Port Au Prince, Haiti — The third edition of Haiti Fashion Week (HFW) will spotlight talent from Mexico on October 30 to November 2, 2014 at the Karibe Hotel Convention Center in Petion-Ville, Haiti. This year’s theme focuses on the important linkages between fashion and heritage.
“Haiti is a leader in the fashion sector in the Caribbean and Latin America and we are thrilled that Haiti Fashion Week continues to play such a critical role in building awareness about its potential internationally,” said HFW Founder and President Maguy Durce.
During a press conference last month to announce HFW, Ambassador of Mexico Jose Luis Alvarado said he was excited about the collaboration with Haiti’s sector. The organizers of HFW – Durce, internationally acclaimed designer Maelle Figaro David, and Artist Director Michel Châtaigne – were in Mexico this summer to meet with local industry leaders and discuss ways to partner.
The showcase of talent will kick off with fashions by 40 designers and special appearances by international VIPs, and celebrities and a Mariachi band from Haiti’s neighbor to the West. Attendees will also be able to shop in the daily marketplace and participate in a series of workshops and forums focused on strategies to promote Haiti’s growing fashion industry, obtain financing, and expand into global markets.
About 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the extravaganza, which is an initiative of the Haitian Centre for Business Support and Promotion and the Haitian (CHAPE), with its partner, the Haitian Network of Designers (HAND). The event is being sponsored by the European Union through the Programme Européen de Soutien aux Initiatives Culturelles (PESIC), along with key partners, Centre Haitien d’Appui et de Promotion d’Entreprises (CHAPE), the governments of Haiti and Mexico, and the Raben Group.