Leanne Marshall carries herself with quiet elegance. In season 5 of Project Runway, Leanne consistently produced beautiful work, and stayed true to her style, which is a challenge for many designers. With confidence in her skills, and the ability to deliver results, Leanne deservingly won the season. She has her own flagship location in New York City, in which she and her team create gowns that are ethereal and feminine. We got in touch with Leanne recently, and she shared a bit with us about her Project Runway experience, and what she and her staff of magical fairies are creating now.
Leanne Marshall in her Studio
HOW LEANNE MARSHALL MAKES IT WORK
1. Who are you, and what season/s did you participate in?
Leanne Marshall, Project Runway Season 5, Winner.
2. Please give a brief description of your design style.
My designs are known for their light, flowing lines, feminine details and timeless elegance. I create clothing I believe women will want to wear.
Leanne Marshall Gown
Leanne Marshall Gown
3. What was the most challenging thing about the Project Runway experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
4. Who have you met or worked with during or since the Project Runway experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
I had an amazing time working with Paula Abdul. She is very hands on in the process while still allowing me the creative license to do what I do best. She was one of my first and most memorable celebrity clients.
My snippies. They can be found around my neck in every waking hour. I use them for everything!
6. How has social media impacted your life after Project Runway?
It has been a very powerful tool. I am just now beginning to take full advantage of it. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest allow me to share my work and new projects in a very personalized way. From the various social media outlets, I get several clients every month.
(Twitter: @leannemarshall_, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fashionleanne/)
A Close-Up of Handwork on A Leanne Marshall Dress
7. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?
By this fall, my bridal line will be in 30 global retailers. We have locations all over the US as well as Canada, Japan, Australia, Japan and England. I am also thrilled to be a part of the BHLDN family. They are currently selling two of my gowns. I have also had a very fulfilling partnership with Simplicity Pattern Company. Since 2011, I have been creating exclusive designs for them. It is really wonderful to see what the home sewers of the world create using my patterns. This past June, I celebrated one year in my NYC Flagship location. We meet with our real women and celebrity clients and everything is made right there by hand.
Leanne Marshall Bridal Gown
Leanne Marshall Gown
8. Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
I would love you to see everything I am up to. Check out Facebook.com/leannemarshallofficial, and Instagram @leannemarshalldesigns. (also check out Leanne’s Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/Leanimal, and her homepage: www.leannemarshall.com)
Leanne Marshall Dress
We’d like to thank Leanne for taking the time to do this interview, and especially for all of the stunning images! Leanne, we wish you the best in all you do, and we dream of wearing your dresses! -C. Scott
Leanne Marshall Gown
All interview answers and images provided by Leanne Marshall unless watermarked, linked, or specified. Photographer: Leanne Marshall, Makeup by Nathan Johnson.
Project: Make It Work 
Beautiful work..well done 😉