As a designer, I have always been passionate about creating unique and innovative designs that inspire and empower individuals to express themselves through fashion. Starting from humble beginnings, I built two successful brands from the ground up, WAYNE and LES RÊVERIES, which quickly cultivated a following worldwide with works featured in publications such as the New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact beyond the realm of fashion, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work at Columbia University. This decision was fueled by my belief in the power of social work to create meaningful change in people’s lives and communities. I am excited to be a part of this movement to address these overdue social changes in the fashion industry.

As I embark on this new chapter in my career, I am committed to leveraging my experiences as a fashion designer to inform my work in social justice, bringing a unique perspective and a passion for creativity to the field. I am eager to contribute my skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others and to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

My vision is to create a hub in NYC, my home and one of the fashion capitals in the world, where fashion designers from all backgrounds especially those from marginalized groups can access mentorship, community support, and advocacy to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.

Wayne Lee

founder

WHAT WE DO

EMPOWER UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES

  • The mentorship segment will provide individuals with fashion resources on how to build a brand and get it off the ground:  from the conception of an idea to product development to the implementation of sales, brand marketing, mass production and design sustainability, offering guidance support on how to navigate challenges and develop skills.

  • Community support services will provide a safe space for participants to join weekly group meetings and/or discussions to support the well-being of fashion professionals and address the unique challenges and barriers faced by individuals who may experience discrimination in the industry, creating safe spaces for designers from marginalized groups to connect with others who share similar experiences, an opportunity for sharing stories, coping strategies, validation, mutual support, and coping strategies.

  • The advocacy component aims to create awareness and promote resources and support for underrepresented voices, emphasizing the goal for diversity, equity and inclusion for fashion industry jobs especially jobs in higher positions.