"Through fashion we can help rebuild a nation"--that was one of the opening remarks of Fashion Loves Haiti, undoubtedly the best night of Funkshion Fashion Week, filled with heritage, real time entertainment, and flawless fashion. There's nothing more exciting than coming across new talent, and although we had expected the Haitian fashion collections to be fabulous, we never imagined that we would have left the tent so obsessed. Maybe it was the live band that shared the runway with the models, maybe it was the models who had more presence than we've ever witnessed at a show before, but we have a feeling it really was just the clothes--the tailored, tasteful, yet tempting clothes. Haitian designers have cracked the code to seductive elegance. We've seen it done in small doses by other designers, but it seemed to be the language of the fashion we saw come down the runway--the threads holding the clothes together. If there's one thing that Funkshion taught us, it's that Haitian designers set the bar. At least for us, fashion will never be the same, so we feel more than obligated to drop the names of the game changers. 

MeJeanne Couture

Before we say anything else, we should let you know that this was MeJeanne Couture's first ready-to-wear collection, though you would never be able to tell from the sumptuous womeswear that were showcased. Mid to knee length body conscious dresses fit for a lady impressed us with their wildcard details: backless, cut outs, sheer panels. Any woman could wear these dresses and be instantly transfomed into a temptress. Even more remarkable than the perfect balance between structure and sensuality was the quality of the collection. When the silver silk pants and yellow ruffled blouse came out, it couldn't be denied that every piece in the collection was perfectly tailored. The collection's fabrics, colors, and designs were obviously thought through--a sure sign of a truly talented designer--and more than deserving of the standing ovation it received.

Les Pericles

Here's a quick fire way to determining whether a collection is commendable or not--do the models seem to have a good time wearing it? The Les Pericles models surely did. Really, we don't know where to start, but the beginning seems like a good place. Things started off ultra sexy with a provocative black ensemble: a neckline that jumped off the deep end, sheer billiowing sleeves, skin tight highwaisted short shorts (if you can even call them that), tattered hoisery. The chunky pearl accessories almost threw us for a loop--almost--but then we realized that that's just how erotic elegance is done. The rest of the collection followed in the same pretty but provocative fashion, with sweet sheer dresses sans slips, and white getups (some wild, some whimsical), but then there was a stunning shift to dramatic heritage inspired couture. The colors, the craftmanship, the crowd's cheers--it was at that moment that we realized that fashion really does love Haiti.

Bien Abye

Staying true to its name, Bien Abye, creole for "well dressed," was just that. Obviously for the independent working woman, Bien Abye's modern yet classic pieces should have been boring, but clever details amped this collection up so that the end result was no short of elegant and empowering. After seeing the full collection, I think every woman wished they had a 9 to 5 job so that they could wear the paper bag waist pencil skirt, chic shorts, silky blouses, sheath dresses, and effortless suits in plaid and non-chalant neutrals. The cuts and silhouettes were definitely the power woman's perfect match, pulling off the balancing act between stiff and sassy.  The eco-chic jewelry by Rax Collection added the finishing touch to the collection, nicely complementing each piece. 

Michel Chataigne

This collection was golden--literally. Ultra feminine and obviously retro inspired, Michel Chataigne's matte gold and cream pieces made us want to swipe on some heavy mascara and call ourselves Twiggy. Completely cohesive, the collection featured lightweight dresses in sixties silhouettes and peasant styles, grand kimono sleeves, tailored trousers, and a playful ankle-length jumpsuit. Most of our favorite pieces of the whole night were from this collection because we can honestly say that Michel Chataigne's evening wear gave Stella McCartney's gold gown showcased the previous night a run for its money. The finale bridal gown had an incredible amount of beading and ruffle detail. Our jaws hopelessly hit the floor when we saw it come down the runway, and I think it's accurate to assume that every single lady in the tent was thinking the same thing: "I want!"

All Photos By Andrew Millar - Vision Studios Photography

http://visionstudiosphotography.com/