About

Simply put, I want to make unique, high-quality clothing that can be passed down for generations, without destroying our beautiful planet and the life that inhabits it. But, it's so much more than that.

I want to explore the world and inspire others to do so too. I think what made me want to explore our planet in the first place was looking at maps and watching the GPS in the car. I would always watch the navigation, often zooming in and out to geolocate myself in space and time, always knowing what direction I was pointing and where we were going. Ever since then I've wanted to learn everything I could about geography in every part of the world. I've wondered my whole life if there is any place left that we have yet to step foot. I've always wanted to be the first person to take a step in a certain place, to make my mark where nobody ever has. I find myself always wanting to figure things out alone and carving my own path, like a pioneer.

This is why I love the Earth. Existing on this pale, blue dot in the middle of space is altogether exciting, captivating, and frightening. We are part of the minuscule amount of humans - the most advanced and thoughtful animal ever - that will ever exist, and yet we've become content with compromising each other's existence (and our planet's as well) for power. Yes, the concept of power has always existed in humankind, but this is not the Earth that I grew up dreaming of living in. Unfortunately, greed, fame, and money drive our society, and the health of our home and ourselves has been pushed aside. This is my exigence for creating Truman Lee.

I was born in Portland, Oregon, and lived there until we moved to Snohomish, Washington when I was 3 years old. My family has a place in Seaside, Oregon that we've traveled to a few times a year since before I was born. My point is, I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life, and I don't know if any part of the world will ever make me feel the same as home. There is absolutely no feeling that compares to stepping out of the Sea-Tac International Airport and taking a deep breath of that light, moist Washington air after a trip, or the finally reaching the peak of a mountain and being able to see for seemingly infinity, or the whole PNW coming together as one to set off the seismograph during playoff sports in downtown Seattle. I can't bear to see these beautiful moments in life taken away by inconsiderate people.

Although I didn't know it from the start, this is why I wanted to create a clothing brand. Clothing is an art form unlike any other, it allows for daily personal expression and experimentation, ultimately showing originality and giving confidence to the wearer. I want to take the same feeling of community that I feel in my home state, and infuse it into my clothing. I hope those who live here can say that my brand feels undeniably like home, and I hope those who have never been to the Pacific Northwest will be able to feel the curiosity and magic through my clothing. I'm not just creating a clothing brand, I'm promoting a way of appreciating the small details of life, putting your feet in places that most never have, and never taking the Earth's beauty for granted. Thank you for supporting my dream.

- Truman