In Conversation with Thomas Humphris, Director, Design

Let’s start with your journey—how did you get into fashion, and where has it taken you?

I’ll be celebrating one year at lululemon this July, and it’s flown by. There’s so much to learn and contribute here. It could’ve been overwhelming, but the people make all the difference. I’m surrounded by teammates from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and it’s that mix that makes lululemon such an inspiring and rewarding place to work.

My own path started in the UK, where I had the privilege of working at McQueen, Burberry, and Fred Perry. Seeing McQueen up close and his passion for craft, his relentless drive to make the best clothes possible was a defining moment for me. That experience rooted me in a world of luxury and heritage, but more than anything, it taught me the power of using clothes to tell a story.

That’s something I’ve always carried with me, and it’s something I’m now applying at lululemon. Our brand has a distinct heritage and a clear point of view. There’s a real opportunity here to create something aspirational, grounded in function but elevated through design. That’s the space I love to work in.

Along the way, I’ve also had the chance to explore more technical, forward-facing parts of the industry—from early runway moments at Acne Studios to performance-driven collections. I’ve moved between brands that are heritage and hyper-modern, technical and emotional, commercial and experimental. That contrast has shaped me into a more adaptable designer and a more thoughtful leader, someone who can flex and collaborate across a wide range of teams and needs.

Relocating to Vancouver is a big move, what was that like for you?

I’ve lived abroad before (years ago in Stockholm), but moving to Vancouver still felt like a huge step. A different continent, a different culture. And this time, I wasn’t moving alone—I’m married now, which meant thinking beyond just my own goals.

What made the transition so seamless was the support from lululemon. From movers, relocation, housing, taxes, healthcare, they made us feel genuinely welcomed. And they didn’t just support me, they supported my husband too. We were guided through every step of it.

Relocating your life can seem daunting, but for us, it’s opened up so much. I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect—personally and professionally—and I’m thankful every day that we took the leap.

What would you say to someone with a non-traditional background who’s thinking about applying to lululemon?

Don’t underestimate the value of your experience. Fashion isn’t one thing anymore and neither is lululemon.

I’ve worked across luxury, performance, streetwear, and elevated basics. And what I’ve learned is that the most interesting ideas often come from unexpected combinations.

If your journey doesn’t look like everyone else’s, that’s not a hindrance, it’s your superpower. Bring your full story to the table. That’s where originality lives, and that’s what we need more of.

Join lululemon’s design team and help shape the future of performance apparel. Apply today. https://careers.lululemon.com/en_US/careers/SearchCareer/?1873=%5B52633%5D&1873_format=2755&listFilterMode=1&jobRecordsPerPage=10&