Today we’d like to introduce you to Claude Sanon.
Hi Claude, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fashion has always been a part of me—it’s in my DNA. I’m the son of a seamstress, Michelle Sanon, who’s been crafting garments for over 40 years. She started in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and watching her work inspired me from a young age. In the early 2000s, I began working in department stores like K&G and Nordstrom, selling suits and styling mannequins. That’s where I really started to understand menswear and the art of presentation.
In 2003, after learning to tie my first self-tie bow tie, I became obsessed with construction and detail. I started making my own bow ties and neckties—taking them apart and reconstructing them to understand how they were made. That curiosity sparked a deeper passion for design.
Eventually, my twin brother Claudel and I started our own clothing line. But in 2008, when he left to study abroad in Moscow, I continued building the brand solo. Over the years, I focused on developing and solidifying the Claude Michelle brand. In 2010, I expanded by creating two labels: Claude Michelle and Rowing by Claude Michelle—a concept blending classic style with the lifestyle of the sport of rowing. By 2013, I debuted the Rowing by Claude Michelle Spring/Summer collection, followed by the Claude Michelle SS16 collection in 2014, which introduced everything from gowns to tailored suits.
Today, my journey continues as I keep building the Claude Michelle fashion house—fusing legacy, craftsmanship, and a bold vision for modern fashion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The hardest part is staying focus on the bigger picture and trying to find funding mostly!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core, I’m a fashion designer and creative director passionate about storytelling through style. I specialize in custom menswear and womenswear, focusing on made-to-measure garments that merge classic tailoring with modern flair. Whether it’s a statement suit, an elegant gown, or a sharply cut blazer, every piece is designed to speak confidence, sophistication, and individuality.
Through my brand Claude Michelle, I’ve built a reputation for timeless pieces that carry a sense of heritage and craftsmanship. I’m known for attention to detail, clean silhouettes, and merging the spirit of old-school tailoring with contemporary fashion. One of my proudest achievements has been evolving the brand from a small idea into a movement—one that celebrates elegance, identity, and culture.
What sets me apart is my foundation: I don’t just design clothes—I build garments with a story, often inspired by my Haitian roots, the legacy of my mother’s craftsmanship, and my journey through fashion. I’m hands-on in the creative process, from sketch to final stitch, which keeps the work deeply personal.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about fashion—it’s about impact. Seeing clients feel transformed when they wear a Claude Michelle piece—that’s the magic I live for.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As a designer, I’m excited for this new era—because it rewards authenticity, innovation, and true craftsmanship. It’s pushing creatives to evolve, and I’m here for it. Also being a household name for my brand all over the world!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claude_michelle
Image Credits
Photos by Dan Minicucci and Valeri Anselm
