Hello & Welcome! 

 

My name is Lauren, I am the designer and founder of the fashion brand Lauren Bander.

I have always been an artist, growing up my medium of choice was pencils and paper.  As I got older I traded in my pencils and paints for fabric.  I quickly fell in love with creating something from nothing, and being able to not only create something, but being able to create art that is also wearable.

Starting out, creating a fashion line began as just that, wanting to design clothing.  This quickly changed as I started having issues with anxiety and depression.  I found comfort and healing through art, especially when designing for my line.  So I decided to continue building my brand but not as a normal fashion brand.  I wanted to use it as a way to tell stories and convey emotions that are often felt with anxiety and depression.  I want to shine a light on mental health and create a world in which it is easier for people to talk freely about it and all that it encompasses.  Each new collection that I create tells a particular story, something that I am either currently going through or something that I have gone through in the past. 

As we all know, social media is a huge part of our lives now, and it can quickly turn into a place of negativity.  So, I want to use my social media platforms to not only showcase my art but to create a space for people to be able to come and feel safe and free to talk about mental health.  I want to create a space that people can come when they are not in the best mindset and they can see beautiful images, read beautiful quotes and passages and find beautiful clothing that can help make them feel confident and empowered.

I know and understand how powerful art can be and I want the rest of the world to realize it as well.  I strive to help people find their inner strength through the work that I create.  I also hope that I can be an inspiration to others to keep going and follow their dreams, even when things feel impossible.  Then turn around and use their gifts to help others in their community. 

Along with trying to bring more awareness to mental health I want to help my local animal rescues, because humans are not the only ones who need love.  I have always said that I had two paths in life: to be an artist or to care for animals.  

 Just because I took the artist path does not mean that my passion and love for animals has died.  In fact, I think it's stronger than it has ever been.  My love for animals, like designing, has helped me through some of my darkest moments and battles with anxiety and depression.  I am hoping to be able to use my reach and combine my love for both fashion and animals to help more of them find their forever homes.  One way I want to do that is by donating a portion of each sale that is made to a local animal rescue to aid them in finding forever homes for each of the animals in their care!

 I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me and how my brand will grow and inspire.  I am honored to have you on this journey with me!

 Always, Lauren