For many individuals who identify as plus-size, the journey toward self-expression through fashion can be fraught with challenges, largely due to limited options. However, Leila Kelleher, a skilled pattern designer and assistant professor at the Parsons School of Design, has embraced sewing as a way to create her wardrobe and inspire others. Leila designs and constructs approximately 75% of her outfits, supporting brands that align with her values for the remaining pieces. This article examines a week of Leila’s fashion choices that highlight her style and creativity.
Crafting fashion from the ground up
Leila’s sewing journey commenced during her high school years in Sydney, where she learned to sew garments ranging from tailored jackets to formal prom dresses. “It was an exciting time,” she recalls, “we created everything imaginable in class!”
As she refined her skills, Leila discovered that sewing her own underwear was a transformative experience. “People always claimed it was life-changing,” she shares. “After making my own underwear, I was truly amazed. Now, I proudly say that all my underwear is crafted by me.” This revelation empowered her to embrace her body and celebrate her individuality.
Outfit highlights
One standout outfit features a shirt and skirt Leila designed herself, showcasing her brand, Muna and Broad. Paired with stylish shoes from Hark Weber and vibrant socks from Bombas, this ensemble reflects her commitment to personal expression through fashion.
Another outfit includes a denim-inspired look from Street & Saddle, known for its equestrian aesthetic and dedication to inclusivity. Here, Leila wears a shirt, pants, and a ribbon tie, emphasizing the importance of tailored pieces. “Their made-to-order approach allows for a true fit,” she notes, “you simply provide your measurements, and they customize the clothing just for you.”
Fashion as a tool for empowerment
At Parsons, Leila finds great joy in observing the diverse styles of her students. “Every day is like a runway show,” she explains. The compliments she receives from colleagues reinforce the idea that fashion can serve as a powerful form of self-expression.
Among her favorite garments is a dress from Irregular Sleep Pattern, which blurs the lines between loungewear and outdoor attire. “This dress is technically sleepwear, yet I love wearing it outside,” she says, highlighting her preference for vibrant colors that evoke joy. “Bright, saturated colors make me feel alive.”
Embracing individuality
With a Ph.D. in biomechanics, Leila’s academic background has shaped her understanding of body movement and clothing fit. “Studying how the body operates liberated me from the conventional ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ body mentality prevalent in fashion,” she reveals. This perspective has led her to create patterns that accommodate various body shapes, emphasizing that nothing enhances appearance more than well-fitting clothing.
Driven by her passion, Leila co-founded Muna and Broad, a brand specializing in plus-size sewing patterns, as well as a luxury fashion line called a space, in between. Her bomber jacket represents her commitment to inclusivