A Celebration of 40 Years of Haitian Fashion & Cultural Influence
Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) presents Michel Chataigne, La Mode et Haïti, an immersive exhibition honoring four decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural identity through the visionary work of Michel Chataigne. This experience blends fashion, history, and storytelling, tracing the evolution of Haitian and Caribbean style on the global stage.
Sunday, March 16 – Sunday, April 13, 2025
Gallery Hours:
Thursday – Sunday, 1-6pm;
Wednesday by appointment.
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ABOUT THE EXHIBTION
Explore Michel’s legacy through a collection of Chataigne’s most iconic designs, fashion campaigns, and creative milestones. From haute couture to carnival costumes, see how traditional artistry meets contemporary design. Discover how fashion and identity are woven together, shaping Haiti’s place in the global fashion world. View archival photography, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive memorabilia documenting the story of the innovative Haitian aesthetics spanning Michel’s career.
Fashion is more than clothing—it’s a statement of identity, resilience, and history.
Michel Chataigne, La Mode et Haïti is a tribute to a designer who has dedicated 40 years to uplifting Haitian culture, shaping the narrative of Caribbean fashion and inspiring future generations.
Visit the HCX Gallery to view this exhibition and join the artist Michel Chataigne at one of the activations taking place as part of this exhibition.
Opening Reception:
Michel Chataigne, La Mode et Haïti Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 5-8pm
Travaux Manuels:
Fashion & Cultural Identity Workshop with Michel Chataigne: Saturday, March 29 | 2-4:30pm
Michel Chataigne à Travers le Temps:
Fashion Show & An n Pale: Friday, April 11 | 6-9pm
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Michel Chataigne is a trailblazing figure in Haitian fashion and beauty, recognized for his 40-year career in the industry as a designer, hair stylist, educator, and cultural icon. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Michel began his career at 19, opening his first beauty salon in 1984. Over the decades, he has become one of Haiti’s most respected fashion innovators, drawing on his extensive training and love for Haitian culture.
Michel’s passion for the art of beauty led him to study across North America and Europe. He began his advanced academic studies in Cosmetology at Edith Serei in Montreal and continued to refine his skills with advanced degrees from Dudley University in North Carolina, earning both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Cosmetology. He further honed his expertise in Paris at Hair Club International and obtained a certificate in stage direction from Performa in 1995. Throughout his career, he has also attended numerous seminars and workshops with internationally recognized cosmetic lines such as Sebastian International.
In 1998, Michel expanded his impact in the industry by founding the Michel Hair Design Institute, Haiti’s first cosmetology school aimed at training the next generation of stylists, makeup artists, and designers. Many of Michel’s students have gone on to become prominent figures in the industry, both in Haiti and internationally. In 1999, he launched Fashion & Design, his own modeling agency, which has supported and promoted the careers of countless Haitian models and beauty professionals.
Michel’s work extends beyond hairstyling into fashion design and entrepreneurship. His brand includes clothing, handbags, sandals, and accessories, each piece reflecting his commitment to quality and his vision of Haitian beauty. Michel’s early inspirations came from his family, particularly his grandmother’s wardrobe, which instilled in him an appreciation for classic elegance and Haitian heritage. His collections often blend European, American, and African influences, demonstrating a unique style that resonates with his global audience.
A dedicated cultural consultant in etiquette, personal development, and protocol, Michel has contributed to Haitian cultural events for over 25 years, especially as a designer and organizer for the Haitian carnival. His involvement in pageantry includes organizing the Miss Haiti Contest in both Haiti and New York, as well as the Miss Soft and Beautiful Pageant from 1999 to 2003. Since 2003, he has participated in numerous international fashion weeks, showcasing his designs in London, Italy, Jamaica, Florida, the Bahamas, and Martinique.
As a beauty advisor to Group Deka and official representative of Soft’n Free, a prestigious South African company, Michel has introduced innovative products and beauty standards to Haiti. He also supported the launch of Digicel mobile phones in Haiti and Turks and Caicos through his role as a beauty and image consultant.
Michel’s contributions have been celebrated through multiple awards and recognitions. He was named Best Student at Dudley University in 1996 and awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Digicel in 2011. In the same year, he was honored by Haitian Fashion Channels in Florida for his pioneering work in fashion and beauty. He remains an influential member of the Association of Haitian Designers (HAND), and his annual showcases integrate dance, theater, and fashion, celebrating Haitian arts in their entirety.
Michel’s career is defined by his dedication to elevating Haitian culture through fashion and beauty. As he marks his 40th anniversary in the industry, his legacy continues to inspire, educate, and influence both emerging and established Haitian artists. This celebration will not only highlight his career achievements but also honor his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Haiti’s beauty to the world.
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ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Michel Chataigne, La Mode et Haïti is presented as part of HCX’s ongoing Vizyon Atistik visual arts programming and Haiti X New York (HXNY), a residency program that brings Haiti-based artists to New York to present their work and engage with Diaspora and broader NYC audiences.
Artists participate in workshops, panel discussions, and culminating presentations. HXNY narrows the physical and cultural distance between Haitians and Haitian-Americans and lends new insights to historical and current concerns of Haitians in and out of the Diaspora
Funding for this series of Vizyon Atistik programming is provided, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional support from le Consulat Général d’Haïti and Materials for the Arts.
