Singer-dancer-performer Saïda knows a thing or two about looking stylish. Here she is with some majestic spirals toppling her head. Smokey eyes, blushed cheeks, with a touch of lip gloss complete this look. Check out more looks from Saïda!

This is probably the most casual we’ve seen her yet. A playful baseball cap sits on her head. Her outfit is simple but elaborate: a white, body-hugging tank top, silver accessories, including a sterling-colored chain and bangles, and a silver-accented black belt that hangs below the waist, with some laid-back sneakers.

Here she combines two personas: the sexy kitten and the career woman in wearing a silky dress but whose skirt length is above the knees…way above the knees, toppled by a provocative pose. The makeup is very understated, and the earth-toned necklace oversized. Check out her heels. She can basically go from casual to formal wit this outfit. Behold that inviting pout gentlemen. At this point, it’s quite apparent that brightness becomes her. The brighter the color, the more dynamic she looks. The scarlet reds from the looks above, to the bright orange from this look.

This look makes great use of make-up. With her make-up, you know it’s there, but it’s not so blunt that she looks like some pancake. This all-black look gives Saïda a certain mystery, but a sexy flair for sure. A bamboo bracelet matches perfectly with the wood-colored broach on her black top.

All my kreyolicious boys and girls…what do you think of these looks?

When entertainers, models and other glamorous ones sojourning in South Florida need makeup expertise, they don’t think of calling anyone else. Matti Domingue of Zoule Makeup! Domingue, whose handiwork is appreciated by everyone from young brides, to runway models to musical stars, says her love for makeup and beauty aesthetics started with her mom, a cosmetologist whose salon the young Domingue frequented often as a child.

Says Domingue: “I used to watch how she worked. She was the kind of woman who woke up beautified. Makeup well-done hair and nails etc. I used to love watching her when she had wedding clients when she actually did the makeup since her specialty was hair.”

It didn’t take long for little Domingue to try her hand at things: “My mom used to have to hide her makeup multiple times. She found me with lipstick all over my face,” she recalls. “I loved makeup as a child and now have a greater love for it because I can help people gain more confidence in their selves”.

Domingue agrees that there are some misconceptions about makeup. And the biggest? “When they tell you makeup makes you look fake or older,” she contends. “Makeup does not make you look fake unless you overdo it. There is nothing wrong with enhancing your beauty.”

And enhancing outer beauty is something Zoule Makeup certainly does. Domingue drew the inspiration for her company in the spiritual history of her Haitian roots. “Zoule Means Erzulie [Haiti’s version of the Virgin Mary],” she says deciphering the mystery of the significance behind her company’s name. “I wanted a meaningful name that can make a woman feel like the queen that they already are. To me Zoule means Spiritual Queen. So when I do someone’s makeup I want them to go even deeper within their selves find the inner beauty to project while I enhance their outer appearance.”

For those of us who have never experimented with makeup, Domingue offers this counsel: “There is nothing wrong with asking about makeup,” she contends. “Meaning if you are not so good at applying it on yourself you can ask an expert. For example on Twitter I welcome people [asking] me questions. Also Sephora they are good for that. But I always say this the simpler you are the better, makeup is not meant to be overdone.”

Domingue is eager to address the concerns and fears of some women on how to best take care of their skin when wearing makeup. She advocates the use of a primer, as one of the key products women should use to keep their makeup settled while protecting their skin from any damages. “The ones with SPF are even better. Also before going to sleep clean and moisturize your skin so that it can stay vibrant and healthy.”

The owner of Zoule Makeup is not stingy about sharing her experience either, and has plenty of advice or other young women who want to work in the industry. First and foremost, she says, an aspiring makeup artist must know that the art is not simply doing makeup for a client and making money. “It’s a very competitive field and requires a lot of dedication and passion,” she observes. “Before wanting to do makeup I had to test it out trying photo shoots with friends etc. Loving what you do is the key to success.” Domingue says that aspiring artists must be prepared to be away from their families, sometimes several days and weeks at at a time for assignments. “I believe its takes a lot of courage and personality to do what I do.”

And perseverance. Domingue asserts that a hardworking artist, no matter how successful should never get too comfortable, and those new to the field must be prepared to face obstacles, even daily. “From people not respecting what you do to not appreciating your work,” she observes. ‘Many times people have use the term “Its just makeup. Why do you take it so seriously?’ People have tried to bring me down on multiple occasions to give up what I do. But with my faith in God and myself. I have learned to strengthen up and keep it moving. I do it because it’s what I love. I love transforming a worm into a butterfly.”

And that has been primarily the secret ingredient to her success. Another secret to her success is definitely her ability to approach each client on a person-to-person basis. “Making a client feel comfortable to me is the best way to start,” she says. “I love getting to know them while I do there makeup. Because not everyone likes to have a unknown person invading there personal space. So with a little conversation and laughter it eases the client to fall into there comfort zone.”

Domingue works with all kinds of complexions, and ranks certain products as her favorites to work with. For every day type of makeup, she recommends the foundation to powders, blushes, and shadows in the “Makeup Forever” line, one of her favorite brands. She says that one of my favorite mascaras is DJV Fiber Wig. “It’s amazing,” she gushes. “I also like MAC shadows, concealers, blushes, and lip stick. Nars also has amazing lip glosses. For sensitive skin I recommend Korres they have amazing products that are naturally based. Just to name a few.”

