Jean-Yves Marchand’s greatest fashion influence is his grandmother. Growing up in Port-au-Prince, the Haiti-based fashion designer, used to watch his grandmother concoct all sorts of intricate designs for her clients. It’s around this time that young little Marchand started to develop an eye for all things high fashion. He discovered the world of fashion magazines. He even started to etch his own sketches of fashion designs.
Later, Marchand contends, he made the acquaintances of several key heads in Haiti’s fashion community, including fellow fashion designers, models, modeling coaches who acknowledged his talent and gave him the confidence and determination to make a name for himself.
In the mid-2000s, Marchand says he joined Habimode, a couture firm based in Petionville. Within a few months of coming on board, he was promoted as the chief designer of the line, and created hip and chic pieces for the collection.
Today the designer has his own line of accessories and clothing—the Jean-Yves Marchand Collection. He still remembers the day when he introduced the line to his friends, colleagues alongside the public. “There was so much emotion,” he recalls, “and everything comes out amazingly perfect. I even had tears.”
One of Marchand’s goals is to get his line in other countries, and establish a few lone-standing boutiques; another is to push the line further on the international fashion market, and create more fans for the Jean-Yves Marchand Collection.
What inspires your designs?
I’m inspired by many things; it could be in the street, nature. It could be a personal feeling, a dramatic situation. I usually design what I have in mind, trying to make it wearable. I always want to bring unique and original designs.
How involved are you when you have a fashion show?
Well, I usually plan my fashion shows [unless it’s Haiti] Fashion Week. They usually [do] their own planning. You just bring your clothes…[So] yes, I do plan all my fashion shows: the place, the decor, the DJ. I usually want everything to be perfect—so I make sure I have an eye on what’s going on.
Do you choose your own models?
Yes, I definitely have to choose my own models because they are the ones who will sell out the clothes. I usually set up a casting call to choose the better ones. My preference goes to tall models with attitude and good face expression—who can really walk the runway.
What’s the fashion world like in Haiti?
Well, I think—in Haiti—the fashion world is growing year after year. We are a few designers who are really talented and have made the media here and overseas. There is a designers association [that launched] years ago, but [we] only [got] our first fashion week [off the ground] last year, which was a success in the international media. I definitely think we “Haitians” need to support our own creations, [and] support new and young talented designers. Be more involved in what’s happening in our country and take the Haitian fashion world to another level.
What advice do you have for those who want to make their mark in fashion?
I’d tell them to stay focused, to follow their dreams, and never give up—even when they really feel like there is no open door. Keep the faith.
When you think back to your childhood, who was the most stylish person you knew?
Well, my grandma was a stylish woman. [She was] always looking good, [and was] well-dressed. I think all the women in my family have style.
Now think of the sloppiest, and frumpiest person you knew. Looking back now, and knowing what you know now, what would you have done to help that person?
I don’t exactly remember ever knowing such a person in my childhood, but there are a few present-day people whose style I would love to upgrade. I’ve been thinking of putting on a show on TV where I could change people’s style. It would be a total makeover, from changing hairstyle, color, fashion taste, nutrition. [Show participants] how to walk, to style and [have] attitude and, of course, [apply] makeup.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being in the fashion industry?
I think for a designer having everyone wearing your clothes and liking you style is a great reward. Also, the financial aspects [too], if you are a successful designer and sell a lot. I think the other side is to be respected and [be] known for your career and the work you have done in this industry.
Jean-Yves Marchand takes a bow at Haiti Fashion Week, flanked by a model wearing one of his designs
What do your parents think of you being a designer?
I think they were scared [because of the] the financial aspect, because in Haiti fashion did not always mean a lot like [it does] today. And parents do care for [the future of] their kids. But, it was my choice and no one could have stopped me. My parents are proud of my work, and I’m so happy about it.
What is your greatest source of pride?
I appreciate the respect and the confidence people have for you when you are known in the fashion industry as a great designer. And also the ability to make people happy and have a better image of themselves by wearing your clothes. A happy client is a sign of success received for the work I’ve done.
[Photos provided by subject.]
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