Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Prudhomme
Hi Renee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
WANDERLVST 901 began as a vision under a different name before officially launching as a global style haven pop-up in Downtown Memphis in 2018. Founded by Renee Prudhomme, the retail concept debuted through Downtown Memphis Commission’s Pop-Up on Main initiative, bringing curated fashion and gift items from around world to the local community. Following the pandemic, WANDERLVST 901 has continued to thrive, operating both online and at select vendor events and tradeshows, maintaining its commitment to unique and globally inspired style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey for WANDERLVST 901 as a small businesses had its hurdles, particularly in solidifying a reliable physical location after the pandemic. With shifts in foot traffic across the country following COVID-19 mandates, securing a consistent retail space became a significant hurdle. Another big hurdle was sourcing curated goods directly from global creators, as travel restrictions from 2020 to 2022 limited access to international markets. Despite these obstacles, WANDERLVST 901 has remained committed to delivering unique, globally inspired style through both online and in-person retail experiences.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and creative director with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. My passion for fashion started in high school with my love for sewing, and that early creativity led me to launch my first fashion concept and collection in 2005. That journey opened incredible doors, including features on NBC and in publications such as Apparel News, 360 Magazine, CARIB Press, 944 Magazine, and Us Weekly Magazine.
What truly excites me is the global nature of fashion—traveling thousands of miles to source unique materials, collaborating with artisans, and discovering extraordinary pieces that bring my designs to life. My work stands out because of my international experience, published designs, and hands-on collaborations with groundbreaking artists and designers. As the former Interim Fashion Director for Project Ethos, an official LA Fashion Week event, I had the privilege of working with Project Runway designers and other rising talents while also showcasing my own line from Los Angeles to Washington, DC.
For me, fashion is about pushing creative boundaries, producing unforgettable retail experiences, and merchandising in a way that tells a story. I take immense pride in transforming ideas into tangible fashion experiences, and I find so much joy in the relationships I’ve built with vendors and customers around the world. Every interaction is a celebration of artistry, culture, and the power of global style.
What’s next?
The future of WANDERLVST 901 is filled with excitement and endless possibilities! We are eager to expand our global reach by venturing into new countries, uncovering more incredible handcrafted pieces that celebrate diverse cultures and styles. Every journey is an opportunity to discover something extraordinary, and we can’t wait to bring even more unique finds to our customers.
A key passion driving our growth is empowering women vendors and entrepreneurs worldwide. As a global buyer and retailer, we are committed to providing a platform for their artistry, ensuring their voices and craftsmanship are recognized and valued. Strengthening these connections not only enhances our collections but also creates meaningful, sustainable opportunities for women-led businesses around the world.
The road ahead is full of adventure—deeper cultural exchanges, new partnerships, and an even stronger dedication to bringing authentic, globally inspired fashion to our WANDERLVST 901 community. We can’t wait for what’s next!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wanderlvst901.com
- Instagram: @wanderlvst901
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlvst901
