Inventory days at Bloomingdale’s once defined Tracy Saintil’s work life. Today, she counts her pieces as the creative force behind G Saints Apparel, a luxury swimwear brand making waves in Miami and beyond.
Launched in 2011 with just $5,000 saved from years in high-end retail, G Saints was birthed from Saintil’s frustration with limited, repetitive swimwear options flooding the market.
Combining her surname with that of Garson, a former business partner, they created a brand that quickly became synonymous with bold, innovative designs. G Saints made its breakthrough in 2012 with the “Bora Bora” design: a fringe high-waist bikini that caught the eye of Angela Simmons.
Since then, it has adorned celebrities like Kelly Rowland, Lala Anthony, and Ashanti on major runways from Miami Swim Week to New York Fashion Week.
But beyond the glitz and glamour, Saintil’s brand is deeply rooted in her Haitian heritage and Miami upbringing. “Haitian culture is very vibrant, very colorful,” she explained. “I love color. Even my samples can’t be in black and white,” she says.
Fashion wasn’t always an accessible dream. Saintil’s early passion for dressing chic and colorful was tempered by financial realities that ruled out formal fashion school.
“I told myself, okay, I’m going to figure out how to be a fashion designer. If I can’t afford to go to school, there’s a way I could figure out how to be one.”
Instead, she leveraged 15 years of experience in luxury retail, mastering the nuances of her clientele and the industry at large.
Despite her success, Saintil still faces uphill battles gaining visibility as a Haitian creative in Miami. Specifically, she points to systemic barriers that too often overshadow the contributions of Haitian artists in fashion.
“Sometimes you have to create your own lane,” Saintil reflects. “You have to keep pushing, keep shining.”
Looking ahead, her vision extends beyond design. She aims to build a global fashion house and a foundation supporting young women of color breaking into fashion. “We’re given these amazing talents and blessings, but God gives it to us for us to help someone else,” she said.
Next year, Saintil will launch Beauty in the Bloom. Inspired by her approaching forties, the collection celebrates confidence, evolution, and womanhood.
As Haitian Heritage Month celebrates culture and resilience, Saintil’s journey shines as a testament to both.
For her, swimwear is more than just fabric and style — it’s a fearless celebration of identity, heritage, and the power of blooming in your own time.
Her name has been added so we should be good to go! @sergy@miamediagrp.com
