Picture this: A sun-drenched living room in Hawai’i. The trade winds drift through open windows, scattering pattern pieces across the floor, and bolts of fabric rest beside a thriving jungle of tropical plants. This isn’t just a workspace, it’s where Nicole feels most grounded, most inspired.

Born and raised in a small East Coast town, Nicole’s love story with sewing began early, stitching tiny outfits for her Barbie dolls, guided by the steady hands of her two grandmothers. It was the perfect mix of encouragement and tough love.

“If I made a mistake, they’d make me rip it out and do it right. That’s where I learned precision, and a deep respect for craftsmanship”

“I wanted to create wearable art”

From doll clothes to dresses of her own (yes, even her prom dress), her journey in fashion started long before it was ever a career. Nicole went on to earn her BFA in Painting from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. But somewhere between bank shifts in Waiʻanae, waitressing gigs, and dressing mannequins at Forever 21 in Waikīkī, she realized something. She was happiest when she was sewing, not painting.

And so, Vermilli was born in 2013, a line of effortless, slow-fashion pieces that reflect both Nicole’s island lifestyle and her commitment to sustainability. Every garment is sewn by local hands, using eco-conscious practices, in deep gratitude to the place that inspires it all.

“I like to design pieces that I need in my own closet. They are simple, yet classic. They're easy to dress up, or dress down. And they can be worn for years and years."

Vermilli is more than clothing. It’s a story, told in soft fabrics, hand-drawn prints, and ocean-kissed color palettes. Inspired by long surf sessions, salty hair, tropical blooms, and that magical, and that golden-hour breeze that you can feel the island in every stitch.

When you wear Vermilli, you're not just putting on a beautiful outfit. You’re wearing intention, art, and aloha, probably crafted in a living room in Hawai’i, just for you.