12 Haitian Designers You Should Know

by Lisa 

As a Haitian-American Fashion blogger, I’ve often stopped to think about what influences my fashion choices. Even though I don’t have a first-hand account of life in Haiti, I do believe my connection to Haiti via my parents has most definitely shaped my sense of fashion, particularly my fond use of color. This fact becomes all the more evident when I encounter the beautiful stylings of these 11 fashion designers of Haitian descent. If you are even remotely familiar with Haitian art, it should come as no surprise that these Haitian designers make use of their fierce cultural pride through their fearless use of color, textiles and prints.

1. Giovanna Mernard

Born and raised in Port Au Prince, Haiti, Giovanna Menard’s accessories and handbags have been exhibited on runways throughout the world.

2. Jean-Pierre

Haitian-born designer, Jean-Pierre is the founder of the world renowned young women’s wear designer label Azede Jean-Pierre. Some of her biggest supporters include Michele Obama and Solange Knowles.

3. Jean Yves Marchand

Jean Yves Marchand has gone from being the chief designer for Habimode, a couture boutique based in Petionville, Haiti, to curating his own fashion line the Jean-Yves Marchand Collection. See more of his pieces here: https://www.youtube.com/TW4rZHREjk

4. Stella Jean

Stella Jean was raised in Italy to a Haitian mother and Italian father. She attributes her fashion to a merging of both her Haitian and Italian heritage. Her fashion can be seen on runways throughout the world.

5. Maelle Figaro David

Maelle Figaro David was the designer behind Miss Haiti Universe’s national costume and has been a staple in the Haitian high fashion scene for the last 20 years.

6. Michel Chataigne 

Haitian-born hair stylist, turned fashion designer is a truly a Jacque of all trades.

7. Paola Marthe

Paola Marthe, fashion blogger and fashion designer behind Famn Djanm (Strong Woman in Haitian Creole). She is most known for her boldly printed head wraps.

8. Phelicia Dell

Phelicia Dell, designer behind the The Veve Collections is most known for her handcrafted luxury handbags.

9. Berny Martin

Berny Martin’s pieces can be seen on both men and women on runways all over the world. He is the designer for Catouwear.

10. Marie Therese Fouchard

Marie Therese Fouchard began making clothes in the mid-eighties and never stopped. She know own and operates a chic boutique in Petionville Haiti called “Le Grenier de Rapadou”

11. Davidson Frere

Haitian-American, Davidson Frere and Aleks Musika are the design team behind Musika Frère, a luxury menswear line.

12. Severe Erase

Severe Erase is the daughter of two tailors, was raised in Haiti and witnessed the sewing machine at its finest. Even at a young age, she remembers being intrigued by the craft.  The idea of Sevy came from an encouraging conversation with her mother. 

Are there any Haitian designers we missed that we should look out for?