Meet Xavier Duchatellier, the model behind viral Team Haiti Paris Olympics uniform shoot

Team Haiti officially debuted their viral uniforms yesterday during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. Two weeks agao, the Haiti Olympic team went viral when Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean released campaign photos unveiling the team’s 2024 Paris Olympics uniform.

“It’s an honor to be able to represent my country, especially on this big stage,” said Xavier Duchatellier, who was featured in the campaign. Jean reached out to him directly to be a part of the campaign.

The uniforms debuted during Monaco fashion week in April, followed by the official shoot for the uniform in Naples, Italy two weeks later.

The main focus of the uniforms are the skirts for women and trousers for men, with each donning patterns inspired by famed Haitian painter Philippe Dodard’s artwork. The shirts worn are created with a special blue cotton that is spun with delicacy, while the jacket, inspired by the signature Haitian shirt Guayabera and, worn by Duchatellier, is a common wear for Haitian men.

“Nap pote Drapo ak tout fietré !! Ayiti kampe!!.” @timounpam commented on Instagram.

The Haitian-born model, who now resides in Madrid, lived in Haiti until he was 15. With encouragement from family and friends he decided to pursue a modeling career in Europe.

“In Haiti you don’t really see a lot of fashion shows or anything like that,” he said in an interview with The Haitian Times. “So really, I came to Europe; and Europe is probably where you find the biggest fashion shows.”

The 24-year-old however is no stranger to representing Haiti on the international stage. In 2015, he played for Haiti’s national soccer team. 

“I’m grateful for Stella to be able to give me the opportunity. It’s amazing for us to be able to have an eye opener all over the world and recognize us and see that we’re so much more than [the negative images of Haiti],” he said. “I want to see Haiti grow and come out of the situation that we are in.

“Hopefully things get better and everyone can go back and really enjoy the beautiness of this country.”

The summer 2024 Olympic games run from July 26 to August 11.

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