Wai Ming launched in high-end specialty boutiques in 2012 and has continued to define its place in the contemporary design space with its clean and feminine-yet-graphic aesthetic, intricate design details, and thoughtfully versatile designs. The line, which has become known for its dresses, is designed for and inspired by strong, dynamic, global women who appreciate the beauty and ease of Wai Ming’s effortlessly polished aesthetic. Each piece from the collection is carefully crafted in the best factories of New York’s Garment District using luxurious fabrics from Italy and Japan.
Wai Ming meaning “gift of light” in Chinese, is the given middle name of founder and designer, Emily Brady Koplar. Emily – who divides her time between St. Louis and New York – has worked in the fashion industry for more than a decade but started designing and making clothes in her early childhood. She obtained a degree in Economics from Boston University before deciding to follow her true passion of fashion design and earning a degree from Parsons School of Design. She gained experience at Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Tam, May Department Stores and Aeropostale, which helped forge her desire to launch her own eponymous line.
Since launching Wai Ming, Emily has given a TedX Talk on the fashion industry and finding inspiration and was also a finalist for the prestigious Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award.
Wai Ming has been featured in national media outlets including InStyle, People StyleWatch, W, Vogue.com, TeenVogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, Women’s Health, Refinery29, and WhoWhatWear. The line has also gained celebrity fans in Emma Roberts, Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Taylor Swift, Emily Blunt, Carrie Underwood, Evan Rachel Wood, Ellie Kemper, Lindsey Vonn, and popular fashion influencers including Chriselle Lim, Marta Pozzan, Courtney Trop, Lindsey Albanese, Haya Tetroashvili, and Nichole Ciotti.
Emily Brady Koplar