Once again, I skipped the ever-popular Paris’s Fashion Week for a trip to St. Lucia. Lost somewhere between Roadnay Bay and the Marina, the St. Lucian Daily Newspapers brings me back to reality by revealing the French breakthrough of a designer brimming with Caribbean influences. True artistry!
Joël A. Grandjean, JSH® Magazine & Swiss Watch Passport’ editor in chief, publisher
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“Turning the heritage of Saint Lucia—and, more broadly, the Caribbean—into wearable art.” Such is the Earthly mission of this daredevil creative who, after coming to realize that her culture is significantly underrepresented in French-speaking countries and in Paris, took the plunge and moved to the French capital.
Inspired whispers in Paris
Here in the inspiring gem of the West Indies, Saint Lucia, the native of this paradise on earth has made headline news. And it’s well deserved, as she has just distinguished herself with panache in the stuffy, exclusive jungle of the Parisian fashion scene. Perseverance, tenacity, and above all, that powerful creativity that enhances and universalizes her creole roots. Her brand, “Kai” Baptiste—a word meaning “home”—is far more than just another offshoot of “exotic-world” branding. It bursts with tangible elements, such as the oceans and their deepest mysteries, the elegance of colorful, pure, endemic flowers, delicate and ancestral craftsmanship such as the craft of macramé, as well as the everywhere presence of carnival-inspired escapades and frescoes.
Petra Baptiste raises the “encounter between costume and couture” to an Art form with theatrical and sacred magnificence. “With each collection, ‘Maison Baptiste’ aims to honor the past, inspire the present, and proudly showcase the spirit of the Caribbean on the world stage.” It’s written in her official bio… and she lives it out brilliantly. Here are personal questions, sometimes a little intrusive, with each interview subject allowed three “jokers.” A “Time People Series” conversation with a prominent figure, exploring her relationship with time and duration…
So, Petra Baptiste, when was the first time?
Joker.
Are you always on time?
I am punctual the vast majority of the time—around 90%. I consider being intentionally late to be disrespectful to others and the effort they make to be on time. If I am ever late, it is due to circumstances genuinely outside of my control, and I make every effort to communicate and minimize any inconvenience.
What is the worst delay you remember, the one that most has embarrassed you?
I can’t recall a specific situation where I was significantly late that caused embarrassment. I generally manage my time well and plan ahead to avoid those situations. On the rare occasions when I have been late, it has typically been due to factors outside of my control, such as public transport delays. In those cases, I focus on communicating promptly and taking responsibility for the impact, rather than feeling embarrassed, as I know it wasn’t due to poor planning or lack of discipline.
Was there a time when you were late or early for something that allowed you to avoid the worst?
I can’t recall a specific example, but I generally find that being early or well-prepared helps me avoid potential issues. I make a habit of allowing extra time for important commitments, which reduces the risk of delays and ensures I’m ready to handle any unexpected situations. Even with that buffer, if I do end up being late, it’s undesirable for me because it’s not a habit I accept or rely on.
Was there a time when you were late or early for something that allowed you to live better? Do you remember a special blessed instant, a privileged moment?
Yes, I value those moments when I arrive early. It allows me to avoid rushing and instead feel calm, prepared, and collected. Being early also sometimes creates opportunities—for example, I may be seen or attended to ahead of schedule, which can be beneficial from a time management perspective. Overall, those moments reinforce my preference for being punctual and composed rather than rushed.
What was your longest day?
Joker
What is the design that you consider the most timeless?
Besides my own watch, I would say the Rolex Submariner is one of the most timeless designs. Its classic aesthetic, durable construction, and functional elegance have made it an enduring icon in watchmaking. The Submariner has remained stylish and relevant for decades, balancing sophistication with practicality in a way that few other timepieces achieve.
What is the precise longitude and latitude of your birthplace?
I was born in Saint Lucia, and the country’s approximate geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are 13.9094° N, ‑60.9789° W.
What is a personal object that you would like to remove from the grip of time so that it will never deteriorate?
