Sarah LaFleur

Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur is an American businesswoman and fashion designer of Japanese and American descent known for establishing a leading professional womenswear brand. LaFleur holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Harvard University and began her career in business consulting and finance. She worked in the luxury goods group of Starwood Capital in New York and Paris and previously served as a management consultant at Bain & Co. and TechnoServe, advising companies in consumer packaged goods, financial services, and agribusiness.

Without prior experience in the fashion industry, LaFleur launched MM.LaFleur after identifying a need for stylish and practical office attire during her management consulting career. She partnered with designer Miyako Nakamura, former head designer at Zac Posen, to create versatile, high-quality garments using premium Italian and Japanese fabrics, manufactured in New York City. The brand is named after LaFleur's mother.

MM.LaFleur distinguishes itself through direct-to-consumer sales, including a curated "bento box" outfit service, and emphasizes durable fabrics suitable for office and hybrid work environments. The brand has expanded as professional norms evolve, and LaFleur introduced an initiative lending free clothing to women running for office, reflecting her commitment to women's empowerment and leadership.

LaFleur has received recognition such as the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award, the Ink Design Award, and the Bottomless Closet Fashion Award. She has been listed among WWD's 40 of Tomorrow and Crain's 40 Under 40. Outside the fashion industry, LaFleur serves on the Advisory Council of the New York Federal Reserve and is a board member of Downtown Alliance of New York City. She is also a Henry Crown Fellow within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute. LaFleur is recognized for her insights on entrepreneurship, women's leadership, and the integration of practicality and style in the modern workplace.