After 10 years with Dennis Basso, Emily Burnett decided to branch out on her own. While designing a wedding gown for Sterling McDavid the two decided to launch a brand that aims to fill a void: fashion designed and operated by female leadership. This comes through in the designs, but also in their actions. Burnett and McDavid plan to empower the next generation of women by contributing to and investing in women’s education in partnership with UNICEF. They also champion sustainable practices and supply chain visibility while fighting for inclusion in all forms – from age to body positivity to diversity. The emerging label paints a new vision for the future that gives social responsibility and great fashion equal status. Ahead of tonight’s New York Fashion Week debut, we caught up with designer Emily Burnett to learn more.

How did you and Sterling meet?

We met while I was designing her couture wedding gown.

Why did you decide to start in business together?

We both believed in the powerful message of women supporting other women and becoming an inspiration for female roles in both the Finance and Creative Director space.

What is the philosophy behind Burnett?

The Burnett philosophy is to inspire and positively impact all women.

How would you describe the aesthetic?

Boldly Feminine.

How do you message women’s empowerment and how do you look to help educate young girls around the world.

Our goal is to reframe the fashion space by supporting artistry, fostering community, and paying it forward, from investing in education while partnering with fashion schools to offer mentorships and materials to supporting numerous non-profits that focus on girls and women’s education. Some of our current partnerships are through UNICEF’s girls education program and the Flaviana Matata Foundation for girl’s education in Tanzania.

How is inclusion and diversity important to you? How do you express it in the clothes?

I believe that clothing can be a powerful tool to further any woman’s ambition, and that should not be regulated by size, ethnicity, age, or gender preferences.  Our runways, social, and any representation the Burnett brand will be fully inclusive to showcase fashion for all women.