— With over 30 years of experience in couture fashion, I’ve designed hundreds of one-of-a-kind wedding and evening gowns.
— From Lviv, Ukraine to Birmingham, USA, I bring precision tailoring, timeless elegance, and the highest quality materials to every dress.
About Me
My name is Mykola Vyshyvanyuk — a master dressmaker, designer, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind NiEl Bridal Atelier. Most importantly, I am husband to Olena and father to our three daughters: Eva, Joanna, and Viktoriia.
My journey in fashion began early. At 18, I discovered sewing and design; by 19, I enrolled at the College of Fashion Industry in Lviv, Ukraine. There I received a strong foundation in hand craftsmanship, textile science, and pattern-making — for both women’s and men’s garments.
Mykola Vyshyvanyuk is a master dressmaker, designer, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind NiEl Bridal Atelier, and most importantly, husband and father of three children, Eva, Joanna, and Viktoriia.
After graduating, I traveled throughout Europe to deepen my skills and expand my perspective. I settled in Greece and studied at Veloudakis Fashion College, further advancing my knowledge in garment construction and couture techniques. I worked as a designer’s assistant at the Greek company Muzuri A.E., then joined the Italian company Maurizio A.E., contributing to new collections as a designer and pattern developer.
Together with my wife, Olena, we embarked on a shared vision: creating custom wedding gowns and building our own bridal collections. In 2012, we returned to Ukraine and formally launched NiEl (a name derived from our Greek names: Nikolas + Eleni). Over the next 11 years, we hand-crafted hundreds of wedding dresses in Lviv, serving brides with dedication and care.
When war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, our atelier was forced to close. We shifted to volunteer work—sewing tactical gear and military equipment to support Ukrainian troops. In November of the same year, with the help of generous sponsors and the Vestavia Hills community, we relocated to the United States.
Just one month after arriving, I purchased my first industrial sewing machine in Los Angeles, shipped over my tailoring tools and custom patterns from Ukraine, and began collaborating with bridal shops in Alabama to provide alterations and fittings. Within eight months, I had saved enough to reestablish our own atelier.
With guidance from REV Birmingham and TESSA, we navigated licensing, operations, and found a storefront. On November 5, 2023, alongside Olena and our three daughters, we officially opened NiEl Bridal Atelier in Birmingham, Alabama.
Our Mission & Vision
At NiEl Bridal Atelier, our mission is to bring the art of European couture bridal design to American brides. We craft each gown with precision, care, and passion—a labor of love, gratitude, and craftsmanship.
This story is still unfolding… and I am honored to share it with you.
