We all know about the “H” here at House of Lafrance, but tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you chose to become a fashion designer?

Well, hello there, everyone… I wish I could say I chose fashion. Fortunately, fashion design chose me instead! I went back and forth to become either a physician after graduating high school or follow my instincts and become a fashion designer. I am originally from Haiti, and having Haitian parents can be quite intimidating, especially when choosing a career path that will make them proud. I later decided to go for it and follow my heart because I could not ignore the creative side of me any longer. Of course, I had to break the news to my family, and surprisingly everyone was supportive and encouraged me to do it. I was beating myself over nothing, really…

Oh, we can definitely understand that feeling! Tell us, what are the inspirations for your designs?

I get inspired by my childhood memories, the schools I use to go to and their uniforms, and the activities I used to get involved in, the food I used to crave, and the movies I used to watch. I think all of those play a vital role in my designing career. I wouldn’t say I live in the past, but at the beginning of my designing career, that’s how it started. As I evolve in my crafts, I gather inspiration from abstract objects, random imageries, and personal experiences.

How do you select the materials you used? And are they difficult/easy to work with? 

It really depends on the look that I am going for. I am always amazed at how sophisticated woven fabrics look when they are well structured and pressed. My dad is a tailor and only used woven fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, etc. So, I’ve developed a great love for these materials watching him.

Of course, your father is a tailor (laughter). Do you find his work influencing your style? 

My father’s work doesn’t necessarily influence my style as far as designing goes. My father is very conservative when designing for the woman’s body. Meanwhile, I am more contemporary. I will add at least one cutout in a dress; if there isn’t any, then it’s not from the Holchiline brand, throw it away! (Laughter). His work ethic, though has shaped me to be the workaholic that I am. He will not leave the sewing studio until he is satisfied with the work he has done. He will redo a suit as many times as it takes to make it stand like the “Obama suits” in his own words. He has this Russian quote he always says, “If you don’t have time to do it right, you must have time to do it over!” Every time I’m rushing to complete a design, I can hear his voice saying those words to me even if he is not there.

Having Haitian parents can be quite intimidating, especially when choosing a career path that will make them proud.

H. Alcy

Is he involved in your creating process? If so, how? If not, what does it think of you following in his footsteps?

As much as I didn’t want him to, I have to admit that his critical eyes are the truest of all. Most of my classmates saw me as a fortunate designer to have a father in the same industry. I used to take it for granted because I wanted to have full credit for my work. Whether it was well done or not, I wanted to see how I’m progressing alone. I still am getting further along in my career. I feel like I need someone like him, someone with discipline and thought-provoking critics, to give me a reality check from time to time. I tend to go to la-la-land with my designs sometimes (laughter).

How well do you take criticisms of your work?

It’s all depends on how or from who. I like constructive criticism. Most people who mean well and know what they are talking about will criticize respectfully, not to break you but to help you improved. I like that. However, I find myself getting defensive when someone points out things that they don’t want in my designs that have nothing to do with my concept and aesthetics! Some critics are what I like to call shade!

Walk us through your thought processes when you create your designs.

The process always begins as I lay in bed. I put my phone away, lay on my back, lights off, close my eyes, and think about my most precious memories and ideas. Then suddenly, the lights switch up in my head. I will quickly get up and sketch something that only I can understand, with any weird tool found on my bedside table, whether it’s a marker, lipstick, or an eyeliner. Anything, that way, I don’t forget what I envisioned that night. When I was younger, my sister and I shared a room, she would get so annoyed at me turning on the lamp on and off multiple times a night. I was sketching anything that came through my mind! She understands more now.

You also design your own print; how did that start?

I took a textile design course in college with professor Milman (who, I must add, is very well known for his keen eyes for scouting and picking out talents to help mold them into incredible artists). He did just that with me. His love for textiles and his patience with students like me at the time were overwhelmingly astonishing! With his help, I got better at the art of textile. I had the chance to participate in the Graphics of America Couture Fashion Show, where I showcased my textile mini-collections. The feedback I received actually encouraged me to do more textile designs, and the rest is now history…

When can we see Holchiline designs on the runway?

I will assure you that you will see a lot more from the Holchiline brand on the runway as long as I am breathing; there is nothing else I want to do but just that!

What are your plans for the future?

I don’t want to say too much about what is to come, but a lot is coming from the Holchiline brand. Just keep a close eye on me on Instagram and follow my journey!

We thank you for sharing your fascinating story with the readers of House of Lafrance Magazine and us. We will indeed follow your journey and hope to have you here with us soon on another publication!

Interviewed by Laura Lafrance – HOL Magazine