Musings of a Haitian American Male: The 2014 A La Mode Beauty Fashion and Comedy Show

This past Saturday evening, March 29, 2014, I was fortunate enough to attend the Second Annual A La Mode Beauty Fashion and Comedy Show presented by CarnaFam and it was quite the gathering. Food, drinks, live music, stand up comedy and of course models sporting apparel from some of Haiti's finest designers. Yeah, there are fashion designers straight from Haiti, I had no idea! A few names present were Bijou Lakay, Kaltural, Murielle Creations and David Andre Collections. But lets start from the beginning.

Yours truly and the event's organizers
Djenane (left) and Tanisha (right)

What is CarnaFam? "It is a production company that makes the connection between the different genres such as arts, books, fashion, gastronomy, music, and photography. CarnaFam, a Haitian cultural organization in South Florida, is inviting the South Florida community to journey through Haiti". Through the efforts of President Tanisha Ade and Vice-President Djenane St Fleur, CarnaFam puts on events to promote Haitian culture, literature and social interaction. Alongside some of the community's favorite artists, authors, designers and leaders, CarnaFam looks to impact South Florida by highlighting the best Haiti has to offer.

Now back to the fashion show. Overall it was a great experience. I was able to rub shoulders with some very influential people, from those in the media to elected officials, most of whom were of HAITIAN DESCENT!!!! Special acknowledgement to the Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale Barbara Sharief, State Rep. Daphne Campbell, Exec Director of HACCOF Paola Pierre, former President of the H.A.N.A of Florida Nahomie Mirville and McInly Lauriston representing the office of the Commissioner of District #2 Jean Monestime.

The designers did an amazing job putting their work on display, though I believe if yours truly graced the catwalk I would've taken it to a whole new level! The headlining comedian was none other than Jesler Mezidor. Extremely popular in the Haitian community, he had the audience rolling with laughter. The highlight of the night had to be a kompas dance performed by Clifford and Gaelle Jasmin. They were great to say the least. They were "that" couple that if you see them dancing at a party no one dares get on the floor with them for fear of being shown up. Yeah they were that good!

This may have been my first but definitely won't be my last time attending a CarnaFam event. If you are interested in any of their upcoming events or to get more information about the organization visit their website, www.carnafam.com. Until then...

Na we pita/A plus tard