Every year, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)/Vogue Fashion Fund selects ten U.S.-based up-and-coming fashion designers, among hundreds of applicants, to partake in a competition in which the winners are awarded monetary prizes and invaluable business mentorship from CFDA members and Vogue editors. This past May, Haitian-American fashion designer Victor Glemaud was among the ten designers selected by CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to participate in this year’s contest.
On Friday, October 20, 2017, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C. was transformed into a fashion mecca when the Haitian Ambassador, Paul Altidor, hosted a private reception at the Chancery in honor of Glemaud and his nomination as a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. In addition to bringing awareness to Glemaud’s brand and nomination, the reception was part of the Embassy’s larger mission to shift the Haiti narrative away from the often negative headlines by acquainting the fashion community with the country’s rich culture and history.
Glemaud, who migrated to the United States at the age of three, always aspired to become a fashion designer. Growing up, he developed a special interest in his father’s knitwear sweaters which led to the launch his knitwear collection in 2016. Glemaud’s journey started as a former publicist for Versace, Marc Jacobs and Helmut Lang, and he was later named Womenswear Design Advisor at Rabanne and Style Director for Tommy Hilfiger. One is likely to encounter his designs on posters across downtown NYC. His collection is also distributed globally through NetAPorter.com, Shopbob.com, TheLine.com and Glemaud.com.
The vibrant reception held at the Embassy in Glemaud’s honor brought together celebrity designers, top models, fashion fans and media personalities. Top Model Nisaa Pouncey and artist Hanuk, who traveled from New York to attend the event, delighted many with their presence. Ean Williams, Executive Director of D.C. Fashion Week, and Jan Du Plain, Embassy Liaison for Cultural Tourism DC, were among the many to enjoy the lively Haitian music and delectable dishes. Designers Eddie Borgo and Camilla Staerk, as well as stylists Kate Young, Brian Coats and Memsor Kamarake, were absolutely captivated by the charm and splendor of the Chancery. Representatives of media entities such as The Washington Post, The Washington City Paper, and The Washington Diplomat were also present on the occasion.
During his remarks, Ambassador Altidor praised Glemaud as one of the Haitian Diaspora’s pioneers in the fashion industry. On account of Glemaud’s accomplishments, the Ambassador solicited the public’s opinion regarding whether or not the designer should be inducted into The Pearls of Excellence, an ongoing Embassy exhibit highlighting the contributions of Haitians to the advancement of American society. The guests gleefully responded in unison to affirm their support for Glemaud’s designation as a Pearl of Excellence.
Stay connected with the Embassy by joining their mailing list or by following their social media at @EmbassyofHaiti. Check out additional photos from the evening and watch the ‘behind the scenes selection process here.
