Fanm Kreyol - 11 March 2012 09:19 AM

ShelaJoe - 10 March 2012 09:16 PM

LVuitton_chic - 10 March 2012 06:52 PM

ShelaJoe - 10 March 2012 02:43 PM

Who are they marketing towards? Teenagers wouldn't even want that. I have to make plans, this is getting ridiculous. I know there is real talent out there amongst us.

You're right ShelaJoe, I doubt that the target group for these bags are teenagers. Vèvè Collections is a more mature taste. I like them.

It seems so but I can't imagine any Haitian woman that I know, who would buy these items. Well... you like them, everyone has different taste but I'm looking at the bigger picture here. This is the Caribbean and this is what Haiti has to offer? We can seriously do better than that. We have to compete with Europe, South America, Asia...

you're right. Just looking at the pictures, screams walmart which is NOT the direction any serious Haitian designer should be going towards. I hate to say it but I was pissed at Donna Karen for the ads that were made but in hindsight, I think she kinda marketed Haitian designing into something rich people can buy which Is what we need. Exotic, mystic, otherworldliness , yes but CLASSY, not cheap like 75% discount at the flea market.

Yes, Donna Karan used Haiti as a platform. I remember after reading about the ads, I would see ads on Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus... Actually, I was on Neiman Marcus and I was amazed on how the latest collection was very "Haiti" or "Africa Safari" and it was expensive! The jewelry resembles Haitian craft too. I have a weird feeling, I'm not saying it true, that she went to Haiti to "steal" ideas.

Here's the pic on the Neiman Marcus Donna Karan section.

jona - 10 March 2012 09:58 PM

What luxury brands like Ralph Lauren are selling is an experience. Ralph Lauren offers a piece of Americana, a way for wasps to set themselves apart and a way for outsiders to feel like they belong in that group. A lot of work goes into building a luxury brand; you have to establish a sense of exclusiveness. When Tommy Hilfiger became fashionable among lower class minorities, the brand lost its value.

Veve should target well-heeled who want their style to reflect their worldliness. It shouldn't be aimed at Haitian women but at the "I dab in the mysticism in between yoga classes and writing my new book on organic bacon macarons" crowd. Their marketing should reflect exoticism and spiritual enlightenment. Donna Karan's adds did a passable job (if not tarnished by those two figures in the background) at capturing Haiti's otherness and mystic qualities.

I know, it shouldn't be aimed at Haitian women but it's a Haitian designer. I wonder more who besides a Haitian who would buy these items. They should stop focusing on the logo by dropping it or using it once in a while. I wonder what Dell will have for the upcoming seasons.

jona - 11 March 2012 12:30 PM

Fanm Kreyol - 11 March 2012 09:19 AM

you're right. Just looking at the pictures, screams walmart which is NOT the direction any serious Haitian designer should be going towards. I hate to say it but I was pissed at Donna Karen for the ads that were made but in hindsight, I think she kinda marketed Haitian designing into something rich people can buy which Is what we need. Exotic, mystic, otherworldliness , yes but CLASSY, not cheap like 75% discount at the flea market.

flea market discount bin is a little too harsh.


The two bags on the bottom do scream Walmart. Plus the tweed material is passe de mode. Is that a cannabis leaf on the one with the colors of the Jamaican flag? The two green bags on top are no veve on are cute for a bohemian (minus the chic) Saturday stroll, but are too trendy. They're the type people go crazy for on season and quickly get tired of, like most things you find at Target. That's not how you build a brand. People still go on waiting lists for the original Birkin bag. The third green bag is a waste of a gorgeous veve. I can see that veve on a black silk clutch with a silver clasp or maybe dark wood to go with the foliage. I'm the least creative person there is, and even I feel I could have done it better.

This may come off as weird, but I feel like I know you or maybe I just agree with everything you have to say. lol. Are you in the fashion industry?

Is it me or do I find it unappealing when I see white women in African style/themes. It just doesn't look right. Idk it just doesn't... Especially in turbans or a African gele.

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:34 PM

This may come off as weird, but I feel like I know you or maybe I just agree with everything you have to say. lol. Are you in the fashion industry?

It's not weird at all to think in the same wavelength as someone else. No, I'm not i the fashion industry, but used to be interested in the fashion world when I was younger. Not so much the final product, but the work that goes on behind the scene: how designers get inspired, model selection, how fashion show translate in to retail how luxury brands survive, etc. I don't really care for it anymore.

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:41 PM

Is it me or do I find it unappealing when I see white women in African style/themes. It just doesn't look right. Idk it just doesn't... Especially in turbans or a African gele.

No not weird at all. In this particular case, the lips don't match her skin tone.

jona - 11 March 2012 05:52 PM

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:41 PM

Is it me or do I find it unappealing when I see white women in African style/themes. It just doesn't look right. Idk it just doesn't... Especially in turbans or a African gele.

No not weird at all. In this particular case, the lips don't match her skin tone.

Yea, they tried with the "We are all Africans" theme. lol.

jona - 11 March 2012 05:49 PM

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:34 PM

This may come off as weird, but I feel like I know you or maybe I just agree with everything you have to say. lol. Are you in the fashion industry?

It's not weird at all to think in the same wavelength as someone else. No, I'm not i the fashion industry, but used to be interested in the fashion world when I was younger. Not so much the final product, but the work that goes on behind the scene: how designers get inspired, model selection, how fashion show translate in to retail how luxury brands survive, etc. I don't really care for it anymore.

Oh, ok. You know a lot. I've been interested since middle school. I use to take art classes instead of P.E. so I could focus on fashion design and art. I loved it, I actually wanted to become a fashion designer, but you know I grew up and I had a change of mind. I hope I don't lose interest though.

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 06:00 PM

jona - 11 March 2012 05:52 PM

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:41 PM

Is it me or do I find it unappealing when I see white women in African style/themes. It just doesn't look right. Idk it just doesn't... :-S Especially in turbans or a African gele.

No not weird at all. In this particular case, the lips don't match her skin tone.

Yea, they tried with the "We are all Africans" theme. lol.

I didn't even notice what was written.

ShelaJoe - 11 March 2012 05:00 PM

Yes, Donna Karan used Haiti as a platform. I remember after reading about the ads, I would see ads on Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus... Actually, I was on Neiman Marcus and I was amazed on how the latest collection was very "Haiti" or "Africa Safari" and it was expensive! The jewelry resembles Haitian craft too. I have a weird feeling, I'm not saying it true, that she went to Haiti to "steal" ideas.

Here's the pic on the Neiman Marcus Donna Karan section.

That's my concern, Haitian's not being able to tap into their own cultural heritage and having to sit back and watch others exploit our creativity.

I'm going to be a little bit of subject (sorry for it) but do you guys have any good-looking-and-hopefully-affordable clothes to suggest? I don't really follow the different trends and my closet seriously needs a " fresh air! "If it can help I do like how Kanye west dress himself... He knows how to mix class and urban like almost no one does.

Incognito - 11 March 2012 09:36 PM

I'm going to be a little bit of subject (sorry for it) but do you guys have any good-looking-and-hopefully-affordable clothes to suggest? I don't really follow the different trends and my closet seriously needs a " fresh air! "If it can help I do like how Kanye west dress himself... He knows how to mix class and urban like almost no one does.

hmm... Let's see. I know he wears a lot of suits with sneakers, blazers, sweaters, Louis Vuitton... lol. Basicaly you have to look tailored and clean, then you can mix the "urban into it. I don't know what's your price range I would suggest Zara Men's, H&M;, basically get the basics. Go to the mall get jeans, blazer, basic white tees, tailored suits...