Style Story / Stella Jean
9 years ago by
There was one person who I knew we had to meet while we were in Rome (and one of the coolest designer to also call it home): Stella Jean.
She is so elegant, and all while mixing bold colors and embroidered skirts to perfection. It’s something I’ve always admired about her collections – they’re vibrant and fun, yet with this undeniable lady sensibility, much like Stella’s personal style.
To top it off, we got to shoot her at the home where The Great Beauty was set – it was filmed all over Rome, indulgent parties included, and it won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film! A real treat, combined with sincere hospitality from Stella.
Describe your style in three words.
Mètissage, cultural trompe-l’œil, counter-colonization.
If you had to pick one outfit to wear every day, what would it be?
A striped shirt for my European roots and a design motif skirt to represent my Haitian roots. It was the native island of my mother, and the first independent black republic in the world!
Your collections are full of amazing prints, and your passion for them shows in your personal wardrobe. Where did your love for patterns come from?
Prints just amuse me! In my creations, they also play a role in counterbalancing the often structured tailoring. All of my designs are a mix of traditional Italian craftsmanship and, opposing, my Wax & Stripes philosophy.
Such unusual prints aren’t always so accepted, but I’ve noticed that certain places, London for example, are ready for this trend.
How has your blended heritage of Italian and Haitian guided your style?
My two worlds exist side by side in balance, and they each totally influence my work; my inspiration always comes from my personal story, from my Italo-Haitian origins.
Few countries can boast the artistic, historical and cultural layering experience of Italy, and the value of tradition is here but we still move with the changing times. On the other hand, Haiti’s cultural métissage is inherent in my work. I believe fashion can be a cultural translator, re-establishing one’s perception of symbols, stories and worlds through style.
And how does living in Rome influence the way you dress?
There is a lot of Italian influence in my style – I would say exactly half! Strolling through the streets of Rome, you are so inspired by the infinite inspiration, especially the history and art…
Your glasses are a signature. What do you love about these in particular?
It’s a frame for those who don’t want to hide, but embellish, stand out!
What is your fragrance?
My signature is Jasmin Noir by Bulgari.
Do you have a fashion muse?
What has always inspired me, even today, and continues to affect my artistic and human sensibility are the stories of women who are common but extraordinary in their own way. It’s definitely always been the oppressed who have inspired me most – slaves and prisoners, rather than queens or princesses.
I love Stella Jean!!!!
Passa a trovarmi VeryFP
Wowww! Her style is so colorful! LOVE IT!!! <3
Xxx
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
Merci pour cette style story, ça change des personalites que vous interviewez d’habitude, super contente qu’il y est plus de diversité sur le blog ça fait du bien continuez comme ça!! Stella est très classe :)
http://www.lebazhaar.com
Un style parfait et des photos très jolies. Bravo !
http://www.pose-mag.fr/2015/06/n21-en-ligne/
She truly is stunning. Those embroidery patterns are beautiful. She has this effortlessly elegant, chic but yet bourgeois quality about her. I wouldn’t mind dressing like this every single day at all.
Lovely feature.
http://www.barbara1923.com
Lagos, Nigeria
Love her mix of fabric love her african touch and love her beach collection…
mix of culture ….that’s what i love
xoxo
Yael Guetta
http://www.ftwwl.com
L’imprimé de cette robe est magnifique ! Une jolie découverte.
Amélie
https://charlesrayandcoco.wordpress.com/
Wow! Crazy inspiring style. Thank you!
http://www.lerablogs.com/
Smitten with her beautiful and bright designs and fabrics!
xx, Kristi
currentlycrushing.com
Love her mix of prints and fabrics! The way she styled the shirt is so cool!
http://heelsandpeplum.com/
She looks beautiful !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2015/06/new-in-glasses.html#more
Merci pour cette découverte.
Her mix is gorgeous and I love the way it all reflects in her style and look – thank you for sharing!!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
J’aime beaucoup la facon de porter une chemise sur la premiere photo, tres feminine.
