Blogger and designer Leandra Medine.
“Manrepelling: outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive way that will result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.” —Leandra Medine, author of The Man Repeller.
Medine has been documenting her fashion-forward ensembles on her blog (ManRepeller.com) since 2010. This Spring, Medine’s love for fashion is revealed in her first design collaboration with Los Angeles-based contemporary brand, PJK. Printed silk organza, leather moto pants and lace lined pajama tops – a man repeller’s dream – make up the PJK collection. “Cool dude,” says Leandra in regard to the collaboration. Medine debuted the line last week at Dallas-NorthPark.
NM: Why did you decide to collaborate with PJK on a collection?
LM: I met with Chelsea [creative director of PJK] in New York a little over a year ago. Our vibes were so different but still complementary, it was an easy transition to decide to wrk together.
NM: How do you think your collection for PJK represents your style?
LM: It’s playful and irreverent, which is so much what I try to reflect on my website. It’s not too serious and neither am I.
Man Repeller x PJK Collection
NM: How has your style evolved since you started your blog in 2010?
LM: I’ve become a lot simpler. In the beginning I was trying really hard to take everything in quite literally. In the last six months my style has become quite streamlined. I’m always wearing some variety of denim and plaid, a blazer or a suit. I don’t know if that’s a testament to the evolution of fashion or myself just finding my own personal style niche.
NM: What is it about plaid that you are loving right now?
LM: Nothing in particular other than the fact that it is so casual; my vibe is very casual right now. I like the disconnect of a plaid shirt with a pair of organza shorts (like the pair I’m wearing right now) with a pair of lace-up sandals. It’s never about committing to one style cue.
NM: What inspires you most in terms of style?
LM: Traveling. Going to different cities and seeing how they do it there and how it’s different from the way I do it. Comparing and contrasting what works and what doesn’t and then coming up with something new.
Man Repeller Leandra Medine at NM Dallas-NorthPark.
NM: What was your last clothing designer purchase?
LM: A Dries Van Noten dress (I bought in Paris last week.) It’s floral print on one side and plaid on the other, tea-length, spaghetti strap, very feminine dress – a cute little nod to the 90s.
NM: You just completed fashion month. What Fall 2013 collections are you most excited about?
LM: Comme des Garcons, Chloe and Rag & Bone
Autographing a t-shirt for a fan.
Favorite…
Icon: Fran Lebowitz, Joan Didion and Frank Sinatra
Artist: Kate Pline
iPhone App: Instagram
