So I’m headed to Haiti in a few weeks with designer Azede Jean Pierre and a score of fashionable folks. This trip is meaningful to me because my Dad is Haitian! And while he has made many a trip back (and has even done some relief work), I’ve only been once. I’m excited to learn more about my culture, the country, and ways I can use my platform to raise awareness and support.
As a fashion lover, of course I’ve been thinking about What to Wear for my trip. And while I’m there, I thought it only fitting to wear Haitian designers to show just how talented Haitian designers are! I’ve done a bit of research and uncovered 15 + Bomb Haitian designers you should know.
In no particular order…
1. Azede Jean Pierre
Of course Azede gets first pick since she is organizing this trip! The young prodigy was born in Haiti, then matriculated to SCAD before launching her eponymous line (I always like to say that we were the first to write about her before Elle and Vogue caught wind). Her designs are art filled, expertly draped, and undeniably beautiful. Bombshells like Solange and even First Lady Michelle Obama are fans, and have worn Azede Jean-Pierre to red carpet events and on magazine covers.
Stella Jean is another fabulous Haitian designer who has enjoyed mainstream success. The Haitian-Italian’s designs showcase Afro-Caribbean prints and artscapes with European tailoring. Beyonce and Rihanna’s patronage helped make Stella Jean more of a household name.
Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss uses his creations to spark discussion and comment on civil rights issues of the day. Though he has unveiled many runway shows (he specializes in luxurious, streamlined sportswear for mainly men though he recently delved into womenswear), he is most known for his revolutionary t-shirts like his “They Have Names” tee that enumerated the names of black men unjustly slain by law enforcement, and his “Juneteenth” tee, worn by Usher, to acknowledge the Juneteenth Holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
I’d rock any of Pyer Moss’s Tees whilst in Haiti! And, if I’m going for an athletic look, any of the below will do:
Charles Dieujuste offers evening gowns that ooze elegance, romance, and simple sophistication. If you have a gala to attend, Dieujuste would be the one to tap.
From Fashion Bomber of the Year to haberdasher? Yes, this all happened on Fashion Bomb Daily. Davidson Petit-Frere appeared on our screens in 2012 as a dapper real estate investor who preferred custom made suits over right off the rack. He clearly had skill (the response to him was overwhelming, so much so that he was crowed Fashion Bomber of the Year). Perhaps fueled by the reception, Frere partnered with Aleks Musika to create Musika Frere, a line of bespoke suits and tuxes. What started off as him suiting himself nicely for work mushroomed into a booming business with suits and blazers worn by Kevin Hart, Diggy Simmons, Mack Wilds, and More.
We like to say we make dreams come true here on FBD (or at least open the door). See more at MusikaFrere.com.
Boston based Claude Michelle specializes in runway ready dresses and bespoke suits. What started off as a bowtie and necktie business has ballooned into Rowing, a collection of both classically elegant and sporty pieces Claude designs with his fraternal twin brother Claudel.
I want that blue and white dress!! Though he’s one of the newer designers on this list, he is certainly one to watch. See more on ClaudesMichelle.com.
Fashion Bomb Daily is a long time fan and supporter of Rue 107 and its designer Marie Jean-Baptiste. The line comprises stretchy, punchy separates with both straight size and plus sized Bombshells in mind.
I’m already a fan, and have worn Rue 107 on many occasions.
I can’t wait to wear them anew! Purchase the above at Rue107.com.
Kareen Singh designs custom skirts from her hometown of Montréal, under the name K. Singh Creations. The Haitian-Trinidadian-Canadian Bombshell can fashion fringed, chained, and embellished jupes sur mesure.
Fashion Designer and Blogger Paola Marthe aka @FindingPaola has created a line of boldly printed head wraps called Famn Djanm (Strong Woman in Haitian Creole). On Instagram, she wrote, “Fanm Djanm (@fanmdjanm) is not just a lifestyle brand. It’s an ongoing project celebrating strength, beauty, vulnerability, softness, growth, and sisterhood.”
Junes Yves’s cartoon like designs of pop figures are the perfect fit for the young, bold, and fashion forward. Cadet creates bright, unexpected separates, tees, and tanks for both men and women.
The cool pieces are both cute and affordable. Purchase at JunesYves.com and follow on Instagram @JunesYves.
