Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Mann.
Hi Tess, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming a couture designer began long before it was ever a profession. I fell in love with fashion the moment I saw the musical Aida as a young girl on a school field trip, the textures, colors, and grandeur left an imprint that never faded. Later, financial limitations nudged me toward designing my own gowns for the Miss America scholarship competitions, which deepened my connection to craftsmanship and creative expression. Even while serving over two decades as an FBI Special Agent, I never stopped sketching. That creative pull never quieted, it just waited patiently until I was ready to listen. When I retired, I didn’t “start over”, I returned to where I truly belonged.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges was establishing trust in global production. Early on, I encountered factories that cut corners or tried to replicate my protected designs for other clients. That was unacceptable. I eventually found a trusted partner in India. Tarak Nath Mishra whose team now brings my detailed embroidery and custom jacquard visions to life with the craftsmanship my brand demands. Another challenge: shifting public mindset away from fast fashion toward conscious, quality pieces. I’ve met that with education, transparency, and couture that’s meant to last a lifetime, not a season.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters is impact through design, sustainability, and social responsibility. Tess Mann Atelier isn’t just about dressing women; it’s about empowering them. I want each garment to act as armor, allowing the wearer to walk into any room fully themselves. I’m also deeply committed to slow fashion using natural fibers, dead stock fabrics, reducing waste, and supporting ethical production. Beauty and purpose don’t have to be separate; they can and should exist together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tessmannatelier.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessmannatelier
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessmannatelier
- LinkedIn: tessmannatelier
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tess-mann-atelier
