TESS MANN ATELIER: A BOLD VISION OF POWER

Tess Mann Atelier Redefines Power and Sustainability with Global Fashion Collective in Milan

In a striking showcase with Global Fashion Collective in Milan , Tess Mann Atelier presented a bold vision of power dressing for the modern era. The Nashville-based designer, who transitioned to fashion after over two decades with the FBI, brought her unique perspective on feminine strength to the prestigious runway through Global Fashion Collective. The Sophisticate Collection challenges conventional fashion paradigms, presenting a seasonless approach that speaks to both environmental consciousness and the evolving needs of powerful women.

“Fashion should transcend the constraints of seasons,” Mann shared backstage, “while empowering the wearer to make a commanding presence in any room.”

This philosophy manifested brilliantly in pieces like the Trinity, an engineering marvel requiring 1,200 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Its interlocking geometric elements and hand-shaped florals create an architectural silhouette that commands attention – a perfect embodiment of Mann’s law enforcement background translated into wearable art. The deep V-neckline and dramatic décolletage balance strength with femininity, while the chapel train adds an element of theatrical drama.

Runway Photography by Arun Nevader @arunnevader

The collection’s superhero-inspired elements appeared most notably in the Indira ensemble, where an impossibly light silk cape pairs with architectural palazzo pants and a structural silk jacquard bralette. The engineered pass-through armholes and brocade shoulder pads create a silhouette reminiscent of power dressing, while maintaining an air of refined elegance. Mann’s attention to architectural details shines in the Xenia power jumpsuit, a revolutionary take on evening wear that required 300 hours of construction. The beaded vest overlay and deep décolletage create dramatic visual impact while maintaining clean, authoritative lines, a bold statement piece for formal occasions and red carpet moments.

The designer’s commitment to sustainability manifests in her use of premium materials and timeless designs. Andromeda, a masterfully crafted three-tier mock wrap dress, showcases innovative collar design and artisanal beadwork that defies seasonal trends. Each piece is created with longevity in mind, often using dead stock materials when possible and carefully selected natural fabrics to minimize environmental impact. “Our clientele consists of confident individuals who seek clothing that reflects their values and lifestyle,” Mann explains.

Photography by Danielle Green @layersphoto

This understanding is evident in pieces like the Persephone, an architectural masterpiece in raw Dupioni silk featuring a revolutionary cat-ear tip bodice and hand-sculpted artwork. The design speaks to women who aren’t afraid to occupy space and command attention. The collection’s emphasis on versatility appears in transformable pieces like the Meredith, featuring a structured bralette and eloquent ruffle-hem side slit, complemented by a detachable silk taffeta train. This adaptability ensures each garment serves multiple purposes in a conscious wardrobe, reducing the need for excessive consumption while maintaining maximum impact. Embracing new voices through platforms like Global Fashion Collective, Tess Mann Atelier stands as a beacon to fashion’s potential for meaningful change. Her collection proves that luxury fashion can be both sustainable and empowering, seasonless and sophisticated.

In a world increasingly focused on environmental consciousness and female empowerment, Mann’s vision feels relevant and revolutionary. Each piece in the Sophisticate Collection serves as armor for the modern woman…sustainable, seasonless, and unapologetically powerful. This is fashion that empowers, crafting a sustainable legacy for generations of powerful women to come.