Haitian hair designer Michel Chataigne reflects on 40 years of art and fashion in new exhibition

By Ruth Jean-Marie

BROOKLYN, NY — Michel Chataigne says he’s just getting started. After four decades in the fashion and beauty industry, the Haitian designer remains as driven as ever. Now, he’s bringing his journey to life through “La Mode et Haïti,” an exhibit highlighting his 40-year career as part of Haiti Cultural Exchange’s (HCX) HXNY residency.

Running from March 16 to April 13, 2025, the exhibition and residency will also feature a Haitian craftsmanship workshop on March 29 and a fashion show with an intimate talk led by designer Garvenchy Nicolas on April 11.

HCX has a history of supporting artists who have, at times, struggled for acceptance within their own communities. 

A pioneer in Haiti’s fashion scene, Chataigne has spent his career defying expectations. From executing international fashion shows to founding a nearly 25-year-old fashion and hair school, his work has challenged traditional norms. Now, through his exhibit, he hopes to highlight the craftsmanship and innovation that have shaped Haitian fashion.

Chataigne spoke with The Haitian Times in a conversation that moved fluidly between English, French, and Kreyòl. The following interview has been translated into English, with select phrases in Kreyòl included to preserve the depth and authenticity of his voice.

THE HAITIAN TIMES: What makes this exhibit special?

MICHEL CHATAIGNE: Because, first of all, in the entire Caribbean, only Haiti has a culture of sewing. Even in childhood, students had to pass an exam on sewing by the time they finished junior high school. Tout ti moun te pase egzamen sa net—every child took that test. It became ingrained in our culture.

What can audiences expect to see at your Brooklyn show? 

I want to show people what kind of work I was doing for forty years in fashion. I am talking about hair, I’m talking about accessories and clothing for men and women. We’re going to expose them.

All of the techniques are Haitian techniques. Everything I put in my clothing is something from Haiti—paint from Haiti and more.

Nou menm nan Ayiti, nou genyen sa yo rele broderie Richelieu e yo pa menm fè li nan Pòtoprens. — We in Haiti have what they call Richelieu embroidery, and they don’t even make it in Port-au-Prince. It’s crafted in the mountains and valleys of Jacmel.

Kote sa lè ou rive la, timoun brode, granmoun brode, fi brode, gason brode. — When you arrive there, children embroider, elders embroider, women embroider, men embroider.

“Li antre nan kilti nou.” — It’s deeply rooted in our culture. This is also one of the most difficult types of embroidery. We also have a technique with straw. Nou fè chapo pay, nou fè sak pay.— We make straw hats, we make straw bags. Mwen vini avèk des pyès trè inik la pou m montre dyaspora, ‘voila pou von faire’ — I brought very unique pieces to show the diaspora, ‘here you go.’

“Kòm si nou ka sipòte nou.” — It’s an opportunity for us to support each other.

You mentioned that you feel like you started a revolution. How was your entry into beauty and fashion a revolution?

For me, a revolution is creating something the population needs. I introduced something that didn’t exist before—cutting hair, blow-drying, and using a hot iron to style hair. Se mwen ki vini avek bagay sa Ayiti—I was the one who brought those things to Haiti.

What is your goal for this exhibition?

I want to accomplish a lot—expand business-to-business operations, work with universities, and merge fashion with the economic sector. Devlopman sektè mode la se nan dyaspora pou l sòti—the development of the fashion sector has to come from the diaspora. After 40 years, my focus is now on production and wealth creation.

Is there anything you want readers to know that hasn’t been asked?

I always need Haitian support. I rely on them to help push this industry forward. Koud pouse la se achte sa nou geyen pou nou ka sipote atelye k ap travay avek nou—supporting us means buying what we create so we can sustain the workshops and artisans working with us.

Michel Chataigne recalled styling Magali Comeau Denis’ hair, shaping trends in Haiti, and a time when getting one’s hair done was an essential part of the party culture. Beyond beauty, his career reflects a unique timeline of Haiti’s economy, fashion, and social shifts.

Chataigne called the residency a “big opportunity” to showcase Haitian talent and creativity in New York. Even his family, once skeptical of his path, has come around after 40 years.