Charles Corvsky Dieujuste creates designs that are on the chic side. Dieujuste’s hip and trendy creations can be seen on women who have a flair for elegance. Born in Haiti, and currently residing in New York, the self-described optimist, got his penchant for fashion from his stylish mother and seamstress aunt. And after getting an introductory taste to the world of fashion by interning for one of the world’s biggest fashion brands, Dieujuste started his own line, and has never looked back. Read our interview with him.
Strangely enough, in the Haitian patriarch-driven, often chauvinistic culture, sewing, and therefore being a designer is not seen as an effeminate vocation.
There is nothing effeminate about being a fashion designer, unless someone researches the true meaning of being effeminate. Being effeminate would describe a person trait or characteristics on how they carry themselves. Fashion design or being a designer is a form of business also a form of art that is being translated into what we wear. I was fortunate to have supporting parents that were my cheerleaders and they cheered me on all my endeavors. I haven’t experienced the stigma and honestly couldn’t explain my thoughts.
As a Haitian I can say they are some downfall in our culture. However, to tell you that I have experience these issues. I would be dishonest towards the question. I had an amazing childhood growing up in Haiti. I couldn’t ask for anything else. I am extremely fortunate.
We know that it’s not due to a lack of imagination that you named your line Charles C. Dieujuste.
My Brand/Line is CCDSL in other words Charles Corvsky Dieujuste Signature Label. I believe when you are born your name that is given to you by your parents means lot. It is simply up to you to make your name stand out from others by either being great at what you do or making a difference. However, my father was a professor and my mother in textiles. They instilled in me values and always reminded me of how wonderful my name was. Let me dissect it for you. Charles: As in prince Charles, Royalty, Born to lead. Corvsky: Polish, Unique, Bold. Dieujuste: Humble, Kind, Giving, Passionate. I have always kept this as a motivation. Now you see why chose my name to represent my line. In the future it will be branded to CCDSLWomen.
“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months,” said Oscar Wilde. At least it’s a quote attributed to him!
This is an amazing quote. It is simply referring to Fashion and its seasons. If you can dissect it is say. “Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter is every six months. The quote could simply mean when you purchase something for the first time and wear it becomes outdated that you have to change. Also, with Fashion Week that goes around for 2 seasons and also resort. Fashion is seasonal and you always have to change your looks to become anew. In other words out with the old in with the new.
How influential has Haitian culture been in your designs?
Haitian culture has been influential throughout all my designs. I am inspired by the strong Haitian women. I am inspired by our amazing country. I am inspired by our vibrant and full of life scenery. I am inspired by our culture.
Do you think black designers have it tough in the world of fashion?
I am not sure about black designers. However, I can only speak for myself in terms of my journey. In Fashion you have to simply be ready to deliver top of the line work. Everything has to be industry standards and your work must be polished. I cannot speak for myself in terms of my work. I can say that my aesthetic and work is amazing. Nevertheless, to consumers it can be translated to something completely different. Fashion is competitive in itself. You simply have to bring 110% to the table or go home. Fashion is a lot of work that requires all of you. This is just the beginning stages of course but it is really tough. Everyone story is different of course. I can truly say I am being patient and simply building one step at a time.
We’d love to know more about Charles C. Dieujuste the man.
I am a simple guy with a dream that I am trying to make a reality. I am a white-Tshirt-black-jeans kind of guy with a focus in building a Fashion Brand. I am passionate in what I do and very protective about it. That’s simply me in a nut shell.
What do you have planned for your fans?
For the people that appreciate my work. I plan on creating amazing, well constructed, vibrant, sleek, clothing to the women that love my work.
What’s Mr. Dieujuste’s idea of a perfect day?
A perfect day for me is working on a collection. Every aspect of working on my collection makes my day perfect.
Is fashion designing something that can be learned in schools?
Not necessarily. However, you do need to the appropriate training to be able to do what is required. Everyone situation is completely different from the next person. But an education is required. Lastly, if you are going towards that route you must have impeccable taste.
In the book The Life Audit, the author Caroline Righton emphasizes the need for all of us to take stock of our lives to see where we stand. What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment? And what are you still looking to accomplish?
My biggest accomplishment is being realized as we speak. I am working towards something I am passionate about. Honesty, I am not sure what the future holds. I am keeping an optimistic mindset and move forward no matter the circumstances.