Domingue has great plans for her business, including hiring and training additional makeup artists to join her staff.A woman with impressive business acumen, Domingue wants to eventually create her own line of cosmetics, and expanding her little empire beyond the state of Florida and dip nationwide and delve into the European market. Among her other plans, is to provide clothes and other essentials for underprivileged kids and babies in Haiti. Says the entrepreneur: “God has blessed me profoundly and I feel that its only right that I give back to the ones in need. Also I would like to help the women that have the same interest [with] seminars and such. Zoule Makeup to me is not about finding the outer beauty but also finding the good within yourself.”

And all who know her would agree.

In September 1990, Marjorie Judith Vincent beat out 50 other hopefuls for the title of Miss America 1991. Vincent had come to the USA at age 3 with her Haitian parents (Lucien and Florence Vincent immigrating from Cap Haitian, Haiti in the early 1960s (although some newspaper reports would also say that she was the first of their kids born in the USA). Fluent in French, and Kreyol, and studying Japanese at the time, Vincent knocked out the judges with her piano-playing skills, expertly playing Chopin’s Fantasy Impromptu 66 to the delight and amazement of onlookers.

At 25, she was already a third-year law student at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, and at 5’6, she was a gorgeous beauty. Things didn’t start out easy. She had participated in the Miss North Carolina and Miss Illinois pageants and had not won. She tried for the latter one more time, and won, leading to her being part of the Miss America contest. In winning the contest, she won $42,500 in scholarship money, and was able to command $100,000 in speaking fees.

Marjorie Judith Vincent’s crowning was a triumph-filled moment for Haitians everywhere, who were among the estimated 60 million television viewers who witnessed her being crowned. Haitian identity wasn’t in the best state at this point. In March of 1990, a few months before Vincent becoming Miss America, the U.S Federal Drug Administration had placed Haitians on its list of ethnic groups most likely to be carriers of AIDS, and banned blood donations from them. Haitians responded by rallying a group of about 50,000 to march on the Brooklyn Bridge in protest. Floods of refugees were also arriving in South Florida and being repatriated as economic refugees, adding to problems in the community.

According the newspaper The Daily Gazette at her first official press conference as Miss America, Vincent emphasized her Haitian heritage and expressed her desire to lend to the economic development of Haiti. Vincent made the cover of Jet magazine, as she had the distinguishing honor of being the fourth Miss America.

The weekend that Vincent won the Dallas Morning News wrote: “Miss America 1991 Marjorie Judith Vincent said Sunday that she’s a romantic who wants it all and plans to use her reign to help battered women. Ms. Vincent said she wants to celebrate her win with cheesecake her pageant director denied her.”

Naturally, the Haitian community was more than happy to claim her as their own! Ou konnen Ayisyen p’ap lage’w! According to a brief article that appeared in the December 1990 issue of the Miami Herald under the headline MISS AMERICA HOPEFUL FOR STABILITY IN HAITI, the newspaper wrote: “Marjorie Judith Vincent, Miss America 1991 — a particular source of pride and symbol of hope for Miami’s Haitian community — arrived in Miami on Thursday night with a special message: “It’s the hard work and determination that really counts,” she said. Marjorie Judith Vincent, 25, is visiting at the invitation of the Haitian American Women’s Coalition. The third-year law student, who is of Haitian descent, will speak to students at Toussaint Louverture Elementary.”

Vincent was tireless and showed a great deal of stamina as she had to travel all over for speaking engagements, and appearances. As opposed to becoming an attorney, Vincent became a television anchor in Mississippi, then Illinois, then in Ohio. There were some reports that indicated that she suffered from depression in later years for a time, but clearly being the trooper that she was she has successfully fought it. She also used her platform to bring attention to depression.

Today, Ms Vincent has a son Cameron and lives in Jacksonville with her husband Wesley Tripp. She had dropped out of Duke’s law program, short of the 4 credits needed to graduate with her law degree to pursue television journalism. In 2008, she finally completed her degree at Florida Coastal Law School, fulfilling her dream of becoming an attorney. She is part of history, having been the first Haitian Miss America (some say Suzette Charles, Miss America 1984 was of Haitian descent, but Ms Charles never indicated this) and the fourth black woman Miss America.

You can see the piano performance that help her win the Miss America title below.

And ah, the crowning moment. You can view it below:

Standing at 5’6, Easher Parker has sparkling doe eyes, glistening white teeth that makes one think that she wouldn’t have to audition for a toothpaste commercial, lips that look like they’ve been dipped and moistened in strawberry juice, and a face that brightens like it’s lit by Utopian sunshine. But make no mistake, there’s more to Miss Turks and Caicos than beauty pageant grins. She’s not some simpleton whose only saving grace was being blessed with good looks.

The daughter of a Haitian mother and father, Parker outshone dozens of other girls for the prestigious title of Miss Turks and Caicos 2011 and went to represent the island in Brazil last summer. An avid reader, she enjoys juicy historical fiction in the vein of The Other Boleyn Girl, and has a love for the visual arts.

Like other forward-thinking beauties who’ve won pageants, she’s planning her next move, and judging from her determination, intelligence, and spunk, you had better believe that earning the title of Miss Turks and Caicos will not be the only highlight of her life.

Q&A

As a beauty queen, how would you define beauty?
Beauty to me is probably one of the most undefined words known to man. Everyone has their own perception of what it is. This can range from physical appearance to personality traits —but to those like me—beauty is when an individual can embrace who they really are, flaws and all while taking on the world with a positive, impacting and confident attitude.

