Prajjé Oscar: A Spirit of Duality
Photos courtesy of Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste. Originally published in AphroChic magazine Issue 4, Summer 2020.
It is a tale of two sisters. One, the Rada Loa, Erzulie Fréda Dahomey, is the goddess of love, beauty, jewelry, dancing, and flowers. The other is Erzulie Dantor, most senior of the Petro Loa and goddess of motherhood, credited as the spiritual inspiration to Haiti’s famed revolution. Opposites in nature and rivals for the love of Ogun, the two are traditionally depicted as enemies. But for his SS20 collection, Haitian-born designer Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste, painted a different story.
In Jean-Baptiste’s new vision, the goddesses are reconciled, working together to bring their people to freedom. Though their personalities may contrast, they work synergistically towards a common goal. In Prajjé Oscar’s ÈZILI collection, the legacy of these goddesses is celebrated beautifully. The designer worked extensively in his native country to acquaint himself with local manufacturers and techniques, determined to create a collection that would benefit the nation by being manufactured locally.
Featuring an eye-catching palette, the collection is modern yet traditional, presenting a mix of ready-to-wear pieces and stunning couture gowns. Bold hues evoke the natural splendor of Haiti through beading and embroidery handmade by Haitian artisans. The most special piece of all - a hand painted jacket. A work of art, made for the people, inspired by the gods.
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