I came to fashion design the same way I came into the world—and most things in my life—backwards. I fell in love with reading through a love of writing, and I fell in love with fashion through how things felt rather than how they looked. Even before I could speak, I sought comfort and serenity in quiet, enclosed spaces, carving out small sanctuaries where I felt safe and inspired. Over time, clothing became an extension of this—a way to carry a personal sanctuary with me and offer that same sense of belonging and comfort to others.

As a sensory-sensitive child, I would retreat to quiet, small spaces—like my closet or under my mother’s desk at her office—to create. These sacred spaces became my resting place from the chaos of the world and my way of carving my place in it. Whether it was cutouts or crayon art, I’d fill the walls of these spaces with my creations until they overflowed with color, comfort, and joy. And, when satisfied with what I’d made, I would invite others in to sit in wonder and creativity in these sanctuaries with me.

Because of my sensitivity, I have always struggled with clothing, and it has often felt like the opposite of a sacred space. As a young girl, I’d tug at the seams of my jeans and socks, crying out to my mother until she relented and dressed me only in soft leggings and dresses—even in the coldest Midwestern winters (sorry, Mom!). 

In high school, I took a sewing class on a whim, despite having no prior experience. I made two skirts—they resulted in something soft, feminine, and free. For the first time in my life, I was able to chose fabrics that delighted my skin and patterns that moved with me, rather than forcing me to conform to them. The seams were far from perfect, but I wore those skirts proudly—not just because I loved how they looked, but because of how they made me feel.

Fashion design as a career choice didn’t occur to me until later in life because I didn’t consider myself trendy or "fashionable.” I still don’t. Trends have always left me feeling like I was chasing something to fit in rather than creating something to fit me. That’s why I focus on creating designs that are truly timeless and undeniably beautiful—creations that would have been beautiful 100 years ago, 50 years ago, today, and, with any luck, far into the future. Through my work, my intention is to create clothing that is more than functional, offering women a sense of grounding, belonging, grace, and home in an ever-changing world.

Clothing, for me, has always been deeply personal. I’ve long cherished the sense of connection it brings—to the people who wore it before me and to the memories it holds. My dad’s socks, my sister’s old basketball T-shirt, my grandfather’s hat—I wear these pieces not just for comfort but for the closeness they bring. To me, clothing isn’t just fabric; it’s a physical manifestation of our essence, a memory we hold, and a legacy we leave.

The idea for a fashion brand first came to me in 2015. I was backpacking through Asia at the time, working as a brand and graphic designer. When a client asked me to design clothes, I agreed readily. I spent time exploring the silk markets of China and even visited family-run clothing factories. Being among the fabrics, letting my skin guide me as I ran my hands over the textiles, felt like a beautiful possibility.

In 2017, another client asked me to propose cardigan and shawl designs. Inspired by my travels, I created intricate patterns, weaving the stories of the ancient past with the beauty of today. While the company chose a different direction, the process solidified my conviction that my vision—pieces imbued with soul, depth, beauty, and heritage—was worth bringing to life. It became a pivotal moment, confirming my belief in creating designs that resonate deeply with those who value these qualities.

In 2020, my mother gifted me my grandmother Virgie Wayne’s dress, which she had carefully preserved for over 30 years. I’d always known the dress from a photograph of my grandmother, but when it was passed down to me, I finally learned its story.

My grandmother passed away a year before I was born, but I’ve always heard of her softness, beauty, and grace from family and strangers alike. She wasn’t one to draw attention to herself, but the day she found this dress—what I now call the Original Virgie Dress—was different. She loved it so much that she went straight to a photographer to have her picture taken. Decades later, the photographer recalled how radiant she was that day. For someone so quiet and reserved, this dress gave her a rare moment of self-acceptance and expression. That story stayed with me.

Naming the company after her felt like a way to not only honor her memory but to offer every woman who wears Virgie Wayne the same courage and trust to step fully into her own beauty and existence. It is my hope that each piece carries with it the grace to remind the wearer of her inherent beauty and goodness, the permission to embrace it, and an imbued sense of home that gives her courage to radiate her light into the world. Every woman who wears, inspires, or is inspired by Virgie Wayne becomes a part of this legacy, supported by those who came before us and those who walk alongside us now.

In 2021, I officially registered Virgie Wayne as a business. I began designing patterns inspired by 17th- and 18th-century European motifs, reimagined for today. After years of experimenting with fabrics and prints, I landed on silk made in Italy for its unmatched quality and elegance.

Our signature Wrap Dress draws from a tradition spanning ancient Greece, Polynesia, and Asia. A friend once sent me a simple cotton wrap from Hawaii, and during the hot Miami summers, I styled it as a dress—wearing it everywhere from bookstores to the Ritz Carlton. Compliments came from all directions, and I dreamed of creating something similar in silk with timeless prints. That dream became the Virgie Wayne Wrap Dress.

In our upcoming collections, we are embracing primarily one-size pieces crafted from soft, sensory fabrics—designed to move with you, not against you. Each piece can be worn billowily or cinched to fit your comfort level, making them perfect for sensitive women or anyone longing for clothing that fits them—not the other way around. My vision is to create pieces that transform with your day: effortlessly beautiful for dancing barefoot at home, yet strikingly elegant with pearls and heels for a dinner at the finest restaurant in town. Rooted in our signature ethereal style, these designs are meant to help you embrace your existence with beauty, because every single day of your life is the occasion.

If you’re drawn to themes of belonging, sensitivity, beauty, and heritage, I invite you to join our community by subscribing to our newsletter below. It’s a space where I share writings, inspirations, and stories to accompany you on your journey of creating your own sense of beauty and belonging in the world. I’d love for you to be part of it, and our Virgie Wayne family.