By Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by Tamika Faurelus
From Cap-Haitien to the Catwalk
When Garvenchy Nicolas left Cap-Haitien, Haiti, at just 12 years old, he carried more than a suitcase—he carried a vision. It would take decades to transform his vision into a brand that seamlessly combines elegance, comfort, and culture. Today, as the founder and creative director of Vinshēk, Nicolas is proving that heritage is not only something you remember—it’s something you can wear.
“I want to represent Haiti through my art,” Nicolas says. “The reasons behind my work include the country I’m from, my family, and my wife. I want to bring their story to life through fashion.”
A Multifaceted Journey to Fashion
Before making his mark on the fashion industry, Nicolas built a career path far removed from the runway. After earning a degree in international business from St. Thomas Aquinas College, he worked in finance with JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America. Eventually, he transitioned into the tech world, becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and leading high-profile projects for companies like PepsiCo, Kellogg’s, Mars, and Ally Bank.
Today, he serves as a technical project manager at PAVE, a $1.7 billion tech startup. But while his corporate career thrived, a deeper creative calling continued to tug at him. In 2020, that calling took form when he launched Vinshēk, a luxury fashion brand for men and women rooted in “meaningful storytelling.”
“Art has no purpose without storytelling. The goal is to bring levels of emotion out of our customers,” Nicolas explains.
Breaking Into an Exclusive Industry
Launching a luxury brand is no small feat, and Nicolas faced immediate hurdles. “The two major challenges I’ve faced were setting my brand apart from other clothing brands and finding the right manufacturer,” he shares.
Still, he relied on his guiding principle—“You know it when you see it”—to create designs that feel distinct and instantly recognizable. By 2024, those efforts paid off: Vinshēk debuted at New York Fashion Week, landed a feature in The Haitian Times, and secured sponsorship from Cîroc liquor.
“I want Haitian designers to be respected, and I want to represent Haitian history through my designs,” Nicolas says with conviction.
More Than Clothing
Vinshēk isn’t just about garments—it’s about identity. “ It’s more than just clothing. “It’s an art speaking on behalf of Black people and our culture,” Nicolas emphasizes. Each piece merges modern silhouettes with the enduring spirit of Haiti, offering customers an experience as much as a product.
And while Vinshēk appeals to a wide audience, Nicolas’ bond with Haitians remains personal and unshakable. “The Haitian story is my story,” he says. “A lot of what I try to communicate, Haitians are able to relate to.”
Giving Back Through Style and Service.
Nicolas’ vision extends beyond fashion. Through his nonprofit, the Synergy Today Foundation, he provides scholarships and school supplies to students in Haiti. For him, philanthropy is not an afterthought—it’s part of Vinshēk’s fabric.
“My purpose is to elevate the Black and Haitian narrative through fashion design and community building,” he explains.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Nicolas aims to release Vinshēk’s second official collection at New York Fashion Week and hopes to be selected as a designer for the prestigious Harlem Fashion Row Fashion Show. His long-term vision is crystal clear: “To make Vinshēk a top brand and open a store in SoHo, New York.”
When asked why people should buy Vinshēk, Nicolas is quick to respond: “If they want to wear elegant, comfortable, and purposeful garments.”
His success is no accident. Nicolas attributes his growth to three key skills—hard work, consistency, and relationship building. These principles, combined with his talent for storytelling, have positioned Vinshēk as a brand on the rise.
A Call to Wear Your Story
As Nicolas continues to craft designs that blend cultural pride with high-end luxury, he’s also shaping something bigger—a legacy. For Haitians and creatives everywhere, his journey is proof that it’s possible to honor your roots while breaking into global markets.
From Cap-Haitien to the catwalks of New York, Garvenchy Nicolas is more than a designer. He’s a cultural ambassador, a storyteller, and a visionary, reminding the world that fashion is not just about what you wear—it’s about who you are.
Follow Garvenchy Nicolas and Vinshēk:
Instagram: @vinshek_ | @synergy_today | @sir_garvenchy
Website: vinshekco.com
