FROM THE FOUNDER

L’Atelier Forte is a New-York-born luxury medical-wear house that brings the standards of Italian tailoring, European ateliers, and high fashion into modern medical uniforms.

Founded in SoHo, New York, Forte was created with a singular belief:
medical professionals deserve clothing that reflects their dignity, responsibility, and expertise, not just basic utility.

 

The brand was founded by Chris Lee, a Parsons-trained designer and former senior designer at Thom Browne, KITH, and Theory, who entered Parsons on a full merit scholarship and graduated as Designer of the Year.

Forte began with a single garment — a bespoke lab coat created for Chris’s brother as he opened his own dental practice. It was designed to honor the weight, pride, and responsibility of his profession. That piece becamethe foundation of Forte.

 

The name “Forte” comes from both music and Italian craftsmanship.
In music, forte means to play with strength and intensity.
In Italy, artisans use forte to describe something exceptional.

Together, they define the spirit of the brand: quiet power, precision, and excellence.