Are scarves an afterthought to you when it comes to an outfit? Well, they won’t be, after you’ve had a look at the VèVèlle collection, a stunning collection of scarves from Haiti-born, New York-residing fashion and accessories designer Albert Semerville. Mr. Semerville has designed them in such a way that you can wear them in ways you probably never thought of: over the shoulder, crossed over the shoulders, around the neck, and so on. And if you’d like a bathing suit that will help you stand out on the beach, and at the same time show your individuality, VèVèlle Beachwear, the designer’s beach fashion collection, launching in the Spring of 2016. The designer has already given a sizzling preview of that collection at the Atlantic City Fashion Show.
Kreyolicious: Growing up, what did scarfs represent to you?
To me, a scarf always represents beauty, simplicity, and elegance. Whether they’re rich or poor, Haitian women love wearing scarves. As a young man, it was always nice to see so many women – from the hills of Kenskoff to the streets of Bizoton -wearing colorful scarves. This breathtaking tapestry of colors continues to resonate with me. What can I say? Scarves also exude beauty, elegance, and sophistication.
Kreyolicious: Did you formally fashion design and merchandising?
No. Growing up in Haiti, I used to draw a little bit and write poetry. Later, as a teenager, I studied performing arts at the “Institut National de Formation Artistique (INFA)”. But, in my household, fashion was omnipresent. My mom was a seamstress and my dad was a tailor. Animated conversations about fabrics, textures, colors, designs have helped shape, to a large extent, my fashion sense. Indeed, my fashion line VèVèlle reflects who I am and where I’m from.
Kreyolicious: With such a great love for scarves, when you decided that you were going to develop a collection, how did you decide what to include and what not to include?
The devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake has changed everything for me. Watching the news and seeing Haiti’s poverty, misery and agony being depicted in the press, on a daily basis, was heartbreaking. Yes, January 12, 2010, has changed all that. It was a wake-up call for me. I could no longer stay on the sidelines. Inaction was no longer an option.
In the midst of chaos and despair, I wanted to share with the world a glimpse of the beauty and sophistication of Haiti’s culture. Three years after the quake, VèVèlle was born. “Signature Series” and “Remembrance”, for instance, represent a collection of luxury silk scarves inspired by the beauty and the warmth of Haiti.
Kreyolicious: What goes into being a fashion entrepreneur?
Simply put, as a fashion entrepreneur, you need to be the jack-of-all-trades in order to navigate the complexity of the fashion industry. It’s also important to surround yourself with talented people who are passionate about the business. It makes a big difference.
Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who doesn’t value scarves as accessories?
It’s a mistake. We’ve mentioned that in one of our blogs: “Scarves are great accessories to spice up an ordinary outfit, or to add that touch of sophistication for a special occasion.” Ladies and gentlemen, try one of our VèVèlle scarves and you will see the difference. No matter how you wrap them, tie them, or hold them, the VèVèlle scarves are stunning.
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