A Texas designer is making a name for herself in the fashion world by blending Western wear with high fashion and functionality, creating a brand that perfectly balances ranch-ready durability with runway-inspired style.
Lee Evans Lee, the founder of Mrs. Momma Bear, has crafted a clothing line that integrates materials like nylon, Lycra, and spandex. Her designs are not only machine-washable but also versatile, easily transitioning from the rodeo arena to the office.
“One of the main reasons I took the leap was because I saw a gap in the market,” Lee explained.
A Texas Legacy Behind the Fashion
Lee’s deep Texas roots are a key influence in her designs. As a fifth-generation rancher from Rocksprings, Texas, her family was known for raising Angora goats and sheep. Growing up, Lee spent her summers and spring breaks working on the ranch while her friends were off skiing or at the beach.
However, her journey to fashion wasn’t conventional. After college, Lee worked in Spanish-language TV production before pivoting to a counseling career at a county hospital in San Antonio.
But after surviving breast cancer and enduring the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee found herself returning to her roots — this time with a fresh vision.
“The idea came to me when my family and I were spending more time on the ranch during COVID,” Lee recalled. “I had gone from wearing suits every day — sometimes scrubs — to wearing Dickies and boot jeans. I realized there was no ‘in-between.’”
Determined to create that missing “in-between,” Lee dove into the fashion industry, researching the market and learning the ins and outs of design.
From Small Beginnings to Global Recognition
In less than two years since taking a leap of faith, Mrs. Momma Bear has garnered international attention. Lee’s designs have been featured in trunk shows in Paris and New York, and she is preparing for a solo show at New York Fashion Week this September.
Despite the rapid success, Lee notes that some retailers have trouble categorizing her line.
“Where do I put it on the floor of my store? I love having that conversation,” she said. “This is something totally new.”
Lee is embracing the ambiguity and forging her own path in the fashion world.
“That gut feeling that you know you’re meant to do something — don’t back down. Persevere,” she said. “Even when I feel afraid, I know I can accomplish it, and I wanted that message to come through in my clothing.”
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