Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway, and Haiti’s presence is making waves, not just for the historic participation of its two skiers, Richardson Viano and Stevenson Savart, but for the powerful story woven into their uniforms. Designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, the team’s attire has become a symbol of resilience and national pride, even after a last-minute intervention by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This isn’t the first time Jean has designed for Haiti on the Olympic stage. She was previously commissioned by the Haitian Olympic Committee for the 2024 Paris Olympics, tasked with creating uniforms that reflected the nation’s enduring spirit. The 2026 Winter Games uniform builds on that foundation, but with a unique challenge. Initially, Jean’s design prominently featured Toussaint Louverture, the leader of Haiti’s revolution and the architect of the world’s first Black republic in 1804. However, the IOC deemed the image a violation of its rules prohibiting political symbolism, forcing a creative pivot.
“Rules are rules and must be respected, and that is what we have done,” Jean stated to the Associated Press. Despite the removal of Louverture’s image, Jean found a way to preserve the spirit of the revolutionary leader. She collaborated with Italian artisans to rework the design, centering it around a striking image of a riderless red horse – a direct reference to Édouard Duval-Carrié’s painting depicting Louverture in triumph.
The resulting uniform is a vibrant tapestry of Haitian identity. For the men, the jackets feature the red horse galloping across a backdrop of the country’s lush tropical landscape and clear blue skies, with the Haitian Coat of Arms proudly displayed on the chest. The women’s uniforms include a puffer skirt incorporating the same imagery, paired with a zip-up jacket and a traditional tignon, or headwrap, in a green tropical print. The overall effect is a powerful visual statement, a defiant assertion of Haitian culture on a global stage.
Haiti’s Ambassador to Italy, Gandy Thomas, emphasized the significance of this moment. “Haiti’s presence at the Winter Olympics is a symbol, it is a statement, not a coincidence,” he told the Associated Press. “We may not be a winter country, but we are a nation that refuses to be confined by expectation. Absence is the most dangerous form of erasing.” This sentiment underscores the broader context of Haiti’s participation – a nation often defined by hardship and instability choosing to showcase its strength, and resilience.
The timing of this Olympic appearance is particularly poignant. Haiti has faced immense challenges in recent years, including the devastating 2010 earthquake and the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Since then, the country has been grappling with escalating gang violence and political instability, particularly in Port-au-Prince. The uniforms, represent more than just athletic wear; they are a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Haitian people.
The story has resonated deeply within the Haitian diaspora. Social media has been flooded with images and expressions of pride, with many seeing the uniforms as a powerful symbol of their heritage. The design, even in its altered form, serves as a reminder that the erasure of Haiti is impossible, and that its essence – its history, its culture, and its unwavering determination – will always be visible.
Stella Jean’s work extends beyond aesthetics. She’s become a vocal advocate for representing marginalized communities in fashion and sport. Her commitment to showcasing Haitian artistry and storytelling on the world stage is a significant contribution to a more inclusive and representative global landscape. The uniforms are not simply clothing; they are a carefully constructed narrative, a visual poem celebrating Haiti’s past, present, and future.
While the IOC’s initial decision to remove the image of Toussaint Louverture sparked some controversy, the final design has been widely praised for its creativity and symbolism. It’s a testament to Jean’s skill as a designer and her deep connection to her Haitian roots. The red horse, though now riderless, remains a potent symbol of leadership, freedom, and the enduring legacy of Haiti’s revolutionary spirit. As Richardson Viano and Stevenson Savart compete in Milan, they carry with them not only the hopes of a nation but also a powerful visual reminder of its resilience and unwavering pride.
