with her own label SANDILOU and has been pursuing her interest in textile art full-time in Grenada since 2005. Her bold designs depict her interest in nature, which she captures with fabric dyes and paint on Art silk and cotton. Her work has been shown in exhibitions in Haiti, Santo-Domingo, and in Grenada at the Grenada Arts Council gallery, and is included in several private collections. 

Each hand painted scarf is unique and is a true piece of wearable art. It makes a sophisticated accessory for casual or business outfits, as well as a perfect gift.- 100% Art Silk. (sandilou.com)

Designer, Sandra Russo at work 

See more of SANDILOU
                          

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MYSTIQUE 

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Atlanta Azede Jean-Pierre Haiti Haiti fashion Neiman Marcus

This time with Haitian Designer, 

                AZEDE JEAN-PIERRE

I stumbled across this picture of Solange when she attended big sis Beyonce's premier of “Life is but a Dream”.  I had to do a double take when I noticed the caption, "by Haitian born design Azede Jean-Pierre."  What?  How did I not know this?  

Well apparently I was one of the few who hadn't heard of Ms. Pierre, for this 23 year old has been called "the designer to watch" from some of the biggest names in the biz! 

Born in Haiti and raised in Atlanta, Jean-Pierre attended Savannah College of Art and Design.  She got her start in the fashion industry by interning for major luxury brands like Ralph Rucci and Ohne Titel.  Then Jean-Pierre launched her own New York-based line ,with her debut  Spring/Summer 2011 collection which put her on the map.   





Neiman Marcus in Atlanta also took notice and has featured one of Jean-Pierre's dresses in their store window.  

In her last collection for Fall '13, Jean-Pierre was inspired by the anatomy of a beetle.  With Fabrics, such as silk, satin, and leather structured in geometric shapes, and plenty of intricately stitched knitwear. You actually see the body of the beetle in every piece.  

Take a look, we are sure you will love this rising star as much as we do.  And did I mention she was Haitian?  So proud! 

"The Azede Jean-Pierre customer is a feminine woman who is not afraid to flirt with androgyny once in awhile  Her demeanor is that of a lady with a hidden sensuality about her. She is both delicate and dangerous."

For more information on Azede Jean-Pierre Check her site http://azedejean-pierre.com/.  She also has a blog http://uncouturier.blogspot.com/ 
















Resources:
http://www.refinery29.com/azede-jean-pierre
http://www.theones2watch.com/features/showandtell/11680


MB 

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Creation and Production Donna Karan Femme Haiti Haiti fashion Lecole Nouvelle Zoranje Paula Coles Urban Zen

Femmes Creation & Production at Karibe 

Photo credit: Richarson Dorvil

One of the first things that caught my eye when I arrived at Karibe Convention Center for Femmes Creation & Production, were these beautiful bags by Paula Coles.  The bags came in solid bold colors that popped right off of the display.  I immediately wanted one of each style.  From the ruffled clutch to the Ipad case. 

And when I found out that they were made of 100% recycled fabric scraps from t-shirts manufactured in Haitian factories.  I was even more impressed.

I immediately asked the a pretty young sister managing the booth how much, how many, and where can I pay???  She smiled and told me that the answers to all my questions could be answered by following the link to the website of Urban Zen, the brainchild of designer and the lover of Haitian artisan, Ms. Donna Karan. 

I explained that this was all well and good, but I was at the event now and ready to buy.  I quickly became fully aware that this was not going to happen.  How could this be??!! I am in Haiti, trying to purchase an item made in Haiti and I have to go to Donna Karan's website. Mwen Pa Konprann!  

Now I won't speak ill of Donna Karan as I don't have all the information, YET, but I do wonder how this exclusivity effects the Haitian artisan   

Unable to get this out of my mind I start looking into the bags.  I learned that a purchase of any item from Paul | Coles, Haiti directly pays for one of the annual tuition fees (classes, uniform, books, school supplies and computer classes) for one (1) child! The cost per child, per expense, is predetermined by PRODEV, an non-profit organization that Coles works with.   

PRODEV's École Nouvelle Zoranje 

So for now, I will keep my political opinion to myself, but if I can own a beautiful Haitian made piece while allowing a Haitian child to go to school, then as far as I can see it, it's a win/win.

“After the earthquake, I felt the need to do more- I was already helping an orphanage and felt that more was to be done, the condition of many people had worsened,  thus I looked for a project through which I could collect funds to send some kids to school”. That’s how it all started. (source)

For more info on Paul | Coles, Haiti: 

http://paulacoles.com/products-page/

 https://www.facebook.com/paulacoleshaiti 

http://urbanzen.com/haiti-artisan/paula-coles

To see the catalogue of Hatian Artisans involved with Urban Zen see:

http://issuu.com/urbanzen/docs/haiti_artisan_catalog?mode=embed&layout=http://skin.issuu.com/v/dark/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=true 

Check out this video shot by David Belle: Haitian Atisan with Donna Karan http://vimeo.com/24970779 

HM 

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Haiti fashion Haiti Fashion Week Haitian designer Michel Chataigne

I was first introduced to the famous Michel Chataigne as a teenager, at the end of one of my summer trips to Haiti. My cousins and I spent most of the summer in our hometown of Port Salut, but of course had to come back to Port-au-Prince to catch our flight home.  "Before we go back to New York, we have to go see Michel", my cousins informed me.  Michel did his magic with my hair, and I became a quick convert, making sure to see him at the end of every trip to Haiti.

Recently, I have become an even bigger fan, but now for his work as a designer.  I had the amazing pleasure of working alongside Mr. Chataigne during Haiti's first ever Fashion Week.  Michel, not only worked on the team that pulled off this amazing show, but he was also in charge of the hair and make-up teams, AND his runway show was the week's most talked about show.
Everything this man touches he excels at!

Michel has long been the go to designer of Haiti's fashion elite and those "in the know", but no one was ready for the looks he launch on the catwalk this Fall.  Michel Chataigne; designer, couturier, now creator of his own print! You heard right, all the patterns on the fabric that Michel uses has been designed and created by him. I was blown away.

I happened to get my hands on one of the most coveted items right off the runway, The Michel Chataigne "It bag".  The bag is made of Mr. Chataigne's signature animal print fabric, in cotton and raw straw.  It has small denim details, making this the ideal bag to either dress up or dress down.  There are side zipper pockets, and a silk interior. ALL MADE IN HAITI!  

Photo credit: Hibiscus Agency

I've been sporting my It Bag on several meetings while in DC, and due to the extreme interest, Mr. Chataigne is now willing to offer it to the masses.  Please, tell him know what you think right here and now  ** (Secret: there's also another print in the works).  Your feedback would be greatly appreciate!   

Photo credit: Emmanuel Jean-Marie/TDN

Photo credit: Emmanuel Jean-Marie/TDN

Photo credit: Emmanuel Jean-Marie/TDN

For more information: hmystique2011@gmail.com


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