Levenity is a contemporary women’s ready-to-wear sportswear brand from Dallas, Texas. Pieces in their latest collection include color block jackets, dresses, and crop top embellished with grommets and mesh.
I absolutely love the brand’s sporty sensibility. Purchase at LeVenity.com.
Me Jeanne Couture has everything from evening gowns and pageant gowns to sumptuous prom and wedding dresses, made to order. The bedazzling details are impeccable.
South Floridian Resort Wear is Laura LaFrance’s specialty. Short skirts, crop tops, and skinny pants are all perfectly pegged for luxurious relaxation in a sunny locale.
Look saucy at the beach or pool this summer with a scintillating Swimsuit from G Saints. I’m a fan of their fringed bikini, but they have loads of styles for various body types.
The list of haberdashers continues to grow! Guys, you won’t have a shortage of well tailored suits if you consult this list!
Enter Ron N Ron, a dynamic design house whose clothing has been worn by Jay Z, Jamie Foxx, Hill Harper and Courtney Vance.
They’re by appointment only! See more here and on Instagram @RonandRon.
That does it!
This is by no means a comprehensive list. If you know of any other Haitian designers we may have missed, please leave a comment and we’ll continue to update this post.
Until then, what do you think?
*Levenity Image C/O Brent Baxter Photography.
Today’s Bomb Product is on our radar thanks to India Love’s stylist Marlos K. The $990 pink Gucci Loved Rainbow Stripe T-Shirt is a fresh take on the classic silhouette and can be worn with several different looks to spice things up!
I love how Mieka Joi of Rich Girl Candy rocked it with black lace up front leggings and a peach-colored Chanel Vanity Case. The side stripes add just the right amount of contrast.
The soft cotton-jersey T-shirt features a crew neck, short raglan sleeves, and contrast ribbing on the sleeves and neck.
It’s appliquéd with black sequined Gucci Gothic lettering and rainbow stripes across the chest. The brand’s ‘Loved’ slogan is also printed on the back.
If you really want to make this piece hit, use it to break up denim on denim like our Bombshell Brooke Taylor. For her foot work, she opted for a killer pair of blue velvet Balenciaga thigh-highs to play up the rainbow stripes. As for her pink denim jacket and blue denim skirt, both are by Marc Jacobs.
Personally, I’d rock this with some denim cutoff shorts and platform sneakers.
In an industry brimming with a lot of “out there” ensembles that garner attention for both great and not-so-great reasons, Fendi’s Resort 2018 collection was just plain pretty. It was a nice palette cleanser for those like myself who are knee-deep in all kinds of looks day-in and day-out, so hopefully it will be as refreshing for you!
Though real-time wear calls for plaid when this assortment drops in October, it’s hard to really think about the classic pattern right now. Lagerfeld fashioned it into boxy separates, midi dresses, drawstring ruffle-hem skirts for maximum functionality, and dresses with the same sporty waistband.
Coats were impossible to miss with brightly-hued fur cuffs, in functional bomber styles, and sumptuous fur. The collection’s pointed-toe thigh-high stompers were the perfect complements to round out a modern day woman’s seasonal wardrobe.
Florals felt fresh and new on sculptural takes on the on-trend bomber, green contrast embroidery on luxurious fur coats, high-fashion spins on the banded track pant, and midi-length pleated skirts.
Pearls injected that quintessential sophistication that Lagerfeld knows so well—strewn across cutesy yet modern mini backpacks, flap satchels, and of-the-moment chokers.
Kelly Rowland, Hailey Baldwin, and Priyanka Chopra are just a smattering of the house’s global legion of fans. And they would look positively delightful in the assemblage’s array of red carpet-ready dresses. A yellow pleated frock would look ravishing against Rowland’s skin, while a sheer floral embroidered peplum blouse and skirt is right up Chopra’s alley.
For all the white parties, weekend getaways, and backyard cookouts going down this weekend, get a few ideas on how to slay your Memorial Day look with today’s style inspirations.
If you’re headed to an all-white party, style a one-shoulder midi length dress with a triple-strap gold sandal.
Complete the look with a monogram leather clutch and gold jewelry, including a pair of gold chain tassel drop earrings.
Chic up a strapless draped bow crop top with high-waist wide-leg pants for a sophisticated white-on-white look.
