Designers To Watch: Stella Jean

When Stella Jean was prepping for her SS14 collection last year, the unexpected happened. Giorgio Armani decided to lend his support to the über talented designer with a 550-show seat space at Milan Fashion Week and his entire communications team. Naturally, we’ve been keeping a closer and keen eye on her – especially because those unparalleled mismatches of prints and colors, which flirt with feminine silhouettes, is an impeccable reminder of a strong and bold woman; something we love to encourage here at OP.

But while the helping hand (or several pairs of hands) from Armani was a huge stepping-stone towards success for the half-Haitian and half-Italian designer, Stella is still on the rise. Her latest SS15 collection is a clear development from what had been shown previously, and depicts a warming story while at it. References to life as a Haitian woman is made with textures, clashing patterns, A-line sixties-styled skirts, trapeze jackets (our favorite) and maxi shirtdresses that loosely shapes around the figure.

What’s more is that even the jewelry transitions you to a little part of Haiti, particularly necklaces and gold balls that hang from the collar – hand made by Haitian artisans themselves.