The Columbus Fashion Council (CFC) announced today that Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste was selected as the Headline Designer for the 14th annual Finale Runway Show during Fashion Week Columbus, the flagship program of the CFC. The Finale Runway Show will be held on Saturday, September 30 from 8pm to 10pm at The Columbus Convention Center with a VIP reception starting at 6pm. Recently competing on Project Runway All Stars, Prajjé will debut his latest full collection called “Nos Ginen” which was inspired by cherished moments of dressing up in his grandmother’s closet and unveils the story of the wedding of two spirits from Haitian culture, Ezili Dantor and Ogou Feray. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at FashionWeekColumbus.org.
Prajjé is a Haitian born, US-based fashion designer whose dream of being a designer became a reality after he graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Prajjé opened his fashion house in Boston in 2003 and now oversees the operations in Philadelphia and his design studio and manufacturing in Haiti. Prajjé was a contestant on season 19 of Project Runway in 2021 and was asked to return this year for Project Runway All Stars which was aired on Bravo.
“Prajjé wowed the Project Runway judges time and time again, and for good reason,” said Keira Chatman, Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion. “His street-chic designs, use of color, and Haitian inspiration make him a designer with super-cool point of view that is elevated yet accessible and wearable. We’re so fortunate to have him debut his collection here in Columbus.”
“I was so excited to learn that the Columbus Fashion Council asked me the be their headliner,” said Prajjé. “Columbus is known as a fashion hub and I’m so excited to meet the people there and show them how I’m stepping into more streetwear given my fabulous experience on Project Runway while also continuing my work in eveningwear and haute couture.”
Prajjé’s designs have been featured in publications including Elle, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam and Rolling Stone, and his use of texture and body-worshipping fabrics have received rave reviews from the press, on the runways of New York, and on the red carpet.
“As a designer I have a responsibility to the woman for whom I design so that she feels beautiful, confident, and modern – above all I wish to bring her affordable luxury,” said Prajjé.
In addition to showing his new collection during the Finale Runway Show, Prajjé will also be featured at Philanthropy Meets Fashion during Fashion Week Columbus. The event will be held at CCAD’s Canzani Center on September 29 from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets for this event are free and can be reserved at www.FashionWeekColumbus.org. At the event, Prajjé will be interviewed by Nia Noelle, Program Director for the Columbus Fashion Council.
“Designers, models, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiast will definitely want to be there and to learn about Prajjé’s journey and his amazing experience on Project Runway,” said Nia Noelle. “He has a witty personality along with a vast knowledge base that will bring an engaging and one-of-a-kind conversation to Fashion Meets Philanthropy.”
Fashion Week Columbus runs September 24 through 30, 2023. For more information including a full list of events and how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit https://fashionweekcolumbus.org/.
For more information on Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste, please visit https://www.prajjeoscar.com.
About Columbus Fashion Council
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) status organization, the Columbus Fashion Council’s mission is to provide scholarships to fashion design students and a platform for local fashion designers. Our vision is to expand the fashion economy in Central Ohio through a combination of industry growth initiatives, community organizations support, funding access opportunities, and creative program development. We strive to nurture and develop the fashion community to keep our fashion talent living and working in Central Ohio.
