#NYFW Inspiring Woman: Leanne Marshall

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Illustrations by Rachel Sax of Nona E Rose

Designer: Leanne Marshall

Hometown: Yuba City, California + Portland, Oregon

Education: The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco

Award: Levi’s Dockers Fashion Designer of Tomorrow

How you know her: Project Runway Winner (Season 5)

SS16 Inspiration: Mother Nature

Website: LeanneMarshall.com

Twitter: @leannemarshall_

Instagram: @leannemarshallofficial

Design Journey:

After graduating from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco, Leanne Marshall worked full-time as a graphic designer in Portland, Oregon while creating her collection nights and weekends to participate in Portland Fashion Week 2006 and 2007. By mid-2007, Leanne’s sales grew to where she was able to leave her job and run her own label full-time. Upon winning Project Runway in 2008, Leanne relocated to New York City and has shown her innovative collections at New York Fashion Week and around the world ever since. After years of custom design, Leanne launched her signature bridal line in 2011 and is now carried in over 18 boutiques around the world. In 2014, she partnered with BHLDN to offer an exclusive collection of her bridal dresses.

Why we love her Spring / Summer 2016 collection:

Whether you’re planning your wedding or preparing to walk the red carpet, Leanne’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection is as glamorous as it is ethereal. Her designs drew inspiration from the cycle of life and death as seen in mother nature through an apocalyptic journey. Leanne's 'Dark World' series reinvents the little black dress with city chic edge for the urban bride or a sophisticated cocktail party. The second series entitled ‘Tsunami’ displayed a powerful selection of navy and royal blue chiffon skirts billowing with movement attached to structured bodices. The collection turned ethereal in the third series, ‘Calming Waters,’ with pale blue and lavender hues, watercolor prints, and lightweight silk organza in full length and short dresses. The final series, ‘Nature Reclaimed,’ was as strong as it was ornate with kelly green floor length gowns mirroring nature at full bloom. Whether you’re looking for an ethereal bridesmaid gown or statement making cocktail dress, Leanne Marshall’s Spring / Summer 2016 collection provides the inspiration for strength and beauty found only in nature and reflected in her women.