Meet the New Yorkers Who Make Fashion Week Happen

Designer, Founder and CEO of “Married to the Mob” a street-wear line for girls

Lives: Financial District

Age: 30

 
Leah McSweeney seems pure sweetness and light, until she opens her mouth. She gives voice to young women who believe in living boldly, making fun of followers and reclaiming pejoratives. McSweeney grew up in New York City, where she attended Convent of the Sacred Heart; moved to Connecticut for high school; then returned to Manhattan, to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). In 2004, tired of seeing guys have the coolest gear and brands, she created her own female clothing line, “Married to the Mob,” featuring a T-shirt tagline “Men are the new women.” To kick-start the venture, McSweeney used settlement money won from a lawsuit following an incident involving a police officer outside a club. This episode became a part of the mystique and identity of her brand. Mob has since worked on projects with an impressive list of collaborators, including KAWS, MCM, graffiti artist Fafi, Kangol, Reebok, Nike, Lacoste and Burton. Mob collaborated with French avant-garde boutique Colette on Reebok lip-print sneakers (which sold out online in 23 minutes) and on a commemorative T-shirt for Barbie’s 50th anniversary. Open a magazine and you just might find Lady Gaga in a Mob T-shirt or Rihanna wearing a “Supreme Bitch” hat.

Victoria: What’s your role in Fashion Week?
Leah: My role is to throw a good party.

Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
A: My beautiful daughter Kiki.

Q: What’s your favorite place to shop in your neighborhood?
A: Hermès and Duane Reade.

Q: Your DO and DON’T of fashion week?
A: Do show up if you RSVP. Don’t wear 6-inch heels you can’t walk in, especially at 8 a.m.

Q: Your favorite thing about fashion in NYC?
A: Making fun of people.

Q: Describe your style in two words.
A: The ‘hood meets Madison Ave.

Q: Who was glamorous when you were a teen?
A: Lady Miss Kier.

Q: Who is most glamorous now?
A: Lady Miss Kier.

Q: What’s a piece or a trend that you’re seeing for fall that you want to wear now?
A: I think trends are bullshit.

Q: What are the three things you want right now?
A: I want to be in a chalet in Lech with my daughter and sister, drinking a hot chocolate, on a chinchilla rug in front of a fireplace.

Q: What is a style you liked once but no longer admire?
A: Enormous jeans.

Q: What would you never wear?
A: Open-toe shoes in the winter.

Q: What is the perfect setting for the clothes you make?
A: I’ve seen women rocking Mob in a classroom and on a beach in the Maldives. Mob is everywhere.

Q: What new street style is in?
A: The 80’s are back. I’m not digging it.

Q: Describe a good day at work.
A: Coming up with that concept or idea that when it hits you you’re like, “YES THAT’S IT! THAT SHIT IS HOT!” Best feeling.

Q: What is the sexiest look of all time?
A: This might sound cliché, but when a female feels confident and it radiates. Nothing gets sexier than that.

Q: Do you think one is born cool or is something that can be learned?
A: Born of course. Natural.

Q: Who are your most official bitches?
A: The women who take the road less traveled without fearing the consequences.

Q: What’s your advice to young women?
A: Follow your bliss — Joseph Campbell.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
A: Listen to your gut.