Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste sees clear images in his Project Runway designs, interview

Appearing on back to back seasons of Project Runway, Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste has become a fan favorite of the popular Bravo fashion reality show. Although he might not have captured the coveted title previously, the designer has everyone infatuated with his intricate designs. During a recent conversation with Culturess, Prajjé spoke about Project Runway All Stars, his design approach, and a fashion choice that everyone needs in their wardrobe.

Throughout the current Project Runway All Stars season, Prajjé has captivated viewers with his looks. Even though the judges might have had high praise one week and stronger words the next, the talented fashion designer has never waived from his personal aesthetic.

Although he recent competed on a Project Runway season, Prajjé was eager to return. Speaking to this opportunity, he said, “Project Runway reached out, and it was a great idea; I was honored to be part of the cast. The difference between seasons 19 and 20 is that the season 20 cast are all established designers with incredible records. Indeed a form of legend.”

Given the depth of talent on this season, it seems that the Project Runway creative team wanted to push the designers beyond the norm. From using a single bolt of fabric to the always popular unconventional materials challenge, the concepts were more than just adherence to the brief. It compelled the fashion designers to find a way to bring their point of view to the challenge.

Woven into many of his designs, Prajjé finds a way to highlight his Haitian culture. Speaking to this concept, he shared, “My designs are to open doors for conversation and learning about Haitian culture. There is a considerable piece of Haitian history that every person of color should know, especially in a time like this. My designs are my only stage and microphone, so I use them to address issues that affect the environment around me, either my Home in Haiti or the US.”

While there is a message in those bold choices, it is the complex visual that invites the viewer to examine the look more closely. Even if the mixing of patterns and colors might be akin to a cacophony of sounds, there is a method to his choices.

When asked about how he finds the balance, Prajjé explained, “This is something that I struggle with; explaining what is in my head to people is usually a challenge. I see clear images, and while it seems complicated, I have a complete map in my head. It’s like a puzzle in my head; it’s an entire image, but to everyone else explaining it, it’s just pieces that don’t make sense. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Sometimes in a Project Runway challenge, the concept focuses adapting the concept to an actual client. In the Below Deck themed episode, Prajjé might have given Captain Sandy her preferences, but the judges did not speak kindly of that fashion intrepetation.

Looking back at the challenge, Prajjé shared, “I understand the judges have a job to do, but how do you judge a challenge called “Real client” when the Client is happy with her look but you hate it. I said it before and I’ll say it again. My client’s opinion was the only one that mattered in that challenge. I am not trying to be arrogant, but it is based on principles. My business is a private clientele business; to please the judges and have an unhappy client would go against my brand. Epi dat sèt!”

Even if people can agree to disagree on a choice, the fashion designers are often close to their work. Asking them to pick a favorite is never easy. Prajjé said, “All my work on the show represented my aesthetic. I loved my unconventional, #43 and this week’s look this season.”

While many people dream of putting one of his designs in their wardrobe, it can be hard to narrow down the choices. When asked for a recommendation, Prajjé said, “Everyone should have one of my bobber jackets and one of my gowns. It’s an investment, timeless, and you will stand out with room to be yourself and not feel overpowered by a look.”

Looking to discover more of Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste? Be sure to watch new episodes of Project Runway All Stars on Bravo Thursday nights at 9 p.m. In addition, episodes and previous seasons can be streamed on Peacock.