PRODG Entertainment Promotions

PROFILES

Louis Elneus
Founder of HLD

Richard Jeanty
Author & Entrepreneur

Leslie Demangles
Author & College Professor

Danielle Legros-George
Haitian Poet & Autor

Margaret Papillon
Haitian Author

Myrtelle Cherry
Haitian Artist & Painter

Carole B. Joseph
Mass Bay Community College President

Gashford Guillaume
Mozayik Drummer

Pascale Auguste
Haitian Association Against Cancer

Andy Jacques
Haitian Fashion Designer

Phillip J. Brutus
State Representative

Yvecar Momperousse
Haitian Student Alliance

The Maroons
Haitian Writers & Poets

Evans Thesee
Founder HaitianConnection.com

Abdias Charles
Founder of Repair Haiti.org

Mecca AKA Grimo
Haitian Hip Hop Artist & Activist

Fania Simon
Writer, Lecturer & Activist

Nadege Fleurimond
Owner of Fleurimond Catering

Interview: Andy Jacques (cont...)

		For nearly 10 years, young Haitian-American designer, Andy Jacques has been influential in the Boston's fashion scene. Having been exposed to his father's tailoring business at the tender age of 12, Andy has been described as having fashion in his blood. Andy has graced the cover several media outlets such as the Boston Globe, NBC's "Deco Drive" in Miami, Fox News Channel 25 in Boston, ABC Channel 2 in NY and BostonFashion.com.
Prodg Entertainment Promotions representative, Carline Gelé, was able to spend some time with Andy, ask him about his work, his community and what fashion is to him:

CG: In trying to promote your work, what is an offense that has infuriated you the most?

AJ: The most infuriating time in my career was back in 2001 when my clothes were first launched at a trendy Newbury St. Boutique in Boston called "House of Culture". It was on the third week of sales when I received a phone call on my cell phone from the owner of the store stating that he had to ask a few patrons to leave the boutique because they came to look at my clothes and stated that they were overpriced and that I was too young to have my garments sold at that location at such a young age. These were people that I knew. That was the first time I was exposed to some of the harsh discouragement that can come from our own people. I was very angry for a few days but now I look back and thank G od for those types of criticisms because it only strengthened my conviction to be successful.

CG: What functions have you hosted for your designs?

AJ: I have done so many fashion shows and events in Boston, Miami, DC, Dallas, New York, Toronto, and recently I had the opportunity to showcase my new collection across the pond in London- UK in May of 2006 to test the European market.

CG: Given that all fashionable ideas have been covered in the past, what makes your designs unique?

AJ: I tend to incorporate different elements from different seasons to form that perfect blend. A lot of designers are one-dimensional and are either limited to one genre. I tend to encompass a lot of different motifs in each collection. There's a fine line between innovation and mass appeal and I think I balance that very well.

CG: Which prominent designer do you relate more to?

AJ: I started designing mimicking Gianni Versace. Now that he is no longer alive I think I relate more to Roberto Cavalli. There is something about the tailoring and the cut of a classic Italian designer that I have appreciation for.

CG: Do you sell your designs in Haiti? Do you have a company in Haiti?

AJ: Not yet. What I would love to do is start mass producing in Haiti. I think there can be more opportunity there in manufacturing for young designers like me as the political climate there begins to stabilize. I see this happening very soon.

CG: What is your opinion of the Fashion Industry/Fashion Designers in Haiti?

AJ: My research has only taken me to a few Haitian Designers living in the U.S. who are starting to get noticed here in the states by Americans. I know there are numerous fashion designers in Haiti who are very talented, but I have noticed that culturally, the Haitian community doesn't respect and honor the craft and expertise of a fashion designer. This is probably because of ignorance that's all. In Haiti, everyone in the family knew how to sew and there was also a tailoring shop in every corner. Therefore, the average person there wouldn't be able to make the distinction between a fashion designer, a tailor, a seamstress, or a pattern maker. Nothing is really specialized, so as a result, those professions are not as respected as they are here in the United States and in Europe.

CG: What is your opinion about where the Fashion Industry is today?

AJ: In terms of façade, I think the fashion industry is just starting to embrace more diversity. I hear a lot from my ethnic models on how tough it is for them to make it in the world of high fashion. I tell them that it is still just as challenging for me to make it in this global marketplace since I am of Caribbean decent. Frankly, I think the fashion industry is heading towards a stand-still in terms of keeping good talent interested in a career in fashion. In the past decade there has been an exponential surge in celebrities launching their own labels. I see nothing wrong with this but lately it has been discouraging to young designers that are looking to make a name for themselves.

CG: What career other than Fashion Design would you pursue if possible?

AJ: There is no other field right now that I feel passionate enough about. If I couldn't work as a designer, I would probably launch a non-profit organization that would help fashion designers learn the business aspect of the industry. It is very important to know all the other crucial components of the industry that can make or break you. As a designer in the High Fashion industry, I've learned that being talented is not enough, you have to understand that you are not only selling clothes but you're also selling an image and you're selling a lifestyle with every collection you design and every fashion show you do.

CG: What should we expect in the future from Andy Jacques Designs?

AJ: You should definitely expect mass production soon, so my collections can be distributed nationally. That, I think is the most important goal I have before 2007.

CG: In what capacity have you given back to the Haitian Community?

AJ: For the past eight years I have lent my fashion expertise to Haitian events and collaborative including the annual HBNN (Haitian Brothers Networking Nationwide) Benefit fashion show held every November in Boston. That event raises thousands of dollars every year for Haiti. Also, In 1997 my father and I also served as fashion consultants to the first annual Gala in Boston hosted by actress Julia Roberts in honor of her charitable contributions to Haiti.

CG: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring designers and artists?

AJ: I think the most important piece of advice would be to study the business aspect of "your craft" and how you can leave a legacy. Once you neglect that there is an economic component that can grow with or without you, you will never be able to develop a plan to leave it to future generations. I also think designers and artist need to learn more how to embrace change because techniques are forever changing and so does the taste(s) of your consumers.

CG: What can you tell young Haitians living in America without a dream?

AJ: First I think it all starts off with following your passion. Your future dreams and career goal will slowly manifest itself once you know what your calling is. Second, I strongly urge them to join specific organizations and special interest groups that promote your talent, views, and interests. Once you have the first 2 steps down it will be so simply to align yourself with many successful people in your area of interest that can mentor you to get to where you want to be.

CG: How would you like your one-line epitaph to read?

AJ: "Here lies not a great man; here lies a man whom was able to surround himself with people that were better than him."

CG: Andy, on behalf of Prodg Entertainment Promotions, I would like to wish you continued success and thank you for your time.