Multi-Hyphenate Amiraa Vainqueur Showcases How She Shifts the Status Quo in the Air Jordan 1 Satin Bred

As a multi-hyphenate, Amiraa Vainqueur’s creativity knows no bounds. The founder of VeeMode Consulting and ambassador of Jordan Brand’s 2023 Women’s Collective – an impact-driven initiative that celebrates culture-shifting creatives – paved her own path in the fashion industry, driven by her desire to live beyond the confines of a box and lead a life unlike any other. With VeeMode, Amiraa aims to champion her community and empower them through experiential event activations and education, design and styling services. In her creation of bold and brazen looks for clients, development of unconventional designs and unique ability to amplify the voices of creatives from the diaspora, the Haitian-American stylist showcases how she’s defied the status quo in fashion and captured the attention of industry icons, namely the Jordan Brand. Outfitted in Jordan Women's latest silhouette, the Air Jordan 1 Satin Bred, Amiraa embodies the pioneering ethos that has defined the footwear fixture. 

Since 1985, the Air Jordan 1 has reigned supreme as a sneaker staple that has shaped streetwear, sports and culture. The rich history behind the timeless design is rooted in uplifting the underdogs and shining a light on innovative individuals often overlooked. Over the years, the cult-classic silhouette has seen various iterations, with the new Satin Bred colorway bringing a luxurious touch to the sneaker. The high-top kicks served as style inspiration for Amiraa’s quintessentially fall fit, inspiring her to take cues from the shoe’s suave satin finish by pairing it with an oversized satin black bomber jacket. Amiraa’s personality-packing outfit is indicative of her sartorial approach to style, one often dictated by her emotions and the seasonal weather. “When it comes to dressing myself, it’s [all about] how I feel in the moment,” she shares. “I never pre-plan my looks, I just go off of what I’m feeling that day so, you never know what you’re going to get.” 

The forever-classic footwear silhouette not only serves as style inspiration for the talented tastemaker, its impactful legacy is also a guiding light throughout her journey, a reminder that all things are possible when you dare to dream. In a candid conversation with Hypebae, Amiraa Vainqueur opened up about the sisterhood she found as an ambassador for the Jordan Brand’s 2023 Collective, the catalyst for creating VeeMode Consulting, the ways in which she navigates the fashion industry and how she styles the Air Jordan 1 Satin Bred through her creative lens. 

As a true multi-hyphenate, what inspires you to not confine yourself to one box?
That’s always something that I struggled with. People would ask me “what do I do?” because I do so many things and different creative ventures call me to different seasons of my life. I’ve always felt that I was a multi-hyphenate and that was something that I tried to get across. When people ask me what I do, I just say I do my best. I’m a true creative, I can’t limit myself to just one thing because that’s not who I am.

What was the impetus for starting Vee Mode?
Being a multi-hyphenate because I was doing so many different things and I [realized] it all needs to live under an umbrella. VeeMode comes from my name Amiraa Vee, which is short for Amiraa Vainqueur. I decided to start my consulting business to house all of the projects I took on. This way I turned skills and talents into a functioning ecosystem that is inclusive of styling, designing, running our showroom, teaching and curating experiences.

In what ways has the Jordan Brand played a role in your story and female creatives like yourself?
I’m part of the Jordan Woman’s 2023 Collective and very much honored to be a part of it. I’ve encountered a sisterhood from being part of this collective with 10 other incredible women across the nation. The bond we have is something that I never imagined would have happened. It’s something I’m incredibly grateful for because we hold each other accountable. We inspire each other and support one another. It’s impacted my life in such a positive way because it makes me realize there’s so many other women on the same journey that I’m on. In a sense, I don’t feel as alone.

It might sound cliche but there’s something about wearing a Jordan sneaker that makes you feel like you’re that girl or that guy. It’s the story behind the [shoe] and the person whose name is attached to it and how much the epitome of the word “greatness” is Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand has given me an extra boost of confidence and it’s a constant reminder that I’m right where I need to be and that I’m doing great.

