23-year-old, Haitian fashion designer Wood-Bloindy Mathurin, or better known as “Bloo”, was the Miami International University student that AVESSA Magazine selected as the winner of the AVESSA Editorial Award 2023 during Miami Swim Week – due to her innovative, inspiring, and sophisticated swimwear design.
After an exhilarating showcase of style and poise, the AVESSA Editorial Board faced the arduous task of selecting a victor during Miami Swim Week 2023. In the end, the coveted award was bestowed upon a thrilling design that blended timeless sophistication with a contemporary twist. The winning creation, a breathtaking one-piece, not only accentuated the natural curves of the female form but also embodied the spirit of a female goddess – a symbol of swimwear elegance and the embodiment of our so-chased Summer Dreams.
Photo Credits
Fashion Designer: WOOD-BLOINDY MATHURIN
Creative Director: Luis Aponte
Hair & Make-up Artist: Araceli Bravo
Model: SKYE BRUAN
Photography: Flávio iryoda
Special Thanks: Oscar Lopez & Nestor Camacho
How long have you been living in Miami?
I moved here in 2020, and three months later, when Covid started, I moved to Tampa to be with my family. I only recently came back last October.
Why did you leave Haiti?
I had just finished my high school classes and came here for my university.
Why did you study Fashion Design?
Fashion has always been something I wanted, ever since I was a little kid, because my mom was a seamstress. She studied that and has a school back in Haiti where she teaches people how to sew, and I grew up seeing all of that really close. I grew up watching her design, and it’s always been with me. I would also go with my aunties to modeling castings. I’ve always liked that environment.
How old were you when you designed and produced your first garment?
I will say between 8 and 9 years old for the first time. It was for my doll. I made a little dress, a shoulder dress. But the real garment I made for a person I was 16 years old. I made a set; it was an over-the-shoulder top and a trouser. I remember perfectly it was a cream and green top and the pants were green. I made it for my sister. She loved them and still has them! It was actually pretty good.
How was your work affected once you moved back to Miami?
Moving back to Miami was very good for me because I got to expand my social range in fashion, and there are also events I’ve been going to that I couldn’t when I was in Tampa. Now I can go to all of them. I see other people’s work, I see what people in Miami wear, and I get inspired by the environment.
Tell me about your swimsuit collection for Miami Swim Week
I wanted the women who wear my pieces to feel like a queen, like a goddess. That’s the vibe I was going for. That’s what I wanted people to feel when they saw my garment. When I think about a goddess, I imagine someone fierce, someone that knows who she is and is able to stand for herself. Also, someone who’s always chic, no matter what she’s wearing.
What materials did you use?
Metallic Lycra for the swimsuit and a sheer fabric for the robe.
How many pieces did you produce for this fashion show?
Five pieces: three for myself and two for the collaboration with social brand AMER_ICAN. My story behind my collection is about people who are insecure about their bodies, so I made a two-layer kind of swimwear.
Photo Credits
Fashion Designer: WOOD-BLOINDY MATHURIN
Creative Director: Luis Aponte
Hair & Make-up Artist: Araceli Bravo
Model: SKYE BRUAN
Photography: Flávio iryoda
Special Thanks: Oscar Lopez & Nestor Camacho
What was the concept of the two layers related to insecurities? How does that work?
Some people don’t really like to show a lot of skin, so I did the two layers in a way that still keeps this sexy aspect of the swimwear but it covers more.
What else do you want to learn from fashion?
There’s so much to learn when it comes to fashion. I would really want to know how to make accessories, even shoes.
What comes next in your fashion career?
Right now, I’m thinking of starting my brand. I’m going to start with casual wear, and then couture, which is what I really want. I want to make couture garments. I’ll do it together with a friend, and we’re thinking of the brand name.
What’s your inspiration for creating fashion?
I would say that my biggest inspiration is my mom and also my culture. And I really look up to this Haitian fashion designer; her name is Jovana Benoit.
What is it about your culture that is so inspiring?
If you know Haiti, you know that it has a very vibrant culture. I love the beaches and our music. It’s a very artistic culture. I’m also a very artistic person, so I’m thinking of using the art and vibes from my country in my designs.
What kind of people would you like to design for?
Men and women. Someone quite young or, even if they’re not young in age, someone who’s strong. Someone who’s not scared to be themselves. Someone with a unique sense of style and who wants to be chic. Someone creative.
