Our Story

Sarah LaFleur and Miyako Nakamura leaning against each other on a city street

Our Story

M.M.LAFLEUR IS A FEMALE-FOUNDED STARTUP BUILT ON A CORE BELIEF:

When women succeed, the world becomes a better place. Our goal is to take the work out of getting dressed, so that you can focus on the work that matters to you.

Living Our Mission

While we know that clothes can’t solve all the world’s problems, we’re committed to using our products and our voices to empower working women in any way we can. As part of our Sustainability Roadmap, we're committed to donating 10% of our yearly profits to organizations that support and promote the success of women.

Here are a few more initiatives we've worked on over the last few years:

Bottomless Closet

Since 2017, we’ve partnered with an incredible organization called Bottomless Closet, which helps disadvantaged NYC women enter and succeed in the workforce.

Ready to Run

In early 2020, we offered complimentary clothing loans to women running for office.

New York Liberty

We are official sponsors of the New York Liberty basketball team, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to support female athletes in our founding city.

Voting Initiatives

We’ve encouraged voting in various ways over the years, including donating profits from our Centennial Suit to She Should Run, offering exclusive discounts to customers getting out the vote, and partnering with the League of Women Voters on special events.

Gender Fair Certified

We are proud to be a Gender Fair-certified company. (Gender Fair is the first consumer rating system for gender equality, which reports on how companies serve women as leaders, employees, customers and citizens).

International Rescue Committee

Throughout our long-standing partnership, we’ve supported the IRC through styling initiatives, fundraisers, and more. Our CEO sits on the board of the Airbel Impact Lab.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Gender equity and sustainability are inextricably linked; you can’t have one without the other. We had the privilege of working with advisory firm Eleven Radius to develop a long-term sustainability roadmap based on The UN's Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on three areas where we believe our company can have the greatest impact. Here are our commitments.

Promote gender equality worldwide

...by putting more money into the hands of women—starting with the women throughout our organization and supply chain.

Design and produce long-lasting products

...and provide sustainable solutions for when you’re done with an item.

Use preferred materials

...that minimize toxic environmental impacts and offer more transparency around our supply chain.

Learn More About Our Detailed Roadmap

Get to Know Us

Our Customers

Maybe you’re returning to work and need pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. Maybe your work is at home with the kids, and you need an easy-to-style, machine-washable wardrobe. Or maybe you’re running for local office, working to create the change you want to see in your community. We have clothes for you.

Our Team

Our Founder and CEO, Sarah LaFleur, got her start as a management consultant. Frustrated by a lack of women’s workwear options that were both stylish and practical, she teamed up with Miyako Nakamura (the former head designer of Zac Posen) and Narie Foster to launch M.M.LaFleur in 2013. Since then, we’ve grown into a team of go-getters who are committed to creating a better future for women. Miyako serves as our Chief Creative Officer, and her high-end design sensibility is a beautiful complement to Sarah’s focus on practicality.

Our Clothes

When Miyako and her team create a piece of clothing, they make sure it encompasses three things: functional details (think: adjustable hems and bra-strap holders); comfort (and not just comfortable-for-a-blazer comfort—we strive for I-could-nap-in-this comfort); and style—so you can be the most chic, polished person in every room you enter. If you’re new to our brand, start by checking out our best-selling essentials.

Power Casual

M.M.LaFleur is known for introducing the world to the concept of Power Casual, which we define as the clothing equivalent of work-life balance. Achieve the look by complementing casual styles with more elevated pieces (think: a blazer with jeans or a washable-silk set with sneakers).