Stella Jean created her new collection in collaboration with Haitian artisans—many of whom have lost homes, workshops, and stability to crime, but not their spirit. “These are my Buffalo Soldiers,” Jean said, referencing Bob Marley’s lyrics to describe the women she worked with. Titled Aesthetic Coup d’État, the collection was shot in Cap-Haïtien and blends her Italian-Haitian heritage with her dedication to collaborative design. For Jean, it’s a way to give back to the country that has shaped her.

The collection explores themes of uniformity and autonomy, particularly Haiti’s complex history with Western fashion and the local secondhand clothing trade, known as Pepe. Jean reimagined classic Eurocentric menswear: striped poplin shirts were adorned with decorative bandanas, while beige trench coats became hand-painted canvases bursting with color. Hats took center stage—most notably a modern twist on Haiti’s traditional elongated headpiece, crafted overnight by renowned designer Michel Chataigne. Silhouettes were sharp yet relaxed, often belted for definition, while bold gold Creole earrings symbolized resilience and identity.

More than just clothing, this was a cultural statement rooted in Jean’s belief in fashion’s power: “It can amplify voices from one of the world’s poorest nations. Maybe fashion can be more again—something that keeps people seen, hopeful, and alive.”