About Us
About Us
Who we are
Founded in 2021 by designer Franklin Morales, Helsi is dedicated to creating beautiful, statement-making garments for life’s most special moments. Each piece is carefully crafted by a team who specializes in handwork, including dimensional florals, beadwork, sequins, embroidery, and feather accents.
The name Helsi embodies independence, confidence, and ambition—qualities that inspire every collection. It is also the name of Franklin’s mother, the woman he admires most for her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
The meaning of the name Helsi is “Independent, confident, and ambitious. You are active, vital, and adventuresome, always seeking new experiences and challenges. You are willing to take chances.” It is also the name of my Mother, who is the person that I admire the most in this world because of those exact qualities.
- Frankin Morales
Our founder's story
In 1980, at just eight years old, Franklin immigrated to the United States from El Salvador with his mother, brother, and sisters as war refugees. His mother worked tirelessly as a seamstress in downtown Los Angeles, often taking extra work home late into the night. It was at her side that Franklin first learned to sew, helping her so she could rest a little earlier.
After years of odd jobs and self-discovery, Franklin returned to sewing at 25—not just as a skill, but as a form of self-expression. His first creations, playful tank tops for nights out with friends, revealed the transformative power of clothing and sparked his entrepreneurial spirit.
Franklin’s journey led him to build his first company, Hot Sauce, from his mother’s garage, later employing over two dozen people. While successful, it wasn’t until he co-founded Dress The Population in 2011 that he realized his true dream: creating sophisticated dresses that women could wear to feel extraordinary. Within five years, his designs were carried by major retailers, including Neiman Marcus, and his team grew to 190 employees. One defining moment came when Franklin saw a woman walk into Bottega Louie in downtown LA wearing one of his dresses—his dream realized.
In 2020, Franklin walked away from Dress The Population during one of the hardest years of his life. With the support of his husband, family, and friends, he found the strength to start anew.
Helsi was born not just as a fashion line, but as a dedication to women everywhere—to be independent, confident, ambitious, and unafraid to take chances. For Franklin, every dress is a poem to women like his mother, whose strength and perseverance shaped his life and work.
Our values
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LGBTQ+ & Latin-Owned – We proudly celebrate diversity and inclusion.
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Fair Wages & Safe Conditions – We prioritize fair pay and safe, supportive working environments for every member of our team.
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Craftsmanship – From hand-beading to custom finishes, each piece is made with artistry and care.
The journey so far!
Helsi launched in Fall 2021 with collections at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, alongside our own e-commerce site. Today, you can also find Helsi at Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, and over 150 specialty boutiques across the U.S.—with more to come.