Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, a renowned advocate for diversity and inclusivity in fashion, is set to make a significant statement at the Paris Olympics 2024. She has been entrusted with the prestigious task of creating the uniforms for Team Haiti, who will be competing at the games scheduled from July 26 to August 11. This collaboration offers a powerful platform for Jean to highlight the rich cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship of her native Haiti on a global stage.
The 15 athletes representing Haiti will proudly wear Jean’s designs during the opening ceremony on July 26, an event that will take place along the iconic River Seine in Paris. For Stella Jean, this project is more than just designing clothes; it is an opportunity to bring positive attention to Haiti, a nation that has recently faced immense challenges, including political instability, crime, natural disasters, and economic hardship. Through these Haiti Olympics 2024 Uniforms, Jean aims to shift the narrative and showcase the resilience and beauty of Haitian culture.
Jean’s creative vision for the Haiti Olympics 2024 uniform is deeply rooted in Haitian artistry. She has partnered with Haitian painter Philippe Dodard, incorporating his artwork titled “Passage” into the designs. This collaboration adds a unique and authentic artistic dimension to the uniforms, making them truly representative of Haiti.
The women’s uniform is a vibrant ensemble featuring a full skirt adorned with Dodard’s captivating artwork. This is paired with a chambray shirt, skillfully woven in Haiti, celebrating the country’s heritage in crafting “blue cotton,” a tradition that is unfortunately facing decline. Completing the look is a sleeveless blazer made from recycled fabric, proudly displaying the Haitian Olympic emblem.
Women's Haiti Olympics 2024 uniform designed by Stella Jean featuring a full skirt with artwork by Philippe Dodard and a chambray shirt.
The men’s Haiti Olympics 2024 uniform also incorporates Dodard’s painting motif, featured on stylish pants. These are matched with a field jacket inspired by the traditional Haitian Guayabera shirt, a garment deeply embedded in Haitian culture and a tribute to Jean’s grandfather. The jacket is designed to be worn over a striped shirt and complemented by a printed scarf, adding layers of detail and cultural significance to the outfit.
Women's Haiti Olympics 2024 uniform designed by Stella Jean featuring a full skirt with artwork by Philippe Dodard and a chambray shirt.
Haiti’s participation in the Paris Olympics comes at a particularly challenging time. The nation is grappling with severe unrest, compounded by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gang violence has disrupted essential infrastructure, causing airport closures and seaport blockades, further destabilizing the country.
In this context, the 15 Haitian athletes are not just competitors; they are, as Stella Jean eloquently stated, “standard bearers of peace.” Their role transcends the pursuit of medals; they embody hope and resilience for a nation in need. These athletes represent “15 living symbols of rebirth and renewal,” offering a message of hope that extends far beyond the sporting arena.
The Haiti Olympics 2024 uniforms designed by Stella Jean are not only garments but also powerful symbols of Haitian culture and resilience. Following the Paris Olympics, these significant uniforms will be showcased at the Haitian National Pantheon Museum (Mupanah) in Port-au-Prince, allowing the people of Haiti to celebrate their athletes and their cultural heritage.
This announcement of Haiti Olympics 2024 uniform follows similar reveals from major sportswear and luxury brands designing for other national teams, including Nike for the U.S., Lululemon for Canada, and Berluti for France. Stella Jean’s designs for Haiti, however, carry a unique weight, representing not just athletic prowess but also cultural pride and national hope in the face of adversity.