A personal object I would like to preserve indefinitely is a leather-bound journal I’ve kept for many years. It contains reflections, sketches, and memories that capture moments of personal growth and experiences I deeply value. Preserving it would allow me to hold onto those insights and memories exactly as they are, untouched by the passage of time.
What is the type of “chronophage” (something that eats your precious time) that you fear the most?
Joker
If time could be written, what format would you prefer it to be in – a book, proverb, citation?
If time could be written, I would prefer it to be in the format of a thoughtfully crafted book. As a book reviewer and designer, I appreciate the depth, structure, and narrative flow that a book provides. It allows moments, experiences, and lessons to be explored with nuance and creativity, giving time a form that is both reflective and enduring, much like a well-designed piece of literature.
Which book took you the longest to read (or that you never finished, for example)?
The book i’ve started several times but never finished is ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves‘, written by Clarissa Pinkola Estés”
It’s a bestselling work of psychology and myth that blends folklore, fairy tales, and storytelling with Jungian analysis to explore the nature of the “Wild Woman” archetype—an instinctual, intuitive, and creative force that Estés argues exists deep within every woman. The author uses stories from various cultures to illustrate how societal pressures can suppress this inner nature and offers pathways for women to reclaim their intuition, passion, and authentic self. Themes include confronting internal and external obstacles, understanding life’s cyclical processes, and recognizing the value of intuition and creativity in personal development.
What is your first memory that was related to a duration of time (either positive or negative)?
My first memory related to the duration of time is tied to my 20 years of work behind the scenes as a creative. I dedicated myself to every necessary step, learning and preparing patiently, until my “grand moment.”
That moment came on March 7th, 2026, when I debuted as a designer during Paris Fashion Week 2026″
It was the culmination of years of effort, and a shift from being behind the scenes to stepping fully into the spotlight. One of the reasons I wanted to move forward was my passion as a cultural promoter—I aim to showcase and celebrate my Caribbean heritage through my work, and this moment allowed me to do that on a global stage.
What are the moments in your life that should never end?
The moments in my life that should never end are those when I feel fully immersed in creativity and cultural expression—whether designing, curating, or sharing aspects of my Caribbean heritage. These are the times when inspiration flows effortlessly, when collaboration sparks new ideas, and when my work connects with others in meaningful ways. They are moments of joy, presence, and purpose, where time seems to expand rather than pass, and I wish they could last indefinitely.
How do you differentiate time from eternity?
As a spiritual person, I differentiate time from eternity by seeing time as the measure of moments, experiences, and changes in the physical world—finite, structured, and linear. Eternity, on the other hand, is the boundless, timeless dimension of the spirit, where existence is not measured by minutes or hours but by presence, consciousness, and connection. While time frames our earthly journey, eternity represents the infinite, enduring essence that transcends all beginnings and endings.
What was your first watch?
I can’t remember my first watch exactly, but I do know it was gifted to me, as have all the watches I’ve ever owned. Every timepiece in my life has been a gift, which makes each one feel personal and meaningful, carrying a sense of thoughtfulness and connection from the person who gave it.
If you own several watches, what roles do they play in your life?
I currently own three silver watches. Each plays a distinct role in my life: one is for daily wear and practicality, keeping me punctual and grounded; another is a more elegant piece, reserved for special occasions where style and presence matter; and the third serves as a sentimental or symbolic watch, connecting me to personal memories and meaningful moments. Together, they blend functionality, aesthetics, and emotional significance, reflecting different facets of my life and personality.
What’s the watch you would like to have the most?
The watch I would most like to have is the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and elegant yet versatile style make it a piece that transcends trends. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it represents precision, heritage, and a dedication to excellence—qualities I deeply value and aspire to embody in both my personal and professional life.
If you were deprived of your watch and had to put a personal object in the ground that would tell you the time, like the ancient sundials, what would it be?
If I were deprived of my watch and had to rely on a personal object to tell the time, I would choose a compass. While traditionally used for direction, a compass can help track the sun’s position and shadow throughout the day, serving as a practical tool to estimate time. It combines functionality with a sense of exploration, allowing me to navigate both space and time thoughtfully.
