KOMPA! MAGAZINE

[kompamagazine]

HIP had the chance to exclusively photograph Tifane modeling

Fanm Kreyol



Haitian designer David André’s creation amidst the beauty exposed at Atelier Jérôme in Pétion-Ville, Haiti… Haitian beauty all around!

By Shadine Ménard

Since her hit song "Se Kom Si" hit airwaves a few years ago, Tifane has been making appearances and traveling the world as one of the most popular current Haitian soloists of our time. It’s not only her songs that have people taking notice, but also her stage wardrobe full of Haitian-made creations. HIP’s style squad wanted to know more.

HIP: Growing up, where you the type to be docile and wear the clothes that were laid out for you or did you insist on choosing and wearing your own choices?

TIFANE: That was the most dramatic part of the day, I always wanted to pick out my own outfits. They may have not always looked that great, but I didn't want to look like the other kids/girls. My mother did have to put her foot down eventually. I'd cry because I felt wrongly dressed. (Laughs) Now I turn piece of material in to a top tied down or a hot skirt. I have fun looking good.

HIP: What outfit makes you the most confident onstage?

TIFANE: To be honest I've been labeled a young up-and-coming Diva partially because of the extraordinary outfits I have on. I almost never have something simple on when I'm on stage and I go through 3 changes at least during a full concert. The ones I feel my best in are the loose and light dresses with straps, a slit on the side and a visible line of my hips. That way I'm sure nothing will pop out of place, I move and dance easily knowing the waist line and the hips are captivating enough. Also I'm not too hot, so I go on dancing for hours.

HIP: How would you describe your personal style versus your stage persona? Is there a difference?

TIFANE: There's a sense of both power and pressure I get when I'm on stage. Not only because the audience's smile and fun should be a result of what's happening on stage, but also because it's my responsibility and my pleasure to make sure I make them forget the bills, the mean boss at work, or an illness. My outfits on stage have to be fun to look at and we need to look good (the outfit and I). In person I'm still the girl who doesn't want to look normal, I don't have to overdo it because I'm not trying to look weird or funny, but a little something that says island girl; sometimes less is more. What both of my sides have in common is that great admiration for Haitian custom made accessories and outfit. I have tons!!! Now, I have 2 closets.

HIP: Is there any Haitian person whose style and fashion sense you most admire? Why and how has that influenced your style?

TIFANE: Actually there aren't that many people whose style just stands out. I don't see the older generation of stars really paying attention to style as much. I think Emeline wears some very nice colors and has a style that seems to be bohemian and Creole. I love it. Beethova Obas to me has got to be the most fresh and stylish male artist of his generation and mine. The white long sleeve shirts with a jacket and military cut pants, always nicely trimmed and shaved, he looks like a simple yet elegant Haitian Prince. The boy is bad!



5- Which are your favorite designers and why?

TIFANE: I have been fortunate to wear almost all the Haitian designers’ creations from their latest collections. Some create styles of dresses and skirts that fit more to my style, my vibe, so it's no surprise that I also buy from them, not just to be on stage but to go out on my own time. David André, Murielle LeCompte and Phelicia Dell have designed outfits especially for me. Phelicia's creation is called Veve. Though I do not practice voodoo, I don't deny the fact that it's part of my beautiful culture. Her handbags, jewelry and skirts are some big "must haves".

I think David and Phelicia understand that I'm attached to the authentic style that screams Haiti. David Andre has been the one Haitian fashion designer to dress me the most. He uses lots of special material from our traditional style and he mixed it up with his modern touch and makes magic. He tends to bring something new. You can tell it's his work not because it's the same thing all the time but by the little things about the outfits. You're guaranteed not find someone else with the exact same thing. We all know women don't like that.


HIP: How did you meet David André and what is it about him and his creations that has you so loyal?

TIFANE: One of the times I had come to Haiti on vacation, I think it was December 2003 (back then I lived in Chicago) my mother told me a little bit about David and his work and I later met him in person. After launching "Se kom si" on the radio, David came over to tell me about this song he heard on roroli.com and he was looking for the singer because he liked her voice so much he would have loved to work with her. My mother and I told him it was me. He was so happy, he offered to create a little something special if I were to perform that song live. He also thought I had some serious facial traits and he took charge of my makeup and has been my makeup artist since my first photoshoot. My very first custom made outfit is by David, and it was a gift! He actually owns a mannequin of my exact size he uses to work just for me. He sure makes a girl feel special! He knows my style like the back of his hand. Sometimes he tends to be daring and I go for it when I feel daring. (Laughs)

I stick with him because we're at the stage where I admit if I like and don't like. His imagination is always on, I really admire that. We're about the same age, we encourage each other. He has become a hot commodity in Haiti.
HIP: Do you think you are a chameleon style-wise or do you have a signature style that defines your persona?

