We all remember the images of Kim Kardashian in Haiti in 2011. What we don’t all know is that the beautiful wooden necklace she was photographed wearing was from Haitian accessory designer Sibylle Denis-Touat’s “La Boite a Bijoux”. The jewelry collections consist of modern wood carvings and detailed metal sculptures that can only be described as chic and exquisite. After being one of the featured designers during Haiti’s premier fashion week, we caught up with Sibylle to talk more about her creations and the experience of being raised amongst a family of artist.
AC: Coming from a family of musicians, what made you want to get into jewelry?
I come from a family of musicians; but was raised around all types of artist: poets, sculptors, painters. So to me, these different ways of artistic expression are all one. They are complementary. Painting is music, music is colors, poetry is rhythm, and jewelry is like sculpture. My inspiration has no limits.
AC: What was your inspiration to work with metals and wood?
I never know when and how inspiration is going to come to me since I create in different mediums. When I learned sculpture in college, I really enjoy it. Stone sculpture is harder to work with, which made it easy to jump into jewelry “sculptures” made of wood and metal. I am strongly inspired by African culture and the tribal art always fascinates me.
AC: What are some of the challenges being a designer?
Creating comes very natural for me. The challenge is going commercial. I would love to do a trunk show in the US sometime; I am still working on that.
AC: What was it like when Kim Kardashian came to your booth during Femme en Democratie?
LOL! I had no idea who she was. I was setting up my stand and saw this delegation of journalist and photographers.Out of nowhere she came to me and started trying everything on: necklaces, bracelets, rings. She proceeded to walk through the whole fair with everything on. She even offered to model my pieces in the runway presentation. What she did seemed to be with a very natural and spontaneous attitude. No one has ever bought so many of my creations all at once like this.
AC: We heard you have your jewelry on other high profile people; can you share with us some names?
Yes, Angelina Jolie, Vice President of Dominican Republic-Margarita Fernandez, First Lady of Haiti-Sophia Martelly, Ambassador of the US in Haiti-Pamela White, and Miss Haiti 2011-Anedie Azael.
AC: What are some of you proudest moments?
Some of my proudest moments come from the enthusiastic reaction I get from people when my product is on display. It is a big satisfaction to me. I love it when people show interest; it really makes me ecstatic.
AC: Where can people find you?
They can find me on Facebook under La Boite a Bijoux or email me at boiteabijouxhaiti@yahoo.fr
