Frances Van Mak was born in Saigon right after the Vietnam War. She approaches fabric with the eye of an architect and the sensitivity of a sculptor. Nature anchors her work. You see silhouettes drawn from a warrior’s philosophy, water’s flow, and the patience of a monk.

Equiano Moseri was born in London. His parents endured the Biafran War, often called the Forgotten War. Their resilience shaped his spirit. He grew up with a passion for story, art, and history. That foundation informs his leadership, optimism and conviction.

Frances had already established herself as a veteran in fashion, with work recognized at the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, the King’s Trust Gala and for Michelle Obama at the 2009 and 2013 Presidential Inauguration. When the idea of launching 10th Element emerged, she understood the scale of the undertaking. She also recognized her responsibility. Fashion, for her, is not commerce alone. It is cultural architecture.

After helping generate nearly $2 billion in revenue for some of fashion’s biggest brands over fifteen years, she now redefines success not by numbers alone.

In 2024, Moseri and Van Mak founded 10th Element. They positioned the brand at the intersection of style, survival, modern professionalism and community well being. Together, they operate as the nucleus - building with intention, designing with purpose, leading with imagination. They brought together a team of mavericks from around the world – high-level creative professionals across multiple industries to create the tour de force that is 10th Element.