Michelle Watson founded MICHI in NYC in 2010 to inspire well-being through movement and self-expression. Her mission is to elevate women’s active lifestyles through the alchemy of form x function, so they can feel deeply and find the joy in movement.
Born into a bi-racial family with a Chinese Jamaican mother and British father, she instinctively designs through a lens of duality. She has always been fascinated by the way certain types of clothing can transform the body and evoke emotion, but more importantly the ultimate functionality.
Ever inspired by iconic designers and female athletes setting records for both their athleticism and bold style; she believes in pushing boundaries of how activewear can look, feel and be experienced.
The MICHI brand DNA originated from her background in competitive sports and her affinity for art and design. Even while studying at Parsons School of Design and working in the NYC fashion industry, she prioritized an active lifestyle both in the gym/studio and outdoors.
Unifying both artistry and athleticism, she created MICHI to fill the white space between forward-thinking ready-to-wear and utilitarian activewear, with a focus to flatter the female form and maintain an uncompromised approach to creation. The result is expertly crafted technical apparel that sets the trends, rather than following them.
