Archive

Who killed Haiti?

Serge Jolimeau & Rony Jacques
Nathalie Tancrede
Ryan James
Dechie
Harris Elliot
Leo J. Caligan
Luke Ami
Ope, Jum, Sonny, Kofi, Zeni

Metal Artists
Translator
Photo/Videographer
Casting
Mentor
Photography Assistance
MUA
Cast

The Autumn/Winter 2023 collection Who Killed Haiti? investigated the Tonton Macoute, the Haitian paramilitary force created in 1959 by dictator Francois Duvalier. Dinasti Duvalier (The Duvalier dynasty) was a hereditary dictatorship that lasted almost 30 years. Only two years after becoming president, Papa Doc created the paramilitary, whose uniform consists of daunting masks. Intrigued by the use of a mask as a uniform for policing. The ideas of the uniform began the initial framework for this collection. This collection explores the uniform and how it’s used as a tool to uphold power and change identity. This exploration was done through image, music, and academic research. Working alongside artist based in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti to create sculpture work to further expand the ideas of this collection.

The coffin as a uniform for the funeral. A universal vessel used to hold and protect our loved ones after they have passed. Let me tell you something…

The collection soundtrack, created by Dechie, features the fusion of Haitian jazz, the voice of Papa Doc, and vibrant noises of Kanaval.

Featuring The Funeral’s Uniform, 2023. Serge Jolimeau and Rony Jacques in collaboration with Harielle Atana-Lindor.

170cm x 85cm, Recycled Oil Drums.

Leah Gordon: Kanaval, 2021
Herve Telemaque: A Hopscotch of the Mind, 2001
Alex Webb: Under a Grudging Sun: Photographs from Haiti Libere, 1986-1988

All the boys on the hillside. Zeni, Jum, Kofi, Sonny, and Ope.
Kofi, Ope, Sonny, and Jum in F/W 2023
F/W 2023 shot by Ryan James
Jum in the Oil Suit F/W 2023 with the clay crown and horn.
Sonny and Zeni F/W 2023
Sonny, Jum, and Ope F/W 2023
Jum F/W 2023
Black and white photo of a person's oil stained sleeve with fingers slightly bent, in a grassy field.
Zeni in the Silvio Cator Shirt and Cut & Fray Trousers F/W 2023

In conversation with

Metal Artists
Translator

Serge Jolimeau & Rony Jacques
Nathalie Tancrede

In Conversation with: Metal Artists Serge Jolimeau and Rony Jacques 2023 was a live video call discussion, via the Royal College of Arts, moderated by designer Harielle Atana-Lindor. Haitian metal art is incredibly unique hallmark of Haitian culture. During her research processes, she stumbled upon the work of Serge and Rony, which led to their collaboration. This one hour conversation details the process and creation of the metal sculpture The Funeral’s Uniform, as well as all of the artists individual practices and how they came together to collaborate.

Collaboration across generations. Collaboration within the diaspora. How do we inspire each other?

This Must Be the Beginning of the End

Photography
Cast
Music
Jewellery

Stafi Samaki
Kofi Couston & Martin King
Dechie
PaniJewellery

The Spring/Summer 2022 collection This Must Be the Beginning of the End is an examination of Mod subculture and the reinterpretation of it’s silhouettes through the lens and themes of H.G Wells 1898 sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds. A fictional invasion of Great Britain around the early twentieth century by Martians. Exploring ways of “invading” materials and fabrics. A subculture that heavily references Caribbean Rude-boy culture, originating from 1960’s Jamaican street culture. This Must Be the Beginning of the End is an exploration of the fusion of cultures as well as the beginning of the brands approach to story building.

“Pity for those witless souls that suffer our dominion” H.G. Wells, War of the Worlds

H.G Wells: The War of the Worlds
Thompson, S: The Story of Subculture: The Rude Boy (& Rude Girl)
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds