Young, talented and local designers are bringing inspiration, creativity and a unique viewpoint to style. With their eyes on breaking out, they’re bringing new blood to the fashion world. Special thanks to Creative Hub Worcester – an unique non-profit organization dedicated to building a thriving arts community space in Worcester. Photography by Justin Mayotte.
Designer: LeGrand Leseur
Brand: LeGrand Leseur
Website: Legrandleseur.com
Age: 26
Town: Worcester
Company Location: Worcester-Philadelphia-Boston
How did you start designing? Long story short: While I was in my final year of college, I started wearing suits. Items I found online and at retailers. I always went for the oddball – well, unique – looks. Items that I personally never saw before. People always asked me where I got my clothes, so I would always send them to the various places I found them. Once I realized that people wanted my sense of style, I started sketching some things out. I contacted a handful of factories to see who could help get my ideas into production, and the rest is history.
Describe your designs. Colorful and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes of many. I love using shapes, especially triangles. The goal has always been to change the way people look at men’s fashion. Gentlemen shouldn’t be limited to a handful of dark-colored suits and blazers. People shouldn’t fit men into such a narrow box. Women’s clothing dominates the fashion world with the amount of options there are. I don’t believe men should be held to such a restricted demographic. The world isn’t that boring. Life is more colorful than that, and that is what I like to add to my designs; that is what I strive to achieve with my clothing every day.
What makes your brand unique? LeGrand Leseur suits have a sense of unyielding integrity. I do not look at trends when designing, like a lot of designers do. My brand is unique because every piece I make and design will not replicate motifs of other people’s work. Every piece that is made builds upon ideas of previous work. My work is always moving forward by looking one step backward. In my mind, my work can only be compared to my work.
What inspires you? As cliche as it is, music is what inspires me the most. I grew up listening to all genres of music, from death metal to underground hip-hop to classical, etc. A good amount of the pieces I come up with are put to paper with a soundtrack playing. I also am inspired by my clients when they ask me to make them pieces. Everyone is unique, so I try to make the clothing I design for them to their personality. Also, my mom.
What do you see in your future? I want to be the godfather of contemporary men’s fashion. Blend the rules – and then break them. My major goal for the next few years is to start a ready-to-wear line that I can get in local and national retailers. Doing custom clothing will still be the main focus; however, limited-run pieces that could go to major retailers would also be ideal. Not as intimate as my custom work but still really personal for my customers. I am also launching my new season of eyewear soon.
“I would like to thank you guys for having me. Look out for my new designs and sunglasses coming out soon. Follow me on social media to stay connected.”