TIFANE: I think my style has changed a lot, not as often as my hairstyle though. (Laughs) Change is good when it matches how you feel and what stage you've reached. People used to (some still do) complain that I don't wear sexy outfits enough, that I don't take advantage of my shape enough, that there's too much covering my body. They're not totally wrong, the Diva or glamorous kind of dresses (I wear) are never short or too revealing. I have made some changes in that department mostly to feel more comfortable, sexy and to look my age. I'm in my 20's and I should enjoy that. However, I always make sure people know and realize that I'm an older sister, a daughter and hopefully I'll be a wife and a mother someday. I do not want to ask myself "Good God Tifane! What were you thinking?" Last but not least, I'm a role model and an artist to the core, I sell music, I sell art, not thighs or breast and those kinds of goodies.

My signature style, no matter how much I'll change it, will always say: sensual, tropical, roots and attractive, TIFANE.

Tifane still lives in Haiti, although her singing demands that she travels around the world. Starting next month, she will be performing at festivals and cultural events in Tampa, Orlando, New York and possibly Martinique. Her foundation Kalm, officially sponsored by Voila, focuses on the environment, but she is thinking of how to how it could help in light of Haiti’s current situation. Her support of Haiti is in everything she does, from her favorite artists to the clothing she wears.

Tifane is very vocal when it comes to Haitian-made fashion:

“I think other countries value their designers so much, that we should feel very proud and do the same for our own. Materialism can bring Haitians to only believe in foreign name brands, even the most tasteless ones, but when it's made in Haiti they look down on it. I think style tells a story of visible evolution. Haitian fashion has come a long way and our fashion designers are definitely worth congratulating. When I'm traveling and I'm complimented on what I wear, I'm too happy to smile and say ‘thank you, it was made by a Haitian designer’ not because it's from my Haiti, but because it's well made. Remember that.”

Now, when Haiti needs as much positivity as ever, we should all adhere to Tifane’s words and respect, be proud of our designers and make sure to have at least 10 pieces of Haitian-made clothes, jewelry, accessories, shoes or other products. The change starts with us.

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Credits: Tifane was styled by designer David André and photographed by Philippe Elie at Atelier Jérôme in Pétion-Ville, Haiti exclusively for HIP Magazine in 2008. All clothing by David André. All jewelry and clothing provided by Hype Shoe Store in Pétion-Ville, Haiti. This article includes pictures and interviews from 2008 and 2010.
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phpbb:echo dicks;

[Badsoccerplayer]

Nice interview! she is such a lady!
I used to love her, now as Carimi would sing
"Cheri m' pare, m' pare pou m' marye"
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"Make new mistakes"

[SIROMYEL]

nice read.

Ill make sure I catch her when she comes to Tampa.

Anywhere I can find her schedule?
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A man who has taken possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled_ Carnegie

[daphnee]

love it.... Love how she incorporates her style as part of her performance. Not too many artists in the HMI care for their performance attire, good stuff! Thanks HIP/KM
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"Mwen di non, AYITI PAP KRAZE!!!!"

[HIPchick]

Hi!

I have been busy working on different projects, but from time to time, I do come on KM to read and keep up with the board. Therefore, I'm glad that you appreciate the article. Tifane was eager to let you know what she's been up to and how she hopes to help our country with her Kalm foundation. You can learn more about her activities and reach out to her via her "Tifane Haiti" Facebook music page.

Thanks again!
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Stay HIP!

[FUNKY]

woww..bel bagay....cant wait to catch her live....very nice interview Hipchick
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It's Only The Begining...

[Tipe-a]

VERY NICE INTERVIEW.
TI FANE BON TOUT BON WI.

[Jeegy]

Bel Interview.

Tifane, bel fanm kreyol
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I am who am I.
I don't live for people, but I live through people

[konpa rockers]

Great read...
Tifane Bon bagay...
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"GOD MADE ME HAITIAN FOR A REASON"

[LouisJeanBeauge]

SIROMYEL wrote:

nice read. Ill make sure I catch her when she comes to Tampa. Anywhere I can find her schedule?

Syro,

She was in Tampa in May with BelO. She's quite performer. First time I saw her live.
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"Mesye bliye chèz la, al nan sena a, oubyen al fè sinema" Beethova Obas.