Would you say you had a nice childhood?
I have nothing about my childhood to complain about; however, things were pretty hostile in my parents’ household at the time. I am glad I was spared the nightmare experiences and had a mom to take care of me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I faced neglect. The difference with me is that I accepted that it happened. I learned that it is I who determines my happiness and that no one can take that from me unless I allow it. My past has helped define who I am today. I don’t think I would be as passionate about the prevention and awareness against child abuse had I not gone through it in some shape, way or form.

What’s the best thing about being Haitian?
Everything. There is nothing I like more for the other. I must say however, the distinctive sarcasm and humor that Haitians have does come in handy when I want to cheer someone up!

You represented Miss Turks and Caicos as the Miss Universe pageant.
I had such a blast on my trip to Sao Paulo Brazil. I enjoyed getting to know the girls and found it so interesting that we all had a lot in common and could relate to each other judging by the fact that we all came from different cultures at every corner of the globe. I actually celebrated my 20th [birthday] while there. Had the biggest cake!

How did you get started in beauty pageants?
A friend of mine one summer when I was about fifteen years old entered a pageant and because we were the type to do everything together I entered too. The twist? She ended up not being able to continue her participation and I ended up being the only one out of the two of us to compete. I don’t even think I did well that year.

What advice do you have for the next young lady who will carry on the torch for next year?
Follow your heart in everything that you do. That’s something I tell every individual who has their eyes set on a goal. Remember to surround yourself with positive people who you know you wouldn’t mind becoming and yes, even if it’s a former beauty queen!

How has life changed for you since you’ve been elected Miss Turks and Caicos?
I’ve become a more tolerant, patient and humble individual. In the world of pageantry, you are sometimes faced with difficulties that can either make you or break you. Lucky for me, I’ve managed to break through each and every challenge!

You must have big plans for your future.
I wouldn’t call them big plans, but for the time being I want to continue to pursue a career in media and hopefully realize my long-term goal of launching a website highlighting the issues of child abuse in the Turks and Caicos, which will feature mini webisodes and interactive content.

Now you were born in Turks and Caicos, but your parents are from Haiti.
Yeah, they are; but they’ve known Turks and Caicos all their lives as well, literally. I think what kept the culture vibrant with them was the traveling back and forth to Haiti over the years and family ties of course.

What’s the first thing you plan to do when you make your first trip to Haiti?
Shop at a Ti mache! I love those; you find the coolest things when you keep a keen eye. I’m a vintage fashion junkie and Ti Mache always has something of my interest.

When did you first become aware of your Haitian identity?
I always knew! I grew up speaking Creole and under Haitian parenting. I played more with my Haitian relatives and initially befriended Haitians during my childhood. As far as my command of the language, I just decided to repeat French terminology the elders and country side people used to improve my Kreyòl.

How is Haitian identity in Turks and Caicos? How are Haitians perceived there?
Haitians here are distinguished as one of the working Diasporas. Although the locals are upset about some pressing issues surrounding Haitian immigrants, I have to give them their props for trying to make a way and wanting to work. No matter how annoying some Haitians get, they’re all a proud and working set.

You mentioned that you want to raise awareness about child abuse in Turks and Caicos. What would you say it’s like right now?
Child abuse is something that is swept under the rug, like many other issues in the Turks & Caicos. I’m no specialist, but I think one factor is due to the many different cultures that make up the overall sociology towards it. For example, Haitian parents typically use the belt. To them, it would sound ludicrous to hear that constantly using that method would have more [undesirable] effects other than making children behave. Turks Island parents have a tendency to be verbally harsh with their children. Most don’t want to hear that sometimes; they go overboard and end up verbally abusing a child. In most cases, parents don’t even realize that they do it.

Will you eventually set up a non-profit to help that cause, or are you planning on working with any organizations?
I have thought about it on a number of accounts but I’m the type of person that likes to get my ducks in a neat row before I take on a project. In the meantime I work with CAPAA TCI which stands for Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Association. Hopefully, I can establish something for the youths of TCI in the near future.

Do you feel that people are intimidated by you?
Not to sound like someone with an inflated ego, but yes, I do think I am intimidating sometimes, but in a good way. I have had countless of individuals admit to being intimidated by me, most say it’s because I come across as serious and hard to approach. The humor in it all, is that I’m extremely bubbly and was clueless to this fact for a while.

What are you most grateful for?
Just for the fact that I am able to take another breath each day. To me, life itself is a blessing. If I wasn’t blessed with another day, another year all my life, it’s obvious I wouldn’t have all the opportunities and wonderful experiences that I’ve had.

Photos: Kazz Forbes

In the 1960s, the 1970s, black models shined, and very, very few shined as lustrously as Jany Remponeau Tomba, who became one of the USA’s very first black supermodels. Her modeling career spanned three decades, with her face appearing on the cover of American Girl, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Essence, not to mention groundbreaking ads for Coke, Maxi, Johnson and Johnson products, Clairol, and other famous brands. Tomba’s journey as a model started with her arrival as a young immigrant in New York in the mid-1960s.

A stunningly beautiful girl, she had a dimpled smile, shapely legs, high cheek bones, and a remarkable face that could have given any onlooker the impression that she she had had angels in her parental lineage. Not too long after Tomba’s arrival in the United States, she caught the eye of a photographer who asked permission to take her photo. Tomba refused outright.

