ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Van Mac-Henry (Van Mac) | Founder, Fashion Designer & Creative Director of Van Man Atelier 

Van Man Atelier is an independent fashion label founded in 2018 by fashion designer Van Mac-Henry, professionally known as Van Mac. Rooted in individuality, cultural expression, and thoughtful craftsmanship, the brand creates garments that encourage confidence, self-acceptance, and personal style.

Van Mac is a formally trained fashion designer who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her professional experience spans garment construction, patternmaking, draping, textile experimentation, creative direction, styling, and visual merchandising. Throughout her career, she has developed a design approach that brings together technical skill, conceptual storytelling, and an appreciation for the artistry of clothing.

Her professional experience includes working as a Fashion Assistant for Creatures of the Wind in New York and Macy's Fashion Incubator in Philadelphia, where she contributed to garment production, pattern development, draping, technical flats, and sample construction. In 2023, she also worked as a seamstress for country music artist Tim McGraw, further expanding her experience in garment craftsmanship and creative production.

Van Mac's work has received recognition through several notable accomplishments, including being named an Artscape Fashion Show Finalist in 2024, receiving an Artscape Grant in 2024, and a Howard County Arts Council Grant through the Maryland State Arts Council in 2022. She was also recognized with the Best in Design and Craftsmanship Award at Moore College of Art and Design in 2018 and was a Joe's Blackbook Finalist that same year. In 2023, Van Man Atelier was featured in an Anthropologie Small Business Pop-Up.

Van Mac's creative practice is driven by the relationship between fashion, identity, and culture. Her collections explore meaningful narratives through clothing, including SWEET MOTHER (2018), an homage to the strength and heritage of African motherhood; DON'T SHOOT (2019), a capsule collection examining the identity and public perception of Black men in America; and ARTSCAPE (2024), a collection inspired by the balance, rhythm, and emotion of jazz music.

Every Van Man Atelier garment is personally designed by Van Mac, from initial concept to final creation. With an emphasis on small-batch production, thoughtful construction, and quality fabrics, each piece reflects her commitment to intentional design and craftsmanship. Currently, Van Man Atelier creates one-of-a-kind pieces and limited ready-to-wear collections from Van Mac's studio in Maryland. Each design reflects a dedication to individuality, artistry, and the belief that clothing should be as distinctive as the person wearing it.

Inspired by her African heritage and the experiences of growing up in an immigrant family, Van Mac draws from a foundation of resourcefulness, creativity, resilience, and cultural pride. Her designs embrace the balance of masculine and feminine energy, creating pieces that are expressive yet timeless, distinctive yet wearable.

At its heart, Van Man Atelier represents more than clothing. It is a creative expression of identity, culture, confidence, and individuality. Through thoughtful design and meaningful craftsmanship, Van Mac invites people to embrace who they are, express themselves freely, and feel empowered in what they wear.

Van Man Atelier — Dress like every day is an occasion!