ABOUT VANNE
Vanne McMillan: Fashion Designer and Stylist
Vanne McMillan's artistic journey began at an early age, surrounded by a vibrant array of art supplies that fueled her creativity long before she could read. This passion for artistry evolved into a successful venture during her high school years when she launched her first fashion design business, "Milkshake." After earning her degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Vanne dedicated herself to her lifelong dream of making a significant impact in the fashion industry.
Today, she is the founder of Vanne McMillan Fashion|Art|Style, a brand that has garnered international acclaim over the past two decades. Vanne has refined her craft through collaborations with prestigious names such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Alice & Olivia, and Restoration Hardware. Her impressive portfolio includes notable projects and live productions for renowned brands like Victoria's Secret, New Edition, and Charlie Wilson. She has also been mentored by "Project Runway" stars Mychael Knight and Rodney Epperson, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Vanne's talents extend to styling photo shoots for magazines, television, advertising campaigns, and music videos. She has created fashionable art for campaigns such as Sally’s Beauty Mo Knows Hair, Adore Adorn Fine Jewelry, TIVOL Fine Jewlery, Asiyami Gold for South Africa's Radiant Health magazine, Upscale Magazine, just to name a few. While also working in costumes for productions such as MTV and Sony Pictures, her visual contributions include collaborations with artists like Future and Young Scooter, as well as styling for Grammy Award-nominated producer JoBlaq and his Distrkct label artists, Rico Love and Robin V for Kiss Magazine, and more.
After returning to her hometown, Vanne has continued to excel in the fashion scene, taking on the role of Head Designer and Wardrobe Stylist for New Edition's, NE Girls. Her talent in live production has led her to design custom outfits for iconic stage performances, and her dedication to her craft was recognized when she received the Best Stylist award at the 2022 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. Her creations now grace worldwide advertisements, legendary concerts, while still underscoring her influence within the industry.
As a mother, Vanne strives to instill the same passion for creativity in her sons, Knight and Heir. She balances her demanding career with family life, often drawing inspiration from her experiences as a parent. This balance is crucial to her, as it allows her to remain grounded while pursuing her professional aspirations.
Overall, Vanne McMillan's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her contributions to fashion and style continue to inspire many, making her a prominent figure in both the fashion and entertainment industries.
AWARDS
Kansas CIty’s Best Fashion Stylist
August 2022
Kansas City People’s Choice Award
Breathless Award
December 2015
Saks Fifth Avenue (Atlanta) Award of Excellent Fashion Styling, Customer Service and Visual Displays
Stylist of the Region Award
December 2014
Macy’s Atlanta Award of Excellence of Visual Styling and Visual Displays