Gene: The beginning of your career was rooted in the four closely connected areas of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics, when you were not living in Côte d’Ivoire. How did you get exposed to fashion design?
Aristide: My exposure to the captivating world of fashion design began in 2011, shortly after completing my mathematics degree in Utah and relocating to upstate New York. Initially, I was drawn to science and math, I found myself surrounded by a thriving artistic community that opened my eyes to the beauty of art in everyday life. In the bustling streets of New York, I witnessed a diverse array of individuals expressing their unique styles, ref lecting their passions through their clothing.
My newfound appreciation for African-American music and history further fuelled my interest in art. Exploring the works of inf luential artists such as Jean Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Gordon Parks in galleries and museums, I embarked on a journey to understand the power of self-expression through art.