Women to Watch: Tu Le

A former fashion designer—for the houses of Liz Claiborne, Gap and Lands’ End—Tu Le now is the founder of the Madison Art House, which inspires kids’ artistic expression. Launched in 2015, this, design project weaves together Madison’s communities in a sustainable way, using locally donated and recycled materials in workshops around the city, including free workshops in neighborhoods where arts enrichment opportunities aren’t available. Le also has plans for an actual art house—a space that can host art events and a gallery.

This spring her Fashion Playground event partners kids from Goodman and Lussier community centers with fashion designers and professional stylists to create looks from reused materials. Their outfits debut at a fashion show at The Atrium, helping bring visibility to King Street revitalization efforts and showing kids varied opportunities for artists. Le’s aim is to make art and its expression equitable—a reminder that unleashing individual creativity breaks boundaries and showers vibrancy around us all.