Overview:
Haitian designer Michel Chataigne is bringing his decades-long contributions to style and wonder to a world viewers by means of La Mode et Haïti, an exhibit that highlights Haitian craftsmanship, historical past, and artistry.
By Ruth Jean-Marie
BROOKLYN, NY — Michel Chataigne says he’s simply getting began. After 4 many years within the style and wonder business, the Haitian designer stays as pushed as ever. Now, he’s bringing his journey to life by means of “La Mode et Haïti,” an exhibit highlighting his 40-year profession as a part of Haiti Cultural Alternate’s (HCX) HXNY residency.
Operating from March 16 to April 13, 2025, the exhibition and residency can even characteristic a Haitian craftsmanship workshop on March 29 and a style present with an intimate speak led by designer Garvenchy Nicolas on April 11.
HCX has a historical past of supporting artists who’ve, at occasions, struggled for acceptance inside their very own communities.
A pioneer in Haiti’s style scene, Chataigne has spent his profession defying expectations. From executing worldwide style exhibits to founding a virtually 25-year-old style and hair college, his work has challenged conventional norms. Now, by means of his exhibit, he hopes to spotlight the craftsmanship and innovation which have formed Haitian style.
Chataigne spoke with The Haitian Occasions in a dialog that moved fluidly between English, French, and Kreyòl. The next interview has been translated into English, with choose phrases in Kreyòl included to protect the depth and authenticity of his voice.
THE HAITIAN TIMES: What makes this exhibit particular?
MICHEL CHATAIGNE: As a result of, to start with, in your entire Caribbean, solely Haiti has a tradition of stitching. Even in childhood, college students needed to go an examination on stitching by the point they completed junior highschool. Tout ti moun te pase egzamen sa web—each baby took that check. It turned ingrained in our tradition.
What can audiences count on to see at your Brooklyn present?
I need to present individuals what sort of work I used to be doing for forty years in style. I’m speaking about hair, I’m speaking about equipment and clothes for women and men. We’re going to show them.
The entire strategies are Haitian strategies. Every thing I put in my clothes is one thing from Haiti—paint from Haiti and extra.
Nou menm nan Ayiti, nou genyen sa yo rele broderie Richelieu e yo pa menm fè li nan Pòtoprens. — We in Haiti have what they name Richelieu embroidery, they usually don’t even make it in Port-au-Prince. It’s crafted within the mountains and valleys of Jacmel.
Kote sa lè ou rive la, timoun brode, granmoun brode, fi brode, gason brode. — Whenever you arrive there, youngsters embroider, elders embroider, ladies embroider, males embroider.
“Li antre nan kilti nou.” — It’s deeply rooted in our tradition. That is additionally probably the most troublesome sorts of embroidery. We even have a method with straw. Nou fè chapo pay, nou fè sak pay.— We make straw hats, we make straw luggage. Mwen vini avèk des pyès trè inik la pou m montre dyaspora, ‘voila pou von faire’ — I introduced very distinctive items to point out the diaspora, ‘right here you go.’
“Kòm si nou ka sipòte nou.” — It’s a chance for us to assist one another.
You talked about that you just really feel such as you began a revolution. How was your entry into magnificence and style a revolution?
For me, a revolution is creating one thing the inhabitants wants. I launched one thing that didn’t exist earlier than—reducing hair, blow-drying, and utilizing a sizzling iron to type hair. Se mwen ki vini avek bagay sa Ayiti—I used to be the one who introduced these issues to Haiti.
What’s your objective for this exhibition?
I need to accomplish loads—develop business-to-business operations, work with universities, and merge style with the financial sector. Devlopman sektè mode la se nan dyaspora pou l sòti—the event of the style sector has to come back from the diaspora. After 40 years, my focus is now on manufacturing and wealth creation.
Is there something you need readers to know that hasn’t been requested?
I all the time want Haitian assist. I depend on them to assist push this business ahead. Koud pouse la se achte sa nou geyen pou nou ka sipote atelye ok ap travay avek nou—supporting us means shopping for what we create so we are able to maintain the workshops and artisans working with us.
Michel Chataigne recalled styling Magali Comeau Denis’ hair, shaping tendencies in Haiti, and a time when getting one’s hair performed was an important a part of the occasion tradition. Past magnificence, his profession displays a singular timeline of Haiti’s financial system, style, and social shifts.
Chataigne referred to as the residency a “large alternative” to showcase Haitian expertise and creativity in New York. Even his household, as soon as skeptical of his path, has come round after 40 years.