Les premiere et deuxieme photos sont particulierement belles.
she has gorgeous style — love her use of color and her creativity
http://hashtagliz.com
Je surkiffe Stella Jean ! J’adore le wax en général et j’aime sa façon de mixer la mode issue de la culture africaine à de la couture ! En plus elle fait un super job de styliste, ce qui rend l’ensemble ultra désirable et portable !
http://www.mode9.fr
La beauté de l’opulence et des couleurs qu’elle porte merveilleusement. A-t-elle vu ce film incroyable que j’adore “Women are heroes” de JR ? Ce sont des portraits et témoignages de femmes fabuleuses par leur courage, leur intelligence et leur coeur et qui vivent des situations périlleuses de violence et de pauvreté.
beautiful woman, fantastic style!
The shoes with the “Coq” are perfect, they look classy and elegant, but with the chicken, they look also FUN ;) WOW!
Bisous from France,
*-* Sand. *-*
http://www.taimemode-fashionblog.com
What a wonderful sense of color! Although I feel conspicuous in color, I always admire someone who knows how to dress well with color. Lovely.
Anita
http://www.lookforthewoman.com
she is truly a sight for sore eyes!
J’adore! She is perfect, I will take two please! xEve
http://www.evedamon.com/
Wow! Quelle surprise, j’aime Stella Jean! c’est génial de la voir sur le blog! :)
Total Genuis
Wowzers! I love how she has included the beloved Haitian rooster in the shoes and bracelet. I’m bedazzled by all those vibrant colors and patterns–what a change from all the minimalism I’ve become accustomed to! Loving Stella Jean!
(=’.’=)
-Lauren
adorn la femme
As you did said such a vibrant & playful, yet stylish clothes!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
Where can I find that rooster bracelet? I love it!
xo
Natty
Wow, what a stunner. I want the long caftan.
amazing woman, so beautiful and great colorful collection , love it
http://www.rosesinparis.com
Très jolie tenue en tout cas.Je l’aime très?
http://www.eusine.fr
What an amazing dress the coloured one ;)
xx
Mónica
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
Awesome prints ! I really love the fruits one with pearls and embroidery ! She is really inspiring for elegant women with a double culture.
Her Style is INCREDIBLE !
Edgy, stylish, feminine, classy and ladylike at the same time <3 !!!
Much love from another "chasseuse de style" in Belgium !
Elle est très belle et possède un style très expressif. J’aime beaucoup.
I have to admit that I didn’t know her before, but after this post I’m a fan! Those outfits are definitely not what I would wear but she has a great sense of style! And now I’m thinking about adding a little bit of color to my wardrobe… maybe just to try it out this Summer?
xx,
E.
ww.theslowpace.com
Quelle belle femme !
Absolument sublime et élégant ce style, pas du foutraque à outrance et pas du classique endormi. C’est vraiment très beau et on y sent une certaine poésie.
Hourra une Haïtienne sur le blog ! :)
There’s no one quite like Ms Jean! A great designer with an original take on things – a breath of fresh air! xx
http://www.vforveronique.com/stella-jean/
I am a big fan of her designs and just wish they were more widely available. I have never seen her merchandise in person. What a beautiful and thoughtful designer!
Wow to the way she wears prints!
Wauw, amazing pieces!
Thanks for featuring Stella Jean. I love love love her style! xxx
Wow – gorgeous photos! I am such a fan of Stella Jean.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Réveil mouvementé ! Elle me pique ma chemise. La boutonne comme elle peu! La spezzatura reinvente pour femme ouverte sur le monde et presse! Simplement magnifique!
This was amazing! So inspiring to see something different. The photos are the BOMB :))
http://www.littlesewingmachine.blogspot.de
Trop contente de voir Stella Jean sur votre blog, je suis les collections de cette jeune femme depuis quelques temps et j’adore le mélange tissus ethniques et chemise .
Les pièces sont sublimes. Mon rêve serait de posséder une pièce
In love.
That outfit really KILLS IT :) I really like your blog and im now following you on bloglovin dear.
Check out my new post….How to get a glam table setting on a budget:)
have a lovely week
LOVE Maria Inredning – it’s Swedish for decor
wow she’s so chic and gorgeous!!! thanks for sharing
Quel est la marque de ces lunettes ?? Please