In the world of design and aesthetics, it is a known fact that the French have always been world leaders and trendsetters. Designers such as Isabel Marant and Maison Margiela have set unprecedented standards in the fashion design arena, and they have made work that is very likely to stand the test of time. The French connection to the Caribbean isn’t as strong as other European nations like England and Spain; but because of the region’s diversity, it still exists. The ineffable beauty and consummate creativity of Chloé Joseph is an apt reflection of the French connection to the region and she is, indeed, a muse in her own right.
The profound level of confidence that Joseph exudes is beyond reasonable comprehension and she truly possesses the aura of a Trinbagonian Goddess. In Greek and Roman mythology, muses were the nine goddesses that presided over the arts. Her brand, 17Chlollection, focuses on tailored fashion wear, swimwear and bodywear. She prides herself on making versatile and economic pieces that can be worn by anybody. Chloé substantiates my likening of her to a goddess in the way she names her pieces from the 17Chlollection. Names such as Omikami, Hemera, and Nefertiti are all affiliated with muses. There is also a strong correlation between the names of the pieces and her thoughtful design choices. For example, Omikami – which means “Goddess of the Sun” – was designed with bright yellow fabric to create congruence between the design and it’s conceptual inspiration.
The genetic advantages of hosting such a multicultural background is one which Chloé Joseph is fully cognizant of, and that ethnic diversity is duly represented in her work as a designer with her brand. In numerology, ’17’ represents self-confidence and strength. It’s said that individuals under the influence of number ’17’ exude leadership skills and a great sense of judgment. Everything that this number represents in numerology aligns perfectly with the character of Chloé Joseph. Joseph is a woman who is self-assured in her tenacity and the sensuality of her designs unquestionably reflect this.
CARIB VOXX: Explain to us your connection to France and how your family got to Trinidad.
Chloé: “My mum is 100% French – our family is from the Pays de La Loire region in the West of France. My dad, on the other hand, is a true Trinidadian callaloo (African, Chinese and French creole). He was a petroleum engineer, moved to France for work at the time and met my mum there. They fell in love, and left France to live wherever his company needed him: first in Texas (where my sister was born), then to the UK (where I was born), then to the Republic of the Congo for 3 years, then back to France for 5 years until my dad quit that position for a more stable life and our small family of 4 settled in beautiful Tobago. When I was 19, I moved to Trinidad – to UWI, St. Augustine – where I got a BSc in Biology with a minor in Medical Physics and Bioengineering. Growing up, I spent alternating summers/ Christmas holidays with family in Trinidad and family in France.”
CARIB VOXX: What age were you when you started designing, and who were some of the designers that you sought to emulate in the early phases of your career?
Chloé: “I started designing around age 21 in UWI, as a hobby. I could sew, so I’ve always been altering my clothes and re-wearing certain clothing items in different ways, e.g. a top as a skirt or making a bikini bottom more cheeky. I never really emulated any designers; for me, it was never a decided career path until it was (lol), so there really wasn’t anyone I wanted to be like. Before I brought out ’17Chlollection’, it was more about doing and providing what wasn’t out there for myself – so outfits, swim pieces, Monday wear – making them to my liking or more comfy to accentuate my shape. I had already been modelling professionally for years when I finally launched ’17Chlollection’ – and I wanted to focus on everything that I had seen for years that was missing: diversity, true representation of what women look like, comfort without sacrificing sexiness and fashion, flattering designs.”
CARIB VOXX: Apart from your awe-inspiring beauty and design ability, what is it about you that makes you exude such a high level of confidence?
Chloé: “Let me be very honest – on the inside I suffer from anxieties and insecurities just like everyone else. Maybe even worse, as I am critical of myself due to being exceedingly self-conscious; and I’m a perfectionist. My physique has always attracted a lot of attention though. My mother has stories of when our family vacationed in Italy (I was a few months old) and she being unable to walk and push the pram freely due to everyone stopping to tell her about her ‘bellissima bambina’. I’ve grown up with the constant attention, non-stop remarks about the way I look, paired with the fact that I grew up mixed race to biracial parents. We moved so often that before the age of 8 I had gone to 5 different schools over 3 continents. That’s 5 separate times I was the new girl, not knowing anyone and having to make new friends – not only at school, but extra-curricular activities and neighbors as well. I think growing up like that has provided me with this high level of confidence.”
CARIB VOXX: How do you distinguish between confidence and arrogance? Are guys typically intimidated by your confidence?
Chloé: “Humility is the key. As aforementioned, I’ve grown up with constant attention because of my looks, but I never saw the point in being arrogant about it. This physical manifestation of beauty can be taken from me at any moment. I was raised to be humble, have a pure heart, be empathetic and considerate; that it’s what’s inside that matters. So yes, you have to be humble in your self-confidence. It has to be pure, from a place of self-love. None of that fake ish. Yes, all guys are definitely intimidated but that doesn’t stop them (lol). it’s interesting (and fun, mostly annoying) to see how different men respond to that intimidating energy.”
CARIB VOXX: Whats next for 17Chlollection?
Chloé: “’17Chlollection’ has more Swim and Fashion designs coming and some new, eco-feminist and lifestyle projects. I can’t say too much! And Carnival things of course. ’17Chlollection’ will stay focused on its core values of showcasing diversity, versatility and fashion-forward designs made for everybody: ‘being comfortable in your own skin’ and self-love!”