Add shimmering details with a pair of silver ball drop earrings, a metallic leather clutch, and satin crystal-embellished buckle pumps.
Getting away this weekend? Step your poolside game up in a white halterneck swimsuit offset by a floral and striped print kimono.
Complete the look with a pair of frayed satin slides, a straw tote, black satin headband, and oversized color-block square shades.
Opt for a nautical take on your Memorial Day look with a navy checked front-wrap top paired with wide-leg linen pants.
Give the look a Martha’s Vineyard feel with a wide-brim denim trimmed straw hat, a woven rattan and white leather top-handle bag, silver ankle strap sandals, and round-frame sunglasses.
And if your weekend plans call for something a little more casual, top a pair of distressed denim shorts with an over-sized boyfriend tee.
Dress up the look with a pair of platform espadrille wedges or gingham print twill sandals, a red leather zip pouch, and an embroidered baseball cap.
And that’s! Cheers to a fabulous 3-day weekend and the first unofficial weekend of summer! What are your plans this Memorial Day?
Happy Friday, ladies and gents! I can only imagine how lit this weekend will be for you all given the holiday! Before you jet, here’s a look at the looks you guys liked the most on Instagram:
Kelly was spotted on her way to Beyonce’s push party in an African co-ord by Bombchel. Given the African theme, it was the perfect set for the occasion. I mean, who doesn’t love a good crop top of the shoulder ‘fit? Add to that a bomb print and its on, right?
The flowy aesthetics of the dress allow for a night of dancing or maybe even a tropical vacation. I don’t about you, but my vacation radar went up once I saw this look. Summer is upon us, so I know I can’t be the only one plotting to get this look.
La reine, Celine, aka the Queen was a vision in this angelic all white gown by Stephane Roland. She graced the red carpet of the billboard’s this year in all her glory.
As a performer for the night, the dress was the “it factor” for the veteran singer. From the deep plunge that graduated into precious embellishment, to the billowy shoulders contrasted by her petite frame in a form fitting silhouette, it was just magic!
Do we even need to be surprised about Michelle’s apparent winning streak? This striped Orocéo Castro skirt suit is oh so good! Notice how the vertical striped clutch coupled with the horizontal stripes of the suit are the perfect pair despite the contrast. The oxford heels bring the power look together giving us boss girl vibes. Everything about this look is a YES!
Rihanna was out and about in the perfect casual look accessorized with high end accessories. Donning a simple Buju Banton tee with a pair of Dior sunnies and handbag, it was high low fashion at its best. How easy would it be to replicate this look? It’s no wonder you guys piled on the likes. We all know Rihanna is and will always be a trendsetter.
Kate Middleton looked as sweet as can be at her sister, Pippa’s wedding. She wore a custom blush Alexander McQueen chiffon dress with a matching fascinator for the occasion. Her coif of choice added just the right amount of sophistication to her look, after all she is royalty.
The voice behind some of the hottest R&B ballads of our generation (Let me Love You, Music for Love, and more) is set to release a new album this summer, and has already enticed our earbuds with his single Let Me Help You.
He said, “I think my inspiration varies. Growing up, I listened to Gospel, R&B, my mom played the piano, my uncle played jazz. [In my album, you’ll find] some classical influences, some retro futuristic R&B, and classic ballads.”
Mario’s personal trials and tribulations have made as many headlines as his musical repertoire, so we had to ask him how he stays positive and motivated. He says, “My dreams and my ambition and the things I want to accomplish in life keep me motivated. I see a lot of people who have a lot of opportunities or wealth or success and they’re miserable. It shows me that it’s our choice to be happy no matter what. I have a very blessed life. I have a lot of great opportunities and a lot of great people that I work with creatively. I feel like I have to be the driving force in my personal universe to keep everybody motivated and keep them going.”
Mario is extremely accomplished–but what is his definition of success? He offers, “I think of happiness when I think of success. I think of being happy and being able to add something to the culture. Success is when it trickles down to other people’s lives, and you can create opportunities for other people and see them flourish in their will and intention. So to me that’s what success is for sure.”
Keep it locked here for details on Mario’s album release.
What do you think of our latest Fashion Bomb Daily Exclusive Editorial?
Interview by Claire Sulmers.