About Me

Lauren Kiyomi was founded on the philosophy that maternity apparel can be stylish, affordable and multi-functional. A pregnant working mother with a two-year-old son and a corporate job, Willie Udagawa was discouraged by the choices available to her. She wanted well-made maternity apparel that was conservative enough for work, yet not too buttoned-up for the weekend. Willie’s wish, high-quality, stylish and affordable maternity apparel, became a reality with the launch Lauren Kiyomi, which is Japanese for “Pure Beauty,” in September 2005. Created for women with lifestyles like her own - busy with work and young children – Lauren Kiyomi offers expecting women style, function and affordability in pieces designed to be worn throughout pregnancy and during the transitional post-partum period. Named in honor of her daughter who was two months old when the Lauren Kiyomi line launched, Willie has quickly built a retail following with more than 100 retailers worldwide carrying her line within a year.

Lauren Kiyomi’s collections feature high quality and machine-washable fabrics that flatter the body in separates and dresses that work as well at the office as they do on errands and nights out. As a mother to a young child who pulls at her earrings and necklaces, Willie recognizes that outfits can no longer be built upon a fabulous accessory: the statement has to be made in the design of the clothes themselves. In the design of Lauren Kiyomi, which she describes as “deceptively simple,” the statements are in the understatement: the sparing use of high-end trims, surprises such as small rhinestone buttons on basic tees, and elements of contemporary design that make Lauren Kiyomi fashion-forward without being trendy.

www.laurenkiyomi.com