Her next encounter with the fashion world would occur not long after—this time she was approached by a woman who told the young Tomba that she was from the publishing conglomerate Conde Nast. The woman was at the time the beauty editor at Glamour magazine, and Tomba, blessed with good sense accepted her invitation into the upscale offices of magazine. From there, Tomba was groomed; sent to a beauty shop for a hair makeover, and assigned to a fashion photographer, and thus begun her ascent in the world of high fashion. The little girl from Port-au-Prince, who had originally had her mind set on a medical career, signed to Ford, one of Fashion Land’s most prestigious modeling agencies then and now. She was in high demand everywhere, strutted her stuff at casting auditions, dimpled for photographers, and landed in the pages of the fashion world’s most popular magazines, including Time.

She shared her reminisces about her modeling career and her life after.

(Right): Tomba as a little girl in Haiti, posing for her first communion photo

Q&A

What kind of childhood did you have?
I was born in Haiti of a family where my father was an artist. We lived in Port-au-Prince in a neighborhood which then seemed country. At that time there might have been no more than ten houses around. Today, it is sadly an overbuilt and crowded commercial strip. When on a recent visit I drove by the old house among the small houses squeezing her in, she stood freshly painted, behind tall brick walls. I was happy to see the trees were still there and almost could feel the spirit of my grandmother who lived with us. I had a wonderful childhood filled with joy, artistic activities and mango trees. I love to climb the trees where I found my solitude. I was the fourth child of a family of 6. My mother helped my father run his studio where I was fortunate to meet many prominent artists. I enjoyed the gallery openings, the production of carnival floats, and Christmas time was also a time of involvement as all the kids hand painted Christmas cards. During the summer my Father took us fishing. Although my family was Catholic we and extended members also visited yearly the wonderful waterfall of Saut d’Eau. It was a day of joy and the spiritual element was palpable even though I did not understand any of it then. I went to Catholic school which I did not like because the nuns were oppressive. Later on I went to a boy girl school where I blossomed as an adolescent. In 1965, my family left the native land and settled in New York City.

Why did they choose the USA as opposed to France, since France was usually the destination of the professional class?
Usually in migration patterns people follow the earlier migrants. People go where there is connection and opportunities. In my case my Father had moved to New York in 1964 so the rest of the family joined him. My Father had traveled a lot. Before that, he had studied at Hampton Institute in the South and he had worked in Ghana and had been to New York where he had family and friends. Although he had been to France, we did not have family there. Many families had moved to many places at that time. I would say my parents chose to leave. I was not asked where I wanted to go. We packed and left. The situation in Haiti at that time was very oppressive and not conducive to the growth of young individuals.

As one of the first black supermodels of the world, what obstacles did you find yourself facing?
It was 1969. The Black Power movement had just settled and the African-American consumers were being courted. There was a need to satisfy the Black consumer. However it was not an easy transition. To see a Black girl next to the White girls was to be a challenge. It was okay to show a Black model but often she would not be photographed single. It was rare to have a cover. It was customary to photograph a Black girl with a Blonde and a Brunette. Some photographers then told me they had a difficult time to light the three together so I was perfect with my tan look not too dark not too light. Plus I had the bright energetic smile that made people feel comfortable or should I say not feel threatened? It was not long after the Civil Right movement.

You’ve discussed modeling in the 1960s, but what did it feel like to be a new immigrant in the mid-1960s…the transition from Haiti to New York?
As difficult as it was to leave my homeland I welcomed the new adventure. I did miss my grandmother and my friends, but I loved being in New York. It was a very cold day in March. It had been snowing and the ground was covered. Everything was new. I was so young and as long as I had my family I felt secure. We lived in upper Manhattan in a very nice building and I loved the elevator! I was fascinated by the constant lights in the city. I remember thinking there are no trees, the streets seemed so sterile! I missed the crawling lizards. The transition was pretty smooth and in the summer I discovered Central Park, Coney Island and the Museums and Greenwich Village, where an abundance of art made up for my green land.

Collage via: Divalocity

A lot of wisdom comes with time. What do you wish you had known when you first started out as a model?
What I wish I had known then as young starting model? I am glad I had not known so much that I do today. My path was guided by intuition and a result of my upbringing. I was confident without arrogance, and had I known what I know today I mean my political placement in that industry I would have been hindered because the fashion industry likes the girls to be young of mind and body. I did not analyze the why and the how of modeling; it just happened to me as if I had been chosen. The only effort on my part was to show up on time ready and respectful. I think my natural comfort with myself helped sell my image.

What were some of the best moments of your modeling career?
I learned very early on to enjoy all my assignments. The best moment was, when I went on a go-see at Mademoiselle Magazine and in the waiting room were several other young Black models; an editor came out and loudly announced to me that I was their January 1970 cover girl. Another great moment was when I got a call for a national commercial for Coca-Cola and I had gone the week before to an audition for another product which I did not land but the same director chose me for the “Have a Coke and a smile commercial” [campaign], which ran during superbowl. There were many good moments like going on trips to the Caribbean in the middle of the winter. Working with the great Irving Penn or landing an Essence spread with the famous photographer Francesco Scavullo. Most of those moments had to do with prestige, landing a good campaign because after all it is a very competitive business. It is a business that can build your self-esteem or take it away over night!

