This week’s hot seat features yet another inspiring woman – local fashion designer Zillah Duzon-Hazel. The Out N About recently sat down with 37-year-old Zillah to discuss her passion for fashion, her trendy and exclusive Jolie Duzon brand, her tropical inspiration, and her brand-new swimsuit collection.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a local fashion designer, surface pattern designer and until recently, a mural artist. I was born and raised on this beautiful island of St. Maarten. I’m the wife of a very handsome guy called Christopher Hazel and mother of two amazing boys, Melchiah Hazel (10) and Jireh Hazel (4).
How did you get into designing?
When I was a little girl, I loved looking at beautiful clothes on television and in magazines. I remember asking my parents who made the beautiful sparkling dresses that I saw in magazines, and they told me that a fashion designer does. Since then, I decided that I was going to be a fashion designer when I grew up. I officially launched the Jolie Duzon Brand on Saturday, April 6, 2013, in the Netherlands – and that’s where the journey began. I moved back to St. Maarten in 2014 and opened my first boutique on Front Street, but then lost my boutique to Hurricane Irma in 2017. But that did not stop me. I established a relationship with some boutique owners on the island, who agreed to sell my designs and creations, and now customers can also purchase from my website.
How would you describe your brand?
My brand Jolie Duzon is basically my creative and colourful mind, translated into beautiful clothing and accessories for women. I design for women who are not afraid to stand out, women who are confident, women who are leaders, women who are passionate and love life. The Jolie Duzon design process is unique. First, I hand-paint my prints and patterns, which I then digitize to create custom printed fabrics. I use those fabrics to create clutch bags, kimono robes, maxi dresses and tunics – so basically all summer-wear.
Why did you decide to add swimsuits to your repertoire?
Many of my customers have been hinting for years now that I should create swimwear with my prints. Swimwear is a must-have for living on an island or even visiting one. It is also a very profitable product. So, after much research and sourcing of materials, I’m now ready to launch my very first swimwear collection.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration is drawn from the island St. Maarten and its beautiful surroundings. The nature, the climate, the lifestyle, the colours and landscapes are all inspirations for me and can be seen in the prints and patterns I create.
How would you describe your personal fashion style?
My personal fashion style is a mix. It’s feminine, edgy and preppy. I love short skirts and dresses; tunics; long-sleeved, buttoned down shirts and sneakers.
How would you advise your younger self, or other people looking to get into fashion?
Looking back, I would advise my younger self to not wait on “the perfect” situation to start my brand. I was so focused on wanting things to be a specific way and so worried about people liking what I created, that it took me longer to manifest my dream. I realize now that the right moment to start is NOW and that things will start to align and shift once you take that first leap of faith.
