Fashion

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In light of the Gucci and Prada recent controversy, people of color especially those of black descent have become increasingly conscious on the brands they support and are market towards them.

To refresh, last month Gucci came under fire due to their Winter 2018 Balaclava sweater. It was criticized for being an example of blackface. Blackface is when a non black person darkens their skin to resemble someone of African descent. This was prevalent in minstrel shows during the 19th century during which, Caucasian actors would masquerade as blacks in a derogatory and racist manner. By the turn of the 20th century much of The Western World has come to seen it as an repulsive act–or so we thought.

After intense backlash on social media, Gucci issued an apology and confirmed that the turtleneck had been “immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores.” The company release a apology on Twitter account stating,“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.”

However, many of the African diaspora are a bit wary of such apology and are searching for black own businesses to support. Due to the lack of support and awareness of many black businesses, especially Caribbean own, we are sharing 4 Haitian-Owned Fashion Houses you should be wearing right now!

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Stella Jean

Her unique style is reminiscent of her cultural identity. Jean was to a Haitian mother and Italian father in Rome.

Her common motifs often include merging classical Italian tailoring with Haitian and African style prints and imagery. Her clothes has grace the likes many A-list celebrities, including Rihanna and Beyonce.

Davidson Petit-Frère

This Haitian-American is the guy behind Jay Z, Diddy, Nas and Omari Hardwick iconic looks.

Originally in a career in real estate, Davidson would often post his outfits on his social media. This soon attract attention and sought a way to brand himself and create a lifestyle he can share with others. This led to him co-founding Musika-Frere in 2013 that has now grown into one of the fastest men luxury brands.

Jovana Benoit

Jovana Benoit, the wife of the Haitian Ambassador to Vietnam, opened her first boutique in Vietnam last September, under the brand Jovana Louis.

Her cuts are Asian inspired, specially Vietnam. However, she brings forth her Haitian culture in her design through the use of warm colors reminiscent of the Caribbean and Parisian sophisticated chic.

Her work has graced magazines and worn by former Miss Haiti, Raquel Pelissier.

Prajje Jr. Oscar-Baptiste

Baptiste is the founder and owner of the emerging fashion powerhouse, Prajje. Base in NYC, he borrows heavily from his native Haitian roots. Base on his motifs, he seems to be inspired by Haitian vodou, mythology and folklore imagery. He makes frequent references to Elizi, the Haitian goddess of love and beauty.

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