Roots and Restlessness
Renée [ ruh-ney; French ruh-ney ]
My middle name.
Nickname for the late Roman name “Retanus,” which translates to “reborn” or
“born again.” Suggestion: characterized by that who is full of life.
I want to say welcome to the Renée family—where fashion makes a positive impact on the environment while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural connections within our diverse community.
Founded at 23 by Camryn McClain, Renée's foundation began in the heart of her family's cosmetology school in Washington, DC. The atmosphere of her upbringing inspired a thesis collection that evolved into a brand. Renée is now a dedication to weaving core memories with innovative design.
Rooted in legacy, our signature Cobalt blue pays homage to the iconic logo of "Dudley Beauty", a symbol of heritage to the iconic cosmetology school.
At Renée, we pride ourselves on using natural, recycled, and deadstock materials. We produce limited collections. We use upcycling and clothes are born again.
Publication Features
MEET THE FOUNDER
Just Call Me Cam
The full picture
A Maryland native now based in Brooklyn, New York.
My early years were shaped by an arts and humanitarian high school, playing volleyball, indie films, thrift stores, and my parents closet.
In 2018 following my high school collection presented in Baltimore fashion week, I jumped on a plane to Florence, Italy to be a fashion freshman at Polimoda. After a year I moved to New York where I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology for a BFA. Through school I interned, assisted at various fashion brands such as Perry Ellis, Private Policy, and Cinque á Sept, gaining invaluable industry experience.
I graduated from specializing in sportswear (RTW) design and landed my first job assisting in Women's RTW at Coach.
In spring of 2023 I very randomly got an email for a collaboration with Hypebeast for Black Voices Create by Gushers, creating a small sustainable capsule collection. Seeing this as a sign, I took a bold step in founding my brand, Renée, which debuted during New York Fashion Week that September.
You can always catch me at your local vintage store sifting through every box.
My brand is an extension of myself and physical art form. The ultimate goal is expression, human connection and celebration of diversity.
