About
Black Nvni (pronounced NAH-vee) offers a curated collection of ethically obtained vintage couture, modern couture, and vintage statement clothing from around the world. Proudly owned and operated by queer, black and indigenous editorial stylist Kenosha “Kenny” Washington. Black Nvni is the answer for those who seek a luxurious, head-turning, and sustainable alternative to the fast fashion of the moment.
OUR FOUNDER
Kenosha ‘Kenny’ Washington is named after her grandmother, Kenosha B. Gomillion. Granny was a proud Choctaw Native American, and the name “Kenosha” in Choctaw means “Nvni” (pronounced NAH-vee), or “Fish”. Lovingly, Granny referred to Kenny as “the chocolate one”, hence the name BLACK NVNI.
Kenny’s love of style began as a little girl. Her beloved Granny would take her along when shopping for clothing for various church events. She instilled her own love of style within Kenny by teaching about color, detail, coordination, quality fabrics, price comparison, and quality versus quantity. Granny’s true legacy lives on in Kenny through her love of hats—she loves nothing more than a show-stopping “shitty-sharp” hat!
Sustainability was a natural step in Kenny’s evolution as a fashionista. She loves “the details” in garments, such as decorative stitching, garment construction, embellishments, and the manipulation of fabrics. In the current climate of “fast fashion”, it can be difficult to find well-constructed, stand-out garments. Since fashion is cyclical, Kenny turned to the fashion of the past to be the best dressed in the room.
As she became a world traveler and honed her knowledge of fashion and garment construction, Kenny learned how to find vintage couture, modern couture, and vintage statement pieces everywhere she went. And now it’s time to pass these treasures on to you! Fit the part, and know that “You’ve Arrived”, with BLACK NVNI!