From an early age, Charles C. Dieujuste harbored an unwavering passion for fashion. However, as a child of a traditional Caribbean household from Haiti, his creative aspirations were met with skepticism. Encouraged to pursue a more conventional path, Charles initially redirected his focus toward medicine, immersing himself in biophysics and chemistry. His father, a professor, instilled in him the importance of education and an unyielding work ethic—values that continue to shape his approach to life and work. Despite earning a college scholarship, familial obligations kept him closer to home, ultimately leading him to study business management with a concentration in finance and marketing.

Though his academic trajectory seemed to distance him from his creative dreams, Charles’ tenacity brought him back to fashion. While working at contemporary brand Elizabeth and James, he gained invaluable insights and experience while sometimes working with the Olsen twins. These formative years proved pivotal, crystallizing his vision and culminating in the re- launch of Scorcesa in fall 2020. Inspired by his mother’s minimalist elegance—exemplified by her custom pleated skirt and blazer worn for her civil wedding—Charles created a bridal line defined by sophistication, versatility, and timeless simplicity.

What initial ambitions fueled your passion for fashion? What did your initial start look like?

I realized that pursuing a medical career wasn’t for me, so I decided to tap into my creative side. While at Berkeley, I applied for a role and was fortunate to land it—becoming a design assistant. My ultimate goal was to build my own brand, but at that time, opportunities in fashion were limited, and I faced significant challenges. I won’t deny that race played a role in being overlooked for certain positions; I wasn’t even getting interviews for roles that were supposed to be open to everyone.

I balanced full-time school with a full-time banking job, all while chasing my aspirations. My parents weren’t financially supportive, which forced me to rely solely on myself—no safety net, no backup plan. It was a relentless hustle to make things happen, and that drive became the foundation for everything I would eventually achieve.

Reflecting on your journey, what pivotal moments challenged your resolve and sparked transformative growth?

A turning point in my journey came during a phone conversation with my mother. She suggested I return to Haiti to take a break and reset. It was an offer I initially hesitated on, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. While planning the concept for Scorcesa and preparing to move, I was saving money and simultaneously shipping the essentials I’d need—sewing machines, fabric, and other supplies. At times, my mother would even travel to the Dominican Republic to source materials, as it was an easier route than shipping directly from the States.

I even shipped barrels of materials to Haiti, but then disaster struck. The devastating 2010 earthquake shattered everything in Haiti, forcing me to pivot once again, and that’s how my life in public relations began.

When you entered the bridal sphere, how’d you craft PR campaigns and strategies that capture the essence of matrimonial magic, navigating the nuanced seasonal rhythms and profound emotional stakes of the wedding industry?

I entered the bridal market with a clear plan, leveraging my fashion, financial and marketing and PR background to focus on a niche that would be self-sustaining. Bridal was a space where I knew I could secure funding more easily. I launched Scorcesa during the pandemic, a time of uncertainty when the world felt fragile, and lives were being lost. It forced me to ask myself, “What if tomorrow isn’t guaranteed?” In that moment, I decided to pursue bridal contemporary and figure out the “why” later.

My first collection, “Back to Basics,” reflected that uncertainty—simple separates, including trousers. After shooting the collection and pitching it to editors, I initially doubted the outcome. The emotional stakes of the bridal industry are profound, but that raw vulnerability allowed me to connect deeply with the market, setting the foundation for future success.

What inspired the creation of Scorcesa, and how did the evolving wedding landscape during the pandemic shape its vision? What challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them to establish a unique niche in the bridal industry?

Scorcesa was born during the pandemic, a time when micro weddings and courthouse ceremonies became the norm. With WWD’s mention of Scorcesa in their, “New Brides,” story I knew I was headed in the right direction. Weddings had become intimate affairs with modest guest lists, which meant traditional, over-conceptualized bridal collections didn’t align with the moment. Instead, brides were more focused on budgets and simplicity, especially overseas, where women quickly embraced the idea. That international recognition early on was a major milestone for such a young brand.

Although I received inquiries from brides in Ireland, France, London, and the Middle East, Scorcesa was still gaining traction in the U.S. After launching the second season, I noticed major brands beginning to release bridal separates, which validated that I was in the right market—one where I could scale and be profitable. The challenges of building from scratch have only strengthened the brand’s unique position in the bridal industry.

In the bridal realm, how do you leverage your distinctive perspective as a male to redefine conventional paradigms? Has your gender imbued your branding with a unique allure, or posed unforeseen challenges in harmonizing authenticity and aspiration within the bridal market?

It’s an interesting dynamic, for sure. I haven’t faced much resistance in terms of race, background, or ethnicity, but when you throw in the fact that I’m a black male entrepreneur, it can create some challenges. The bridal industry has a very established set of norms, and as a man, I’m often seen as an outlier. In this space, there are only a few of us—Marc Ingram, Amsale, and a couple of others—who are making significant strides.

Despite the hurdles, I believe my gender gives the brand a unique perspective and I take pride in pushing boundaries while staying true to my vision. The challenges have only solidified my determination to carve out a distinct and authentic niche in bridal fashion. 

Your site currently showcases only nine items for sale. In an industry often characterized by extensive collections, what drove your decision to maintain such a minimalist approach? How does this curated selection reflect Scorcesa’s strategic direction and vision for the bridal market?

My approach is rooted in strategy and sustainability. By limiting the collection and avoiding overproduction, I maintain a tight control over stock and minimize waste. This allows us to stay efficient while offering a curated selection that reduces consumer confusion—especially since much of my business comes from overseas. Additionally, I operate on a made-to-order model, which provides clients with a bespoke experience. They can submit their measurements, ensuring a personalized, high-quality product without the waste associated with larger, mass-produced collections. This minimalist approach is intentional, aligning with Scorcesa’s focus on exclusivity, sustainability, and a refined, tailored experience.

Who do you envision as direct competitors for Scorcesa? Looking ahead 5, 10, or even 15 years, where do you see Scorcesa positioned in relation to these brands?

To be honest, I don’t see any direct competitors right now. When I launched Scorcesa as a Bridal Contemporary brand, featuring pieces like the Jasmine trouser, it was met with skepticism—people were appalled at the idea of brides wearing pants. Now, the Jasmine trouser is a brand staple. The bridal market has evolved, with dresses becoming more tailored, even above the knee, and bridal suiting now a key trend. It’s exciting to see these shifts, and while I’m not trying to brag, I’ve certainly observed the influence Scorcesa has had on the market.

I respect designers like Danielle Frankel, who inspire my brides, many of whom mention her when discussing their main dress, often seeking to incorporate one of my pieces as a second look. My designs cater to the micro-wedding bride who wants to dance and celebrate. I admire Vera Wang for her incredible legacy and work, but my focus is on creating a space where Scorcesa can offer something distinct. In terms of what’s happening right now, I’ve officially launched my partnership with Louvienne Exclusively sold at The Lovely Bride, featuring three designs now sold in 20 stores, including in the UK. Continued expansion is what’s top of mind for me.

Scorcesa.com

Personal:@charles_dieujuste

Brand: @scorcesa