SHALA CERISE by Fanm Mon (HerStory Exclusive)

Fanm Mon was launched in 2013 as an ode to our Haitian heritage and the magic and enchantment of Haitian couture. Over the years, we've embraced the artisanal techniques of Ukraine, where we were once based, and Turkey, where we've now made a new home. Today, a potpourri of delightful colors, unique motifs, fairytale silhouettes and extraordinary craftsmanship have become hallmarks of our brand. Through our collections, we celebrate the bounty of nature and the beauty of the human spirit. Our hope is that we can connect with our community in meaningful ways to nurture beauty from the inside out.

I was born in Haiti and raised in US. As a Caribbean woman, nature has always been captivating to me. And learning how to nourish myself from nature - in real backyard-to-table fashion - is a part of my upbringing that will never leave me. This deep reverence for nature is indelibly embedded in Fanm Mon.  I also grew up in a nurturing environment of strong Haitian women. My montage of childhood memories are drenched with an absorbable feminine presence. Fashion was at the heart of this feminine aura and every special occasion required a trip to the local seamstress. I often went to fittings with my Grandmother and Aunts and I would see how these bespoke pieces had such a sensual impact on women. This spirit of couture is at the core of my brand. And so from a young age, I had an appreciation for craftsmanship, a huge love affair with nature, and a deep sense of community. In the world of Fanm Mon, I try to create harmony among it all.