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In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends come and go with the seasons, Lisa Sun stands as a beacon of authenticity and purpose. As the founder and CEO of GRAVITAS, Sun has transformed a personal critique into a global movement, intertwining fashion with empowerment, and redefining what it means to dress with intention.
From Critique to Catalyst
Lisa Sun’s journey into the fashion industry wasn’t born from a lifelong dream of design but from a pivotal moment during her tenure at McKinsey & Company. After graduating magna cum laude from Yale University with a degree in Biology and Political Science, Sun embarked on an 11-year career at the prestigious consulting firm. It was there that a performance review changed the trajectory of her life. She was told she “lacked gravitas” and was advised to “buy a new dress, big jewelry, and great shoes.” This feedback, though initially jarring, became the seed for Gravitas.
Reflecting on that moment, Sun shared, “When I looked it up in the dictionary, it said ‘dignity, importance, depth of substance.’ I didn’t have any of that at 22.” Instead of being disheartened, she saw an opportunity to explore the transformative power of clothing and how it could instill confidence from the outside in.
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The Birth of Gravitas
In 2012, with encouragement from her entrepreneurial mother, Sun launched Gravitas. The brand’s mission was clear: to catalyze confidence through fashion. By integrating shapewear into dresses and focusing on size-inclusive designs, Gravitas aimed to address the insecurities many women face in dressing rooms.
Sun’s approach was revolutionary. She believed that clothing should not only be stylish but also functional and empowering. “We now expect so much out of products. I call them ‘beautiful contradictions,’ like comfy stilettos, slimming yoga pants, BB creams that do 10 things,” she explained. Every Gravitas piece embodies this philosophy, merging fashion with function to support women in their daily lives.
Designing with Purpose
One of Gravitas’s standout collections is the Suffragist Collection, which features real newspaper clippings from the women’s suffrage movement. This line is not just about fashion; it’s a tribute to the women who paved the way for future generations. “When you wear it, you carry their legacy forward while carving your own path. That’s gravitas,” Sun emphasized.
The collection’s inception was a collaborative effort, originating from a summer internship project aimed at creating a line for Women’s Equality Day. Over the years, interns have enriched the collection by incorporating significant historical milestones, such as the 1965 Voting Rights Act, ensuring that the line represents a diverse range of voices and stories.
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Empowering Through Innovation
Beyond design, Gravitas is committed to inclusivity and innovation. The brand offers sizes ranging from 0 to 26W, ensuring that women of all shapes and sizes feel seen and celebrated. Sun’s personal experiences with fluctuating sizes have informed her understanding of the challenges many women face. “I’ve been a size 22, a size 8, and now a size 12,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of creating pieces that flatter and enhance every woman’s best features.
Gravitas also challenges traditional fashion norms by integrating hidden confidence boosters into their designs. From built-in shapewear to bathroom-friendly jumpsuits, every detail is meticulously crafted to support women in their daily endeavors. “Confidence comes when you feel good—so our clothes have secret stretch, built-in shapewear, hidden pockets, innovations like panels so you can pee in a jumpsuit without getting undressed,” Sun shared.
Beyond the Runway
Sun’s influence extends beyond the fashion industry. In 2023, she authored “Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence,” a USA Today bestseller. The book delves into the multifaceted nature of confidence, identifying eight superpowers: Leading, Performing, Achieving, Giving, Knowing, Creating, Believing, and Self-Sustaining. Sun encourages readers to discover their unique combination of strengths, emphasizing that confidence is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
“My top superpowers are Performing and Creating. Whether I’m on stage speaking, hosting our podcast, or building something new from scratch, I’m in my element,” she revealed. However, she also acknowledges areas for growth, noting that she’s working on becoming more self-sustaining and freeing herself from the need for external validation.
In addition to her book, Sun launched the podcast “In Confidence,” where she engages in candid conversations about personal growth, challenges, and the nuances of confidence. The podcast features a diverse range of guests and topics, from discussions on romantasy novels to tips on excelling at karaoke, all aimed at helping listeners expand their confidence.
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A Legacy of Empowerment
Sun’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and purpose. From her early days working in her family’s Mongolian barbecue restaurant to being named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Dressed Women, her path has been anything but conventional. Her experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped her into a leader who not only designs clothing but also inspires transformation.
Her commitment to empowering women is evident in every aspect of her work. Whether it’s through innovative designs, thought-provoking literature, or engaging podcasts, Sun consistently challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to embrace their unique strengths.
As she continues to break barriers and redefine standards, Lisa Sun remains a formidable force in the fashion industry and beyond. Her unwavering dedication to catalyzing confidence serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that true gravitas comes from embracing who we are and daring to show up fully in every aspect of our lives.
Presented by: APG
