Gyhandel Ramos is a young fashion designer who most will know under the name Sh0ck, or Sh0ckman. Originally hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, Sh0ck has maintained a significant presence in Lynn since the age of six.
Due to the considerable familial network residing in the city, he would frequently visit during seasonal periods, attend family gatherings, or stay down for a week to a couple of months. Sh0ck relocated to Lynn around 2017 after his parents secured employment in Boston to shorten their commute from Providence. He attended 8th and 9th grade in Lynn before his family’s return to Providence. Following a few years in Providence, they moved back to Lynn in 2020. In 2020, Sh0ck graduated from Lynn English during the pandemic. He recounts his mother celebrating the occasion by having him stand outside with balloons, then driving by to congratulate him.
“She ordered a big picture of my face and put it outside the house. Everyone knew where I lived at the time, it was terrible,” Sh0ck said. “Whenever I would leave for work I would take it down, and when I would come back home it was there again.”
Sh0ck developed a deep and abiding interest in the world of fashion at a young age. Prior to pursuing an interest in fashion, his initial focus was on basketball. Although he made the basketball team, he relocated from Lynn before having the opportunity to participate. His subsequent educational institution, the Met School in Providence, also lacked a basketball program. Apart from basketball, Sh0ck has expressed interest in architecture.
He reminisces about his childhood, noting his family’s limited financial resources, which prevented them from purchasing new clothing items, such as sneakers. Many of the apparel items he and his siblings acquired were secondhand. While predominantly receiving second-hand apparel, he acknowledges that the items were of reasonable quality. Having to wear a school uniform sparked his interest in creating and customizing his own clothing. Feeling constrained by the uniform policy and the desire for self-expression, he began experimenting with his required attire to better reflect his personal style. His mother, who possessed experience in fashion design, also served as a source of inspiration. He recalls her creation of garments utilizing newspaper as a primary material.
In 2017, Sh0ck initiated a more dedicated pursuit of fashion, commencing with jorts and permanent markers. Prior to assuming the moniker Sh0ck, he adopted the name Icon, inspired by the contemporaneous release of Jaden Smith’s song “Icon.” Sh0ck’s clothing designs often incorporate diverse elements. For instance, on a pair of jeans he designed, he included the word “Icon,” lyrics from a Tupac song (an influential artist who inspired him to get hoop earrings and a nose piercing), lightning bolts, and tiger scratches. The moniker “Icon” was ultimately discontinued due to another entity with the same name establishing a global presence. A cease and desist letter was issued to him, prompting his decision to avoid litigation. In 2019, “Icon” evolved into what is now known as Sh0ck.
“I was just sitting in my room in 2019 and that’s when Sh0ck came to me,” he said. “Sitting there, I thought to myself, ‘I just want to shock the world. I always used to draw lightning bolts when I was a kid. It kinda just came together.”
One word Sh0ck uses to describe his brand is: ‘Fly.’ His clothing pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, created through the art of upcycling. By transforming discarded or pre-existing garments into entirely new — and often more valuable — fashion pieces and accessories, Sh0ck brings fresh energy and meaning to sustainable style. Sh0ck diminishes waste, preserves resources, and advances circular fashion methodologies. He also incorporates patchwork into his pieces, bleaching, dyeing, embellishments such as embroidery and beading, and garment reconstruction. Using provided materials, Sh0ck would create a hoodie that was produced from two pillowcases.
What began with jorts and Sharpies has grown into a sustainably focused brand. Sh0ck now offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind pieces — shirts, hats, bags, flared jeans, shorts, hoodies, jackets and more — each crafted through upcycling and marked by his distinctive creative touch. His artistic creations have been showcased at esteemed events including the Vlush Festival and The Private Show.
“I’m not gonna say it’s out of this world. I make simple stuff, but it’s so simple it’s fire,” Sh0ck said. “It’s not too simple where it’s just blank, but it’s fire enough where you want to take a double-take, or want to take a closer look at all the details.”
Before participating in runway shows and event vending, Sh0ck realized his current lifestyle hindered his goals. He found himself delaying important tasks and focusing on less significant activities.
“I started crying and said, ‘God, if I’m doing something wrong please let me know.’ If this is supposed to be for me, give me a sign that I should continue,” Sh0ck said. “Three days later I got my first show.”
Sh0ck is preparing for a packed summer with several upcoming events showcasing his work. This Sunday, his pieces will be featured on the runway at Vlush Festival 8.0, taking place at The Castle: Restaurant and Bar in Beverly. He’ll also be participating in Vlush Festival 9.0, held at THE HOUSE NYC in Brooklyn. In addition, Sh0ck will serve as a vendor at Final Fridays, a monthly series hosted by the Lynn Museum & Arts Center. Final Fridays are free arts and culture events held on the last Friday of each month from May through September, designed to activate local spaces and foster community collaboration. To explore more of Sh0ck’s work, visit his Instagram or stop by Mvhco’s Room at 545 Washington St., second floor. A selection of his pieces is available for purchase there on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When it comes to artistic inspiration, Sh0ck cites a range of influences including A$AP Rocky, Tupac Shakur, Nipsey Hussle and Lil Baby. Closer to home, he gives a shoutout to local designer Mvhco and rapper Zion CTB, both of Lynn, as well as Daybue of WudaTag, a clothing brand based in Providence. He also credits local Lynn rappers, his family, and his niece Elayni for their support and inspiration.
“He’s one person [Nipsey Hussle] I’m inspired by a lot. He was willing to live and die for what he was doing, the marathon,” Sh0ck said. “He taught me to keep going. No matter what.”
