Haitian designer unveils new handbag line with global ambitions in South Florida
For two decades, designer Phelicia Dell has made a name for herself, crafting Haiti’s culture and bright aesthetics into her handmade handbags inspired by Vodou traditions.
Now after building her VÈVÈ Collections, she is ready to take her talents global.
Dell will debut a new brand called Timeless Elegance at a runway show Saturday at the Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. The line moves away from overt cultural references in favor of a more globally oriented aesthetic.
“After 20 years, I’m presenting something different,” Dell said. “It’s not culturally attached, and it’s a brand that I want to go global with to reach higher, different markets with. That doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop producing VÈVÈ; it will still be there, and I have new designers coming in.”
The runway show will feature handbags and clothing available for purchase at a pop-up shop. Among the models is Nayeli Fanfan, former Miss Haiti International 2004.
Dell carved out a niche for herself with her one-of-a-kind VÈVÈ creations featuring vivid color beads, cloths and even sisal rooted in the Vodou culture. But that same inspiration has sometimes drawn questions — and unease — from potential buyers. Complicating matters, Haiti’s ongoing instability has made production difficult. Gang violence has disrupted transportation, shuttered airports and limited artisans’ ability to work.
“It’s been a lot for me with working in a country like this,” Dell said of her native Haiti, “not giving you space to produce whatever you need to produce...it’s just so difficult.”
She acknowledges the various reactions, she has received over the years to VÈVÈ.
“Not a lot of people understand the VÈVÈ situation,“ she said. “Some people accept to wear it, and they don’t really care about the cultural aspect of it. But other people question it, and they want to know exactly what they’re buying and what they’re wearing.”
With Timeless Elegance, she is shifting the focus to another part of her creativity.
“I want to show them that I’m not just a cultural designer, someone who makes costumes and culturally-attached bags,” Dell said. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, using Haiti as my backdrop to produce a line that is completely promoting Haitian culture, and promoting Haiti’s vibrant colors. Now I want to do something for Phelicia Dell.”
Even so Haiti remains central to her work.
Saturday’s runway show will also feature a collaboration with Jean Herard “Richie” Richard, lead drummer of the Haitian band Klass. Dell designed a duffel bag and a messenger bag for the group’s fans. A portion of proceeds from the sales of the bags will support two projects in Haiti: a creative center led by Richie in Cap-Haïtien focused on music and an arts-and-crafts initiative Dell plans to develop in the rural town of Petit-Goâve, south of Port-au-Prince.
The event will also showcase work by Toronto-based Jamaican menswear designer Rhowan James, Miami-based menswear brand TBOSS RealFresh and Montreal stylist Yves de Lima. Haitian American designer Dayanne Danier, whose Bien Abyé line of accessories, crafted by artisans in Haiti, is sold at Nordstrom, will attend; a portion of proceeds will benefit her foundation, Fleur De Vie, which supports educating children in Haiti.
If you go:
What: Echoe of Elegance Fashion Gala (Fall 2026 Collection)
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday
Where: King Sport Room, Village at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
Cost: Tickets: $100; available at www.echoeofelegance.com
This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 2:47 PM.