Can you give us a little snapshot into your come up and what it was like building your name and business in this industry in the early days?
In the early days it was really tough because there’s really no blueprint for what it is that I’m doing and the empire that I’m building. I’ve seen glimpses of it in other people’s businesses but the way that all of my talents encompass what I’m trying to build, I haven’t really seen that. I have people and brands that I’m inspired by, people I would call my mentors where I’ve been able to watch their path and study how they’ve done business which has really helped me navigate how I go about doing business and navigate through this industry.

Sustainability and uplifting emerging names and brands are a big part of your mission. Can you share more about your approach to these elements and why they’re so important?
Early on I always felt like the underdog. Even with styling, I would go into showrooms to pull for clients but if they weren’t A-Listers, I would get turned down. I had a really hard time being able to get things in order to present my clients in the best way. That’s when I decided to start my own showroom. At Maison VeeMode, our fashion showroom and wardrobe rental space, I like to bring emerging brands more visibility and brand awareness and the way I do that is by connecting with my peers – who are fellow stylists, influencers and executives – and introduce them to the brands I have in-house so we can be on their radar for their clientele and upcoming events. This way it gives emerging brands the opportunity to get placed on the red carpet, in an editorial or a music video, in turn potentially helping shift the trajectory of their business. That’s why I’m so passionate about discovering new brands, there’s so much talent, especially across the diaspora. As a Haitian-American, I want to put on minority-owned brands.

Who are some members of the creative community that have positively impacted your career as a culture shifter?
I would say places like 2045 Studio play a role. It’s an exclusive network that empowers influential leaders of color [that] has become my go-to spot in NYC. It’s a place where I can elevate myself socially and professionally, all while staying true to my authentic self.

When I step into the 2045 clubhouse, I connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, creatives and corporate executives who share my context. It’s like an extension of my own living room, but with an inspiring atmosphere of excellence. For me, my relationships are the real currency. 2045 is a place where I continue to leave a better woman than I come.

How do you stay motivated when faced with obstacles? Tell me about the driving force to overcome these challenges.
I’m a firm believer in God. I know that I don’t have these ideas and visions for no reason. If I can see it in my mind’s eye, I know it’s possible. I use my inner strength to help me get through and a lot of prayer. Also just knowing that I can do all things. I believe in myself and in my talents. I know that I’m chosen and here for a reason no matter what the obstacle is that I’ve encountered or I’m going through. I know the obstacles that I face are just a part of my story and part of my journey to build me up and to really be able to appreciate the type of life I believe I’m supposed to have and one that I’m living. The woman I’m becoming requires being super resilient, having really thick skin and having unwavering faith and belief in herself. I have to rise to that every single day. Remind myself of that is what encourages me to keep going.

What is a tried and true piece of advice that you want to share with other women interested in following your path?

Every path is different. Use my path as inspiration but don’t try to mimic that path. Just embrace your journey for what it is. I would also say never give up, have a great work ethic, be consistent with your pursuits and believe in yourself. It wasn’t until I truly believed in myself and my abilities that I was able to attract the opportunities that I’ve received.

What makes the Air Jordan 1 such an iconic silhouette?

I love that this Jordan silhouette is the prototype shoe that launched the brand. It’s a representation of what’s possible and a constant reminder to be your best self whenever you have these on. It reminds me to go above and beyond for your dreams. To dare to dream.

I also love that it’s so versatile. It’s my favorite pair of Jordan’s to style. You can dress it up or down, whether it’s with suits, dresses or casually like how I styled myself for this shoot. The AJ1 represents the story of someone that they took a chance on and who overcame so much adversity.

Tell us a little bit about how you styled the AJ1 Satin Bred for your shoot and how it inspired your look.

I wanted to be comfortable but also make a statement. Layering is part of the look. I like to layer and being that it’s fall, it goes right in season. The satin of the AJ1 adds a chic element to my outfit and I really wanted to play on that luxe vibe. I also wanted to balance it a bit with casual pieces and keep the luxurious elements locked in on my feet and my glam. The jacket, along with the sneakers, is a main focus of my look. The materials of the AJ1 Satin Bred play an important part because it just feels expensive. When it comes to styling that’s what I like to do – mix the highs and the lows.