"It's not about the clothes. I created it as an ode. To the overachievers, the rebellious thinkers, the men who move markets and move the world."
The mind behind the brand.
MICHEL MEN is the American menswear brand founded by Brooklyn-born, Haitian American designer Whitney Michel. Michel's creative inspiration pulls from her artist father, classic American films, and being raised as the only girl in a family with four brothers. Created during her senior year at Parsons, the brand thesis earned Michel a position in the mens editorial department at Vogue, launching a decade-long career in menswear. Michel later went on to style icons like Tom Brady, Joel Embiid, Derek Jeter and Rob Gronkowski with editorial work spanning ESPN, GQ and more. During this creative period, Michel also served as Chief Creative Officer of a legacy advertising agency, guiding award-winning storytelling for American brands, Ford and Lincoln.
Michel launched MICHEL MEN in 2018, later earning a CFDA/Vogue ICON360 grant. Since then, the brand has been featured in The New York Times, Esquire, British GQ, GQ, WWD, and Vogue.
Michel currently resides in the calming woods in upstate New York, with her Artist & Sculptor husband, Dan Shaughnessy IV. Michel stays true to her belief in intentional design through MICHEL MEN and building black sanctuaries through her interior design practice Blackbird Theory.
“Proof that even the smallest details can make the loudest statements. Michel’s work sits at the intersection of classicism and modernity, tradition and rebellion.”
— EBONY, 2025
Behind the Uniform
Three mills. Three centuries of craft. One uniform.
After over a decade dressing and building the identity of some of the most influential men and brands in America, Whitney Michel focused her power in MM.
Every piece begins with materials sourced from three of the world's most storied mills: Todd & Duncan Scottish cashmere, Baruffa CASHWOOL® Italian merino, and Filmar Egyptian cotton. Generations of expertise woven into every fiber.
Crafted using Japanese technology, each garment is knit as a complete form. No cuts. No seams. No excess waste. Just uninterrupted construction, 360° stretch, and a fit that moves naturally with the body.
Made to order. Knitted in New York.
Designed to be worn for years, not seasons.
