Marie-Jacqueline Lollia, the woman behind the Miss Saint-Martin dresses

In her small studio in Cul-de-Sac, Marie-Jacqueline Lollia invites us into her world, dedicated to Caribbean femininity and shimmering colours. At the back of the room, her latest bespoke creation for Naïla Parotte, featuring floral motifs and a bright pink hue, immediately catches the eye: “As I started working on this design in October, I took advantage of Pink October to incorporate this colour into the original outfit that our Miss Saint-Martin will wear during the cultural parade.” 

A passion for dressmaking since childhood

“Fashion has been my passion since I was very young. My mother and I won the mother-daughter beauty contest in Saint-Martin in 2004, and it was my aunt who first taught me the basics of sewing.” It’s a passion she has nurtured throughout her life alongside her main job. Marie-Jacqueline went on to launch her own fashion line, F’eve Her Clothing, and began to make a name for herself through social media and word of mouth.
“My speciality is wax fabric – or, I’d even say, ‘wax with a twist’ – a fabric rich in history and culture that embodies tradition combined with modernity, with outfits that can be adapted to suit any occasion or mood.”
“The aim is to make women look their best. I want to offer outfits that won’t be seen twice at events. Unique designs that can be worn just as easily at work as at weddings.” 

Local designs on show during the Miss Saint-Martin/Saint-Barthélemy pageant 

It was last September that Catherine Vermot de Boisrolin, chair of the Miss Saint-Martin/Saint-Barthélemy committee, contacted M.J. Lollia to invite him to take part in the project: “I was given free rein over the designs. So I met with Naïla Parotte to take her measurements and create outfits designed to highlight her beauty and showcase our heritage.” Her inspiration came from the Marigot market and its vibrant colours, which inspired a dress featuring multicoloured triangular patterns and the famous pink outfit that will be unveiled during the parade.
“ “I was already working on the cultural parade project when the committee contacted me. It will, in fact, be a special edition as it’s the first time it will take place on the French side,” comments the designer.
The arrival of the 31 contestants competing in the Miss France 2027 pageant on the island for their preparatory trip will also shine a spotlight on Marie-Jacqueline’s designs: “I hope that this exposure will inspire the young people of Saint Martin to take up dressmaking: there are still far too few fashion designers on the island. It’s an art that requires patience and perseverance, as alterations are often needed, and the final result often differs from the initial idea. My long-term goal is to open my own shop and a dressmaking training centre for young people.”
The talented designer extends her thanks to the Miss Saint-Martin/Saint-Barthélemy committee, which gave her the chance to showcase her talent, and is confident about Naïla Parotte’s prospects: “Our Miss has everything it takes to win this pageant. And by wearing an outfit by F’eve Her Clothing, she’ll shine even brighter.”