Capturer Of City Spirit: An Exclusive Interview With Scorcesa Bridalwear Designer, Charles Dieujuste
Transpiring bridal fashion genius, Charles Dieujuste brings the contemporary bride to the fore with exquisite pieces so timeless, they must be worn more than once…
Charles Dieujuste and his pride and joy ready-to-wear bridal line, Scorcesa, has truly burst onto the bridal scene with aplomb. Paying homage to the past, present, and future, the A/W23 collection, Roots & Dreams, takes us back to the designer’s quaint childhood memories in Haiti.
Fast-forward to present day, Dieujuste is fully immersed in famed concrete jungle, New York City, where bridal dreams are definitely made of, and the fashion future is imminent.
Taking inspiration from the powerhouse females surrounding him, this season’s capsule collection of striking silks and bohemian silhouettes is practically perfect for the bride of today. Who is she? Today’s bride is continuously evolving, challenging traditions, and embracing her own individual style. The true pillars that make Dieujuste’s designs so chic.
Hail a yellow taxi and join the ride as writer Lily Mae Pacey catches up with the admirable Charles Diejuste on his tremendous solopreneur journey thus far, and uncovers the perfection that is his incredibly intimate, exquisite designs for the modern bride navigating the complexity of city life…
Can you describe your label in a #hashtag?
#NewAgeModernBride
Who is the Scorcesa woman?
Women today are breaking away from archaic wedding traditions, and so does our collection. Scorcesa celebrates a modern bride, opting for contemporary silhouettes to compliment her perfect day. The collection caters to the bride whose complicated lifestyle calls for a timeless, elegant style of exceptional quality, a hallmark of Scorcesa.
By blurring the lines between day and evening wear, each creation gives expression to the individuality of each woman, through versatile pieces that will never go out of style. My intention is that my designs can be worn for all occasions and cherished for years to come.
What is your favourite piece from the A/W23 Roots & Dreams collection?
Because I conceptualised each of them, all the designs hold a place in my heart. This season, the Edeen Bridal Bralette and the Jasmine Trousers are a hit that perfectly suit the needs of a micro-wedding. The looks are appropriate for a court-house wedding, destination, or to simply elope.
How does the Roots & Dreams collection differ from past collections?
My Haitian culture plays a major role in the overall style and feeling of the brand. Paying homage to the past, present, and future, this collection aims to honour the journey that I am embarking on throughout my day-to-day.
Drawing inspiration from both my childhood in Haiti — days filled with quaint simplicity and now, my cosmopolitan life in New York City where I am surrounded by constant movement, this collection invites you to embrace and celebrate the story of my life.
In many ways, this collection is my most intimate yet and draws deeper on my background than previous collections.
How, exactly, did your childhood inspire your career?
There’s so much I can share. Most importantly, the women in my family, my travels and heritage. Haiti is much richer, more beautiful than what the media portrays it to be. My childhood was vibrant! I had an aunt as a seamstress, my mother worked at a major textile retailer and my grandmother was our prayer warrior.
The exposure to tailored garments and opulent textiles ignited a love of creation and textile ingenious during my childhood.
What was the key moment in your career when you realised that you had made your dream come true?
I would say two major moments.
When I launched Scorcesa in 2009, with a rebellious spirit. The opportunities for a designer of colour were not the trend then. I was determined and was able to land a buyer’s meeting with Barneys. To this day, that is among one of my proudest moments, confirming I was on the right path.
Secondly, landing my first bridal client. That was the ultimate dream come true. Someone truly saw my potential. I had anxiety for weeks, ensuring that the execution was perfected. In time, I got better. Ha!
From that moment onward, my excitement for showcasing the magnificence of minimalist beauty has never dimmed.
What are your fashion tips that brides should keep in mind when selecting a gown for their big day?
It is your day. Make your own rules!
What has been the biggest challenge to date and how has it shaped you? What hurdles have you overcome?
The road to entrepreneurship is never an easy venture. There are so many moving parts involved in being a solopreneur. I have dreamt of a large lump sum of cash falling from the sky and landing right in front of me. I would create wonders – alas, one can dream!
For now, I am staying on the course. Understanding the necessary hurdles and navigating that space with humility along with long nights of research.
How has the bridal arena changed over the last decade?
In the past decade, bridal has changed immensely. Wedding dresses today range from minimalist to being overly conceptualised. Brides of today are stepping away from old traditions and embracing their individuality.
Who is your favourite power-house female, ever, from fashion history?
I am fond of so many, including Michelle Obama, Keke Palmer, Jodi Turner-Smith, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts, Quinta Brunson and the list goes on.
However, the women that have supported and shaped me to who I am becoming, are my own powerhouse females; my mother, Tatie Cocotte Herrica T, Jessica P, and Paola Mathe. They inspire me daily.
What bridal silhouette will never go out of style?
A sweetheart neckline will never go out of style.
Let’s talk about trending bridal accessories, what is your favourite?
Sheer or embellished bridal gloves.
What words of wisdom would you give inspiring designers?
Understand your purpose, discover your industry, your network is your net worth.
First Haiti, now New York City. What does the future hold for the brand and yourself?
To take over the world! (burst of mischievous laughter.) I want to blossom to my full potential in every sense of the word.
Watch this space…
Visit Scorscesa.com
Images courtesy of Charles Dieujuste. Photography: Henry Lou