At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Haïti captured the world’s attention with stunning outfits. Haitian athletes’ uniforms outshined those of many influential nations in fashion and design. This recognition is the result of an exceptional collaboration between visionary designer Stella Jean and internationally renowned artist Philippe Dodard.
Forbes confirmed it: Haïti has made it to the podium for the most remarkable outfits. But who is the man behind this visual triumph?
Haïti : Philippe DodardThe world of Philippe Dodard
Born in Port-au-Prince in 1954, Philippe Dodard showed a talent for art at a very early age. In 1966, he received first prize in drawing at the Petit Séminaire Collège Saint-Martial. He continued his artistic training at the PotoMitan art school under the direction of masters such as Jean-Claude "Tiga" Garoute, Patrick Vilaire and Frido Casimir. In 1973, Dodard entered the Académie des Beaux-Arts, where he developed his skills in drawing and graphic design.
Haïti : Philippe DodardFrom Port-au-Prince to Paris: A talent without borders
In 1978, a scholarship from the International School of Bordeaux in France allowed Dodard to specialize in educational graphic design. Two years later, he received a scholarship from the Rotary International Foundation and went on tour with the Group Study Exchange of Haïti to give lectures on Haitian culture.
Dodard’s work has not gone unnoticed on the international scene. His paintings inspired the spring 2012 collection of American fashion designer Donna Karan, leading to a joint exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, Florida. He has participated in numerous biennials and exhibitions in the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Haïti : Philippe DodardAcknowledgements and distinctions
Dodard was also honored in 2018 at the inauguration of the Musée de la Civilisation Noire in Dakar, where he was decorated as a “Knight of the National Order of the Lion” by Senegalese President Macky Sall. His collection “Mémoire africaine” is now part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of Senegal.
Haïti : Philippe DodardPhilippe Dodard’s painting that inspired Stella Jean for the athletes’ uniforms
Philippe Dodard’s painting that inspired Stella Jean for the Haitian athletes’ uniforms is titled "Passage". Part of a triptych dedicated to all the mothers of the world, this painting, from a private collection in Washington, was used as a basis to create outfits that combine art and culture, thus providing a global showcase for Haitian artistic excellence.
Philippe Dodard, with his unique artistic vision and impressive career, has managed to put Haïti in the spotlight during the 2024 Olympics. His work, in collaboration with Stella Jean, has not only highlighted Haiti’s cultural richness, but has also shown the world the depth and beauty of Haitian art.