What do you feel is the biggest misconception about models?
Modeling has a lot to do with identity and I was lucky to have kept my roots. Unlike the information in the media where girls are shown behind the scene hanging out together this profession can be very isolating. Girls stick together excluding others ; models come from different social backgrounds, many from small towns, so at times clans are formed: the models and the photographers gathered at night. The only things we had in common were the clients and the desire to reach the top.

So many models from the 1970s and 1980s ended up getting wasted and getting burnt at an early age.
I don’t know that many models in the 1970s-1980s got burned or wasted. Of course people rejoice in the fall of perfection. I am not saying that models are perfect, but during the day we sell the image of perfection and some might have partied too much and got burned. It was a time past the Woodstock era and the time of free sexuality, the pre-AIDS era and it was the disco time. People partied like in many other industries, the difference was that at a models’ party, a club would be filled with beautiful people and the promoters excluded others waiting behind the velvet rope! Having a strong self-esteem, clear eyes, a healthy skin and showing up on time was what helped to maintain and lengthen one’s career.

For each model, there is an ending point. What was your life like after modeling?
My career lasted from 1969 till 1998 when I landed my last cover for an Essence publication with my then teen daughter. While I was modeling I continued to show up for casting calls and I busied myself doing small parts and extra work in movies around New York City. I was always busy.

What are you up to these days?
In 1988—still at the top of my career—I started to attend art school in NYC, the Sculpture Center and also to paint. So while modeling I was doing art and exhibiting my work. My identity was shifting from Cover girl to Artist. I remember when I first showed my sculpture at the gallery my family attended and I felt I had come full circle reminiscing on my Father’s gallery openings back in Haiti. So it was not an abrupt cut off of my activities. A few years later I stopped modeling, went back to school and graduated at Hunter College where I became a special correspondent for The Word their online newspaper. I took classes at CUNY Grad Center, where I researched early Haitian Kreyòl linguistic and published a paper in the Linguistic American Society.

My heart has always been with my roots. I recently returned from a trip to my native land and this visit reinforces my love for Haiti. Today I am busy being a caring mother and daughter my dad is now 95 years old and my daughter and her husband gifted the family with two children. I continue doing my artwork, I think of ways I can involve myself in the reconstruction of the image of Haiti, pride of Haiti is in the main focus of my thoughts. I attend lectures and cultural events related to Haiti around New York City and network and have fun. My life is where it should be with much more to come.

You’re involved in activities involving Haiti. Have you done anything in particular to keep your culture vibrant in your children?
My Father Geo Remponeau is a legendary Haitian artist, so it was quite easy for me to keep my daughter in an environment that recalls Haiti. My parents spoke Kreyòl in the home and Haitian music was often part of the background in our home. We went to visit Haitian friends we stayed close to my parents and siblings. I took my child when she was quite young to visit Haiti. I have only one daughter and I made sure she ate Haitian food, learned Kreyòl and participated in family gathering so that she would be aware of her roots. When she married I gave her the present of a root dance performance by the fabulous Haitian dancer Mikerline, her dancers and her drummers. Today to my daughter’s three year old child I teach words of Kreyòl, and when we part, he says: “Mwen renmen-w”!

Jany Tomba today, posing with her niece Sasha Huber. Photo: Kirsi Mckenzie

What would you say has been your greatest regret?
I have learned to live and accept my life as my destiny had it written. I continue to show up and do the right thing: love of my brothers and sisters. Compassion is the key to happiness. I have no regrets.

Main Photo: Rolf Bruderer

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.

Could publishing a magazine for Haitians living in the United States—with mass appeal to other Caribbeans in the middle of a much-publicized decline of print—be a success? Esther Lafontant thought so.

The former model and fashion industry employee put her mind to work, formulating a publication she named Amour Creole. With an ever-growing subscriber base, as well as an online version, the magazine which recently celebrated its first year, has had cover stories featuring a host of luminaries: singer Dawn Richard, actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, celebrity chef Manoushka Guerrier, and teen heartthrobs Olivier Duret and Jason Derulo. The efforts of Lafontant and her staff have paid off; this year Amour Creole joined other major magazines on the racks of national newsstands as one of the content-heavy publications targeting black and Caribbean readers. It’s been quite a journey for Lafontant, a single mother who immigrated to the United States and is now based out of Boston.

Q&A

At which point did you get the concept for Amour Creole?
I always wanted to do something that would uplift the Haitian community in the U.S. and show the beauty of my people and culture. I had the idea for a magazine for a long time – I felt like it was the best medium to display the beauty of my people and culture.

There’s this impression that it’s doomsday for the magazine and print industry in general.
Yes, the last couple of years have been very difficult for print because of the other media outlets. The numbers for print seem to be rising again and there is still an impressive demand for print. People like to curl up with a magazine, feel the pages. Experts say print will be around for a long time. Amour Creole is such a new niche, our target market loves the direction of Amour Creole. There’s clearly a big need for it in our community.

What do you feel sets apart Amour Creole from other Caribbean lifestyle and entertainment publications?
Amour Creole covers a range of topics. We are very diverse in our writing. We don’t focus on just one aspect like most other magazines. We cover so much: beauty, fashion, entertainment, culture, etc. I think our in-depth, well researched features are a huge part of capturing readers attention. And we cater to a bigger audience. We are not just a women or men’s magazine. We are the people’s magazine.

