ICONIQUE Magazine Interview Introduction: LaWanda Scales of Atlanta Ga.

In the world of fashion, branding, and creative leadership, few women embody vision, excellence, and purpose quite like LaWanda Scales of Atlanta. A true multi-hyphenate force, LaWanda is an award-winning couture fashion designer, international print model, and founder of Industry Latitude, whose work continues to leave a lasting mark across industries. As the visionary behind Wisper Couture, she has cultivated a globally recognized luxury brand celebrated for its bold aesthetic, intentional craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to empowerment, visibility, and confidence.

Today, ICONIQUE Magazine is honored to spotlight LaWanda Scales—an inspiring creative leader whose influence continues to shape fashion, branding, and representation with grace and authority.

Let’s get into the interview.

 1. Wisper Couture is known for bold design and intentional craftsmanship—what does “intentional” look like in your creative process before the first sketch ever happens? 

Intentional starts long before fabric or sketches. It begins with observation—how women move, where they hesitate, what they adjust, what they wish clothing would do for them. I spend time thinking about the woman behind the garment: where she’s going, how she wants to feel, and what she needs the piece to support, not just showcase. By the time I sketch, the design already has a purpose. Nothing is there just to be there. 

2. You’ve been recognized with honors like the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. What’s one moment of “quiet work” behind the scenes that you feel truly earned that level of recognition? 

Consistency when no one was watching. There were long stretches where I was building without applause—refining my craft, showing up for clients, mentoring quietly, and advocating without headlines. Much of that work focused on supporting models navigating the industry and championing independence, access, and visibility for the differently-abled community beyond fashion itself. 

That award represents years of choosing integrity over shortcuts and staying committed even when progress was slow or invisible. That kind of work doesn’t trend—but it lasts. 

 3. When people hear “luxury,” they think of price. When you hear “luxury,” what do you think—control, detail, time, story, legacy, or something else? 

Luxury, to me, is control and time. Control over the narrative, the quality, the experience. Time to do things properly—to think, refine, and not rush the process. Price is just a number. Luxury is the freedom to be intentional and the discipline to protect the standard. 

4. Your designs center empowerment and visibility. How do you design for a client who wants to be seen… but is still learning how to feel safe being seen? 

I design with respect first. Empowerment doesn’t mean forcing boldness—it means offering structure, comfort, and confidence in layers. Sometimes visibility starts quietly. A strong shoulder. A clean line. A garment that holds you before it announces you. I let the clothing meet the client where she is and give her room to grow into herself. 

5. What’s a “signature LaWanda” element that shows up in your pieces—even when you don’t intentionally put it there? 

Structure with softness. Even my boldest pieces have consideration built in—how they sit, how they move, how they support the body. I don’t design against the wearer. I design with her. That balance always finds its way in. 

6. As both a designer and an international print model, you understand the body from both sides. How has being in front of the camera changed how you build garments for real bodies and real movement? 

Being in front of the camera teaches you honesty. Cameras don’t forgive discomfort. I design knowing how fabric behaves under light, movement, and long wear. I think about posture, angles, and how a garment feels after hours—not just how it looks in a still moment. That perspective makes the work more human. 

7. You’ve modeled for major corporate brands. What has corporate advertising taught you about storytelling that fashion designers sometimes overlook? 

Clarity. Corporate storytelling is about message discipline—knowing exactly what you want the audience to feel and remember. Fashion can sometimes chase aesthetics without anchoring meaning. The strongest stories are clear, intentional, and emotionally direct. That lesson carries into how I build collections and brands. 

8. Wisper Couture is globally recognized. What’s the biggest misconception people have about what it takes to build a brand that can travel across markets and still feel personal? 

People think scale means dilution. It doesn’t. It means deeper clarity. When you know who you are, your values translate across cultures. What changes is language—not identity. Personal brands don’t shrink when they grow; they sharpen. 

9. You’ve earned multiple “Designer of the Year” recognitions—what do you believe separates a great designer from a lasting designer? 

Great designers create moments. Lasting designers build systems, values, and trust. Longevity comes from understanding people—not just trends—and evolving without abandoning your foundation. 

10. Let’s talk resilience: what’s a setback you faced that forced you to evolve—not just as a businesswoman, but as an artist? 

There were moments when I had to relearn my relationship with pace. Being forced to slow down taught me how to listen more—to myself and to the work. That shift refined my artistry. I stopped creating to keep up and started creating to mean something. 

11. Through Industry Latitude, you help entrepreneurs build aligned and credible brands. What’s the first thing you look for that tells you a brand is beautiful—but not believable yet? 

When the visuals are strong but the story is vague. If a brand looks polished but can’t clearly articulate who it’s for, why it exists, or how it solves a real problem—that’s the gap. Credibility comes from clarity, not aesthetics alone. 

12. If Wisper Couture had a “brand philosophy” in one sentence—something you’d stitch into every label—what would it say? 

“Design with intention. Move with confidence. Take up space without apology.” 

13. What’s one trend in fashion business culture that you refuse to participate in, even if it would bring faster growth? 

Performative urgency. I don’t believe in rushing creativity or manufacturing hype for attention. Sustainable growth comes from alignment, not exhaustion. 

That’s also why Wisper Couture is intentional about the events and spaces we participate in. Not every opportunity deserves a yes, even if it promises visibility or faster momentum. The brand is built on integrity, craftsmanship, and inclusion—and protecting that foundation means being selective. Growth without alignment is expensive, and I’m not interested in building something that looks successful but feels disconnected from its values. 

14. “Presence—when fully claimed—becomes power.” What are three practical ways you’ve learned to claim presence in rooms where you weren’t originally invited or expected? 

Preparation—knowing my work speaks for me. Composure—staying grounded instead of shrinking or overcompensating. And silence—understanding that not every moment requires explanation. Presence doesn’t need permission. 

15. Looking ahead: if you could create one legacy project that merges couture, modeling, and brand development into one experience—what would it be, and who is it for? 

If I were to create one legacy project, it would be an experience that brings couture, modeling, and brand development into alignment around presence and visibility. It’s about teaching women how to carry confidence intentionally—through what they wear, how they move, and how they show up in public spaces. 

The foundation for this work is already being built through the style and identity frameworks available on my platform, but the larger project is still unfolding by design. It’s something I’m developing carefully, with intention, and I’m excited to reveal more when the time is right. 

16. What advice do you have for aspiring models? 

Learn your worth early. Modeling is a business before it’s an image. Protect your boundaries, understand your value, and remember that longevity comes from professionalism, not just looks. 

17. How can someone reach you for advice, guidance, or to book your services? 

The best way to connect with me is through my platforms—Wisper Couture for fashion and Industry Latitude for brand development. Both spaces are designed to be intentional points of access, whether someone is seeking collaboration, guidance, or services. 

Wisper Couture 

Luxury womenswear rooted in confidence, craftsmanship, and visibility 

🌐 http://www.wispercouture.com Email: Sales@wispercouture.com 📸 Instagram/Facebook/Youtube: @wispercouture