The fashion world is buzzing with a new name, and it’s one you’ll want to remember: Arlo Mott. This contemporary sportswear brand, founded just last year by Alex and Karen Drexler and Susan Woo, is making waves in the industry, doubling its wholesale business in a matter of months. But here’s where it gets interesting—how did three individuals with diverse backgrounds come together to create a brand that’s already turning heads? And this is the part most people miss: their unique blend of expertise and a shared vision for timeless, sophisticated fashion.
In its inaugural fall 2025 season, Arlo Mott partnered with approximately 15 wholesale accounts. Fast forward to spring 2026, and that number has skyrocketed to 40 specialty stores, including prestigious names like Capitol, Tootsies, Kirna Zabête, TNT boutiques in Canada, and Max in Colorado. This week, the brand is unveiling its fall collection to retailers, further solidifying its presence in the market.
But let’s dive deeper into what makes this trio tick. Alex Drexler continues to helm Alex Mill, a classic sportswear brand for women and men, where Karen Drexler previously worked. Before that, Karen was a buyer at TNT, a Canadian retailer. Susan Woo, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from her time at Derek Lam and Chanel, as well as her own eponymous line, which she ran from 2009 to 2015. Together, they combined their unique skill sets—Woo’s design and product development, Karen Drexler’s design, merchandising, and sales, and Alex Drexler’s business acumen—to launch Arlo Mott in February of last year.
The brand’s name itself has a charming backstory. ‘Arlo’ was a name the Drexlers had considered for their daughter (who they ultimately named Frankie), and ‘Mott’ pays homage to Mott Street in New York, a place where they’ve always discovered exciting new brands. Karen Drexler and Susan Woo became close friends through their children’s preschool, and today, all three founders work out of the Drexlers’ TriBeCa apartment, blending their personal and professional lives seamlessly.
Here’s a bold statement: Starting a company is no small feat, and these three have proven that collaboration is key. ‘It’s the three of us,’ Woo reflects. ‘I’m so thankful there are three of us because it’s so much to start a company. Nobody does it as a hobby.’ Karen Drexler adds that after taking five years off to focus on motherhood following the birth of her daughter in 2018, she was ready for a new challenge. ‘I thought I was going to do Alex Mill and motherhood, but I was all in with motherhood. Then COVID hit. It wasn’t until my daughter was in preschool that I met with Susan and started thinking about the next chapter.’
What sets Arlo Mott apart is its commitment to timeless, refined pieces. ‘We’re not trendy,’ Karen Drexler emphasizes. ‘We want timeless pieces that stay.’ Take their poplin shirts, for example—versatile, crisp, and effortlessly chic. ‘My love language is like a poplin shirt,’ she says. ‘You can layer it, or it can stand on its own. Touch it, there’s a certain crispness. It makes you feel put together.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era of fast fashion, Arlo Mott is taking a stand for quality and sustainability. The brand uses European fabrics, produces mostly in New York, and crafts its knits in China. While some may question the use of overseas production, the founders argue that it allows them to maintain high standards while keeping prices competitive. T-shirts retail for $125, sweaters for $395, poplins and pants for $365, and jackets start at $450. For fall, they’re offering 50 different styles, with sizes ranging from small to extra large and bottoms from 0 to 12.
Their approach to retail is equally unique. Instead of traditional showrooms, they invite buyers to their apartment, where they can see, touch, and experience the collection in a personal setting. ‘We’ve had stores come and order lunch, and it becomes a conversation,’ Woo explains. ‘For us, we want to put our best foot forward. It resonates because this collection is so personal.’
And this is the part that sparks debate: In a time of economic uncertainty and fluctuating tariffs, how does a small brand like Arlo Mott navigate the challenges? ‘We launched during all the tariff chaos,’ Woo admits. ‘It was so volatile. We’re doing the best we can to be fair to our company and our customers. Because we’re small, we can be flexible.’
Beth Buccini, founder of Kirna Zabête, is a fan. ‘Karen has an impeccable style and a true understanding of a woman’s needs,’ she says. ‘The collection offers an elevated take on uniform dressing, with sophisticated essentials that feel fresh, modern, and effortless.’
As Arlo Mott continues to grow, the founders are focused on understanding their customer better. ‘We’re into a year of knowing our customer,’ Woo says. ‘We’re taking on leather pieces this season. We’re getting better and better every season as we grow.’
Now, here’s a question for you: In a world dominated by fast fashion, do you think brands like Arlo Mott can thrive by prioritizing quality and timelessness? Or is the demand for trendy, affordable clothing too strong to ignore? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