Any aspect of your background that made starting and operating Amour Creole a little smoother?
Not necessarily. I modeled for a while and was always part of the fashion industry, but nothing related to publishing.

The arrival of the internet killed a lot of other mediums. What do you think will kill it?
I maintain the position – every avenue has an end. Where? No one knows.

As the Founder of Amour Creole, and its publisher, what is a typical day like for you?
Very stressful. Even though Amour Creole is quarterly it feels like a weekly publication. Our editorial schedule is very tight and we have to get to the next issue before we even close the current one! There are days that my staff and I are in the office until 1 or 2 AM. I am just so grateful that I work with a group of amazing people.

You probably have some counsel for someone delving into the publishing world.
Know what you are getting into. Educate yourself as much as you can – go to as many publishing conferences, trade shows and network events that you can. Publishing is a very hard business to get into especially if it’s print publication because they are so many regulations. If you are not prepared, you will fail. When someone sees a finished product, they just see the glamour of it, not the work that goes into putting it together.

What’s in the plans for Amour Creole?
The plan for Amour Creole is to become a household name in the Haitian/Caribbean community. I want it to be a name that all Haitians everywhere can be proud of and that will last for many generations.

For information on how to subscribe, go here.

Haiti’s beauty queens have been many, Claudinette Fouchard, Gerthie David, Evelyne Miot, Marie-Edith Vaval, Sarodj Bertin and now Anedie Azael. Azael edged out several contestants to represent Haiti in Brazil last summer at the Miss Universe pageant, and life won’t stop there. Haiti Miss Universe has big plans for herself, thank you very much. Azael, who was born in Haiti and left the country in 2004 to further pursue her studies in South Florida, has been everywhere (or so it would seem) since her crowning.

The beauty pageant wasn’t her first foray into the fashion and beauty world. She was signed as a model to an agency in Miami and with her nearly 5’10 frame, she worked the runway and was featured in several print campaigns for different brands.

It’s been more than 5 decades since Fouchard was Miss Haiti, Miss Sugar Cane—among other pageant honors, and more opportunities have presented themselves for Haiti’s beauty queens. Anedie is mining them all, kicking all the tires. She’s undoubtedly grateful for all those who paved the way for her, but she’s blazing her own path. She’s her own woman.

Q&A
Tell us about Anedie, the real Anedie.
Well what can I say about the real me? I love to laugh, have a good time, and help others in need. I also recently developed a passion for cooking. I am all about doing things right with perfection. I am a great listener, a loyal friend. The rest of me stays as a mystery.

How have you been enjoying your journey as Miss Haiti thus far?
Being Miss Haiti has been a challenge as there is no real organization of “Miss Haiti” that supports and helps me. So I have been doing everything on my own. Besides that it has been great, as I’ve been able to speak to young girls to motivate them as well as develop their self-esteem. Also, I’ve had some doors open for me in Haiti to do some projects.

How did you first learn of the Miss Haiti pageant, and did you think you had a chance?
I learned about it from the previous Miss Haiti Universe. I always thought I had a chance because it has always been my passion to represent my country on every level, and staying positive and confident is the only way.

Do you have any advice for the person who’s going to be taking over your crown?
All I have to say is enjoy your year as a Queen to the fullest, especially the three weeks at Miss Universe competition as these memories will last a lifetime. Also have a passion in life besides the beauty world. Believe in a cause, in a change, advocate it and start the change.

And once you’ve turned your tiara over, what are your plans?
When I turn my crown to the next Miss Haiti, my plans continues with my non-profit organization Peace Love International and my campaign Ayiti N’Ap Mache. I plan on having a TV Show in Haiti about fashion and the beauty world and also I plan to have a boutique for men and women in Haiti. I also plan to continue with my modeling life as I stopped since Miss Haiti.

Who do you admire the most?
I really admire Mahatma Gandhi for his non-violence tactics to achieve freedom and independence in India, in hope that one day we will have world peace.

Given the proper clothes and suitable makeup, can a girl be made beautiful?
I believe that it is the inner beauty that always shines through. A girl is “beautiful” through her actions, personality, humility and poise. The clothes and make-up are just extras, for the outer beauty.

You’re heavily involved in the campaign to help restore Haiti’s place on the tourism map.
I think that Haiti, once known as the Pearl of the Antilles, needs to be marketed better. Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I’m not saying this because I am from here, but I’ve traveled to many places and never I can’t compare the beauty of Haiti to anywhere in the world. Therefore, one of my missions is to change the image of Haiti throughout the world and my strategy of doing so is to invite the most beautiful women of the world and the ambassadors of other countries to visit my home.

In February, I invited 6 Miss Universe candidates to Haiti during our carnival and in April, I invited another set of 3 beauty queens. It is a hard and difficult battle but very possible. Haiti is a virgin country with much history. Our beaches and mountains are magical. Very soon, I am launching a tourism agency called Perfection Tours where everyone can come and visit the beauty of Haiti.

Have you ever been betrayed by someone who you trusted?
Yes, I have. When I started high school I got betrayed by my best friends and until now I do not know why, but I do not regret anything as it made me the person I am today. It is difficult for me to have a “friend” or to let anyone in my life now. I am very cautious of who is in my surroundings.

