MEET DESIGN CONTESTANT Leslye Schlack

Leslye was born and raised in Sturgis, MI and has resided in
Milwaukee the past five years. She attended Mt. Mary College for
fashion design. Leslye says her pursuit of fashion lies in
comfortable clothing. She believes clothing can be fashion-forward,
work appropriate and comfortable, all at the same time.
Leslye graduated with a degree in apparel product development and
applies her education on a daily basis. She does some side work
in tailoring and loves men’s fashion. She studied abroad in Paris for
a semester and found the inspiration there  limitless,
describing menswear as “intricate” because when it comes to
suiting, there’s so much attention to detail. In her work Leslye
often attempts to emulate the simplicity of her favorite designer,
Alexander Wang. When reflecting on how she began sewing and designing, Leslye says
both her mother and grandmother were both sewers – she was exposed to it
at a early age. In fact, nearly every piece of clothing she wore up
until the age of eight was handmade by her mother! In high school she
created a unique side business making handbags.  Leslye hopes to own a boutique one
day. She became interested in the RePuposed Runway Design Competition
when she learned three college classmates were previous
participants. The inspiration that uncommon materials can be used in
everyday fashion is intriguing to Leslye – in the upcoming competition
she plans on showcasing “something not-typical, almost not-realistic.
It’s something I’m doing for fun,” says Leslye. See Leslye and twenty-two other designers at
RedLine Milwaukee’s RePurposed Runway Design Competition, Friday,
September 21st.  The competition promises to be fierce!  Tickets go on sale July 1st.