​​“Since you were little, every time you picked up a pen," my Nana would say, "there would be a sketch of a dress on whatever surface was in front of you." 

Growing up, despite my love for fashion, the industry had a way of making me feel small because I was bigger. I never understood why “certain designs” came in “certain sizes” - I could never find pieces that felt true to my personal style. I constantly dreamed up designs and reworked pieces that did not fit me - the kitchen scissors were always being retrieved from my room.  

As I entered my college years, it seemed like the fashion industry had become more inclusive; however, I found myself perpetually compromising between quality, proper fit, and trendiness. I could never quite achieve all three simultaneously. At the same time, I also began compromising my career dreams for routes that seemed less “naive”.

After graduation, I found myself working at a tech startup in the fashion resale space.  Although I was building out a community that was meant to provide stylish second-hand clothing for all bodies, I had a hard time finding much beyond fast fashion in my size. I looked everywhere for quality, on-trend brands but I realized just how much of a void there was. 

In 2020, after a layoff and in the midst of a lockdown, I began to share my frustrations with the fashion industry on Instagram — and so many women, of all sizes, shared similar feelings. With a blank page in front of me - quite literally and figuratively, it felt as if I had no choice to revisit my childhood dream. I began to sketch again. I knew nothing about production or design. All I knew is that I wanted to go beyond some notion of “inclusivity” and address what was missing: accessible quality, a great fit, and style that isn’t predetermined by size. Just beautiful pieces - for you, as you are.

Right before my 23rd birthday, I scribbled “What Lo Wants” down on a sketchbook in my room and that was it. Today, as a small team of 4, we're designing, fitting, producing everything locally in downtown Los Angeles. This brand is my answer to fashion - it is my childhood dream and I am so grateful to share it with you. It is truly a labor of love.  

Thank you for supporting What Lo Wants 

Love,

Lauren aka “Lo” <3