You have a foundation.
Yes. My foundation is my heart. It is called Peace Love International and our mission is to empower people, to give them the resources and knowledge to do for themselves. Currently, I am supporting two orphanages and 17 children which accounts for 112 children in Haiti. I am launching a campaign called “Ayiti N’ap Mache” (Haiti we are Walking) which is about protecting yourself and your environment and everything that has to do with ecology; such as reforestation, recycling etc.

When you’re not performing activities related to Miss Haiti, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy watching movies, spending time with my other half, going to restaurants and my new hobby, as I mentioned earlier, cooking.

Do you have a close relationship with your family?
Yes, I do. I love my family. I am who I am because of them as they are my support system. But I have to say, my grandma holds a special place in my heart—whoever is reading this I am not playing favorites, haha. I owe everything I know in terms of fashion and beauty to my mother, my business mind to my father, my spirit to my grandma. My sisters are my best friends and I don’t know what I would do without them.

You recently worked with famed photographer Marc Baptiste on several shoots. How was that experience?
Wow. He is one of the best photographers I have ever worked with. He is just amazing. We shot for the December cover of Haiti’s fashion magazine Rebelle and also for my 2012 calendar and that was one of the best photography experiences in my life. A lot of the photos I was wearing no make-up and without bragging I never thought I would look so beautiful without make-up. He is just amazing with such great energy and inspirations and I am proud to say that he is Haitian.

Where can your calendar be purchased?
You can find my calendars in Haiti, at Caribbean Supermarket, Giant Supermarket and Big Star Market. Pretty soon, in about 2 months I will be giving the remaining calendars to fans and supporters.

Are you still a spokeswoman for the Rebo brand or have you gotten any endorsements as a result of being Miss Haiti?
No, I am not and until now I have not gotten any endorsement yet, but I am currently working very closely with Jedco Company as they care very much for the environment and the Haitian people as I do.

Do you find yourself wondering if some people might want to get close to you because of your fame?
Well it’s quite sad to say this, but, yes. It has happened already. In high school, I did not have that many friends and suddenly people that used to ignore me would come up to me and say hi, try to talk to me and become friends. I do not hold any grudges, so it’s all groovy!

Do you at times feel that you can’t be yourself, that you have an image to uphold at all times?
I do believe that there is a certain character that you must be in depending on your environment. But never have I been fake or not myself. Sometimes I do have to keep my back more straight then other times, haha, but that inner person is always Anedie. For example, I will act and look a certain way if I am in the same room as the President then I would in a room with a couple of my friends. When I say ‘act’, I do not mean that my personality changes, I just probably speak with a more sophisticated language. But never will I be in an environment where I can’t be myself, and if I do find myself in that position, I am sure that I will have the will to leave that place ASAP.

As someone in the public eye, how do you deal with gossip and rumors?
Honestly I do not like to gossip and create rumors so I stay away from that. If someone next to me starts to gossip and create rumors I move away or I just start thinking about other things and daze off.

It’s the year 2022, what do you imagine yourself doing?
Ten years from now, I will have a family, a husband and children, maybe two, have my tourism agency, my fashion store, and hopefully my non-profit will be bigger so that I can help more people. I will always be a voice for the Haitian people therefore in ten years I will still be advocating for a better country in hope that I start see and feel a change.

A beauty does not live on her looks alone, or so the adage goes. What are your educational plans?
I am done with college. I graduated from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. I studied Business Management with a minor in Liberal Studies. I never stop educating myself, as they say, “Knowledge is power” so I always try to learn more from people, mentors, in all aspects of life. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
KREYOLICIOUSLY YOURS…ANEDIE

A sure way to get me angry is to…Betray my trust

The last time I cried was when…I watched a romance movie (yesterday)

I can’t help but smile when…I see children happy.

At this point of my life, what I value most are…My family—especially grandma—my better half, my home, knowledge—education—positiveness.

Most people don’t know that I…Have a tattoo (hidden)

Artists I’m really feeling right now…Dido, Sade, JPerry.

Three words that describe me for sure…Honest, loyal, goofy

I wish people weren’t…So materialistic and selfish.

In my downtime, I like to…Watch movies, cook or go to restaurants, spend time with loved ones.

These are my instructions to the man who I will marry…I found you already and you better stay the same or get better.

Image Sources: Various, including Paul Cobo Photography

Nora David is probably the most easy-going handbag designer you will come across. A self-professed hater of boredom and lover of life who sees things in black in white—though she admits that philosophy isn’t necessarily always good, David has fashion in her blood. Her mother Maëlle F. David is a designer, and her aunt is none other than classic beauty queen and stylist Gerthie David, who was the runner-up in the 1975 Miss Universe contest.

David is the originator of her own line of handbags Collections Xaragua. The pieces are a sensation, and the Adabelle Tote in the collection is especially creating buzz in the industry, earning David finalist standing in the “Socially Responsible” category at the 6th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Award. InStyle magazine took note and gave her a mention. The simplicity of the designs with their Caribbean flair, and gorgeous texture are among the factors that are drawing patrons to David’s designs.

Each collection caters to the different types of women in the universe. Edina is for the girl who’s an adventurer at heart; while Heloise was undoubtedly designed for the busy woman on the move, who doesn’t see packing light as an option. The professional woman has a friend in the Selma handbags, while the Rexana is for the glamour-loving woman who’s active in the nightlife.

