New fashion line by Garvenchy Nicolas Celebrates Haiti’s Rich Heritage

By Dhanha C. Bien-Aime

Haitian designer Garvenchy Nicolas highlights Haiti’s history through fashion

Haitian designer Garvenchy Nicolas launched his 1804 Capois collection last month to celebrate Haiti’s rich history and resilience. The collection, the debut of his Vinshek fashion line, is an ode to Haiti’s past while offering a modern take on sportswear and formal pieces.

Rooted in storytelling, Nicolas’ collection serves as not only a tribute to Haiti’s 1804 revolution but also to its leaders, and the everyday people who continue to shape the nation’s cultural identity. At the heart of the collection is the desire to share Haiti’s beauty, beyond the hardships often highlighted in the media, and to honor the perseverance of its people.

“I’ve always loved fashion but as an outsider, someone that didn’t formally go to fashion or design school, imposter syndrome sometimes creeps in,” Nicolas wrote on Instagram while reflecting on his launch. 

“But after the process of launching this collection, I realized this is bigger than fashion. This is about PURPOSE and storytelling, and purpose speaks louder than all the noise in your head.”

Vinshek’s 1804 Capois collection includes a range of garments from jumpsuits to tracksuits, combining neutral tones, such as khaki, with the vibrant red and blue of the Haitian flag. Nicolas chose these colors as a tribute to the uniforms worn by Haiti’s military and law enforcement, as well as a nod to the nation’s independence. 

The collection also incorporates powerful messages: one sweatshirt proudly declares, “Immigrant: America’s ghostwriter,” while a khaki bomber jacket features the phrase “descendant of royalty,” connecting wearers to a larger narrative about identity and pride.

In line with the collection’s reflection to a deeper connection to Haiti’s cultural roots, during the launch, Nicolas introduced a short film set in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s northern city, featuring scenes from the historic La Citadelle and nearby beaches. The film unfolds in three acts, starting with a letter from Haitian revolutionary leader Henri Christophe, reminding Haitians of their heritage, followed by a call to reconnect with the homeland, and ending with a celebration of the beauty found in Haiti.

Music also played a significant role in the collection’s debut. As models walked the runway, the group Curated by JC, led by Jackson Chery, performed Haitian gospel hymns, adding a spiritual element that underscored the importance of religion in Haitian life.

For Garvenchy Nicolas, the 1804 Capois collection is more than just fashion—it is a way to tell the story of Haiti and its people. Stylist Maritza Boudoir, who pushed Nicolas to launch the collection, noted, “Garvenchy wanted Vinshek to tell a story through fashion that reflects the immigrant experience and Haiti’s rich history.”

The collection’s focus on both style and substance has resonated with audiences, including attendees like Christopher Cherenfant, who told The Haitian Times, “The show wasn’t just about fashion; it was a statement of how far we’ve come as a people. Despite our struggles, we continue to grow and achieve great things.”

In showcasing Haiti’s resilience, beauty, and cultural richness, Garvenchy Nicolas’ 1804 Capois collection proves that fashion can be both meaningful and stylish. It serves as a reminder that Haiti is more than its struggles—it is a country of strength, history, and enduring pride.

The post New fashion line by Garvenchy Nicolas Celebrates Haiti’s Rich Heritage appeared first on The Haitian Times.