Leanne Marshall Sets Bryant Park Ablaze with her Fall 2024 New York Fashion Week Collection

Blending her passion for both fashion and figure skating, Fashion Designer Leanne Marshall unveiled her 2024 Fall Collection during New York Fashion Week on February 9th. In a departure from tradition, professional skaters replaced models, who gracefully glided across the ice-skating rink of the iconic Bryant Park. The fabrics, as fluid as the skaters’ movements, danced in harmony with the wind, creating an enchanting spectacle reminiscent of a forbidden love affair on the ice.

Renowned for her deep passion for figure skating, both literally and figuratively, Marshall incorporates this sport into her daily routine before heading to her New York studio. 15 years later, Marshall’s journey comes full circle, Bryant Park once set the stage 15 years prior when Marshall presented her winning project during Season 5 of Project Runway during New York Fashion Week.

In her studio, Marshall often takes a break to test-run a dress on the ice, finding joy in the exhilarating sensation of skating in a flowing garment. “The dopamine high of skating around in a flowy dress: 10 out of 10 recommend,” she exclaims, sparking the inspiration for her unique approach to her 2024 New York Fashion Week presentation. “Ultimately, I wanted a collaborative effort to see how they were inspired to play and move in my garments,” says Marshall. “My biggest purpose in designing anything is to bring a sense of joy and uplift to the wearer. We all need fun and play in our lives, now more than ever.”

The skaters were so deeply immersed in the natural surroundings, savoring every moment on the ice, that they had to be pulled off the ice to change into their next design. This unforgettable experience not only reignited Marshall’s creativity and drive but also reinforced her realization that her purpose lies in crafting pieces and art that evoke joy in people.

Marshall, the self-described “dreamer of dresses,” originally hails from Yuba City, California, and relocated to New York City immediately after winning Season 5 of Project Runway. Her dresses and gowns have been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, People, Elle, LIFE, National Geographic, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, US Weekly, The Post, TV Guide, Lucky, and many more.

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NERISA EUGENIA WATERMAN

I’m an author, storyteller, and founder of The Fashion Profiler. My work bridges the worlds of fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, offering curated content that inspires and empowers. With a passion for capturing life’s essence through words and visuals, I bring a unique perspective to modern living.
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