Behind the glitz, glamour and award nominations, there’s a whole lot of work that goes in. David’s alarm wakes her up at 7:30 A.M. From there, she hops over to the gym. Then her day officially begins, with her reading and sending emails, contacting movers and shakers in the industry, performing research, budgeting, planning activities, and that’s just a start. Research is a big part of her day, of her life, but she doesn’t sit and or stand starring at the screen of a computer or wireless device. She makes in-person, competition-checking visits to stores, and most of all she studies women shoppers, passers-by and analyzes what type of handbags they tend to carry the most.

Naturally, Kreyolicious.com wanted to chat her up about Collections Xaragua. Listen in.

Q&A

You must have shown some signs during your childhood to indicate that you would become the designer that you are today!
Yes, I did. At a very young age, I was designing clothes. I never thought that I would design handbags though. Then I designed one bag inspired by a skirt, and it was the kick-off.

It’s rather obvious, but we want to ask anyway: how did you settle on the name Xaragua for your collection?
I wanted a name that would pique everyone’s curiosity about Haitian history. And I also wanted a name that reflects who I am. And Xaragua was the best fit! It was one of the 5 and the most popular and strongest of the chiefdoms of Hispaniola and the chief was a woman. I intend to make of Collections Xaragua the most popular Haitian brand owned by a woman.

One of your aims with your collection is to is to create jobs for the talented Haitian craftspeople in Haiti and bring jobs to them.
Very simple. I will work day and night to take the brand to a higher level. I will make it become popular, show the local and foreign markets what we are capable of. I will not stop until I get orders so I can come back home and have as many employees it will take to produce these bags. We will make sure the bags are of excellent quality so we always keep our position in the market. This is a big task that I intend to successfully complete.

When you’re creating these pieces, when you’re coming up with then, do you find inspiration somewhere in particular?
Every season I choose a theme for my inspiration. Next collection will be Azzure. I will get my inspiration from the ocean, the sky, scenic views. I cannot wait to start!

Is the world of fashion as cutthroat as some of the reality shows make it seem out to be?
There are so many brands out there. It’s hard to enter a market even if you offer something different, innovative, with good quality. Be perseverant, take criticism in your advantage, learn from your mistakes and others’ mistakes, be informed and I believe you will be able to achieve success.

How would you describe your collection as a whole.
My inspiration is mainly the Haitian lifestyle. I get easily inspired simply by looking at people in the streets, paintings or graffiti on walls. For example I can see a shape on a painting or on a structure and adapt it to make a handbag out of it. I select the fabrics for their quality and durability. The colors are selected according to international trends, while keeping an eye on local demand. All the bags have their lining made from a fabric that plays a big part in Haitian history, siam.

To encourage the Haitian economy, I purchased the fabrics from local suppliers in Haiti. The woven straw is made by artisans in the South of the country. Once woven, the straw is treated against bugs and a varnish is applied to give it a shiny look.

You majored in Fashion Design at a Fashion Design School in Montreal. How was that?
That’s when I realized that designing just for fun doesn’t work. There are rules to follow: trends, sizes, colors, materials, shapes…My very first designs, that I thought were great, ranked a “F”. No need to tell you how insulted I was! Then I learned to follow the rules and went from “F” to “A”. Today I realized the fashion industry is as harsh as the school was…Even though I still think some of my designs didn’t deserve an “F”, I know how to adapt my style to a specific market.

Would you recommend fashion and design schools to aspiring designers?
Yes! Yes! Yes! No school can make you be a designer. I believe it’s something that comes from within. But the school can help you stay grounded and be a success. A designer is an artist and sometimes we don’t know when to stop! We create beautiful designs that are priceless. So when it comes to take your designs and make it into a business, school will show you how.

Does Ms. Nora David have a piece in her collection that she especially likes?
I love my crossbody bag! It became part of me! It’s so practical with its easy access front pocket. It also has two inside pockets to help keep your stuff organized.

Your mom is a stylist, and your dad is an architect. Do you think that’s had any bearing on your creativity as a designer?
Yes, I definitely think so. Very young I started designing dresses. At school I was also designing outfits for my friends so we could go to heaven and look different. I felt like I was imitating what my mother was doing. Her clients would always feel happy in their custom made outfits.

What advice would you give to a woman shopper who’s selecting a handbag?
When buying a handbag a woman has to know what is more important: the look of the handbag or the use of the handbag. If it’s the look, then she should go with her taste. If the use of the bag is more important she should take into consideration everything she carries in her handbag to make the choice for the perfectly-sized handbags.

You no doubt faced some hurdles over the course of your journey as a designer.
Yes I do face some hurdles—not to say many—but they are part of life. Being aware of that, I keep my head up and always look forward. When I encounter obstacles, I choose another path. My goal has to always be stronger than any obstacles.

Collections Xaragua was recently selected as a finalist for the 6th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Award.
This is such a blessing! There is no word to describe how I feel when my work is appreciated. Collections Xaragua is competing against 4 other finalists in the category “Best Socially Responsible Handbag”. This is already a big step towards a positive image of Haiti. The competition is tight. I tried my best to meet all the international standards. I do hope to be the winner!

What’s next for you?
I strongly believe in education. I am planning to have a non-profit organization helping kids with any matter related to school. I want to provide school supplies and extra-curricular activities including involvement in the community.

My next step is to introduce the Collections Xaragua clothing line. I will be wearing one of my creations the night of the Independent Handbag Designer Award. So you will get an idea of the look Collections Xaragua will offer. Stay tuned and I hope you like it! A percentage of the profit from the clothing line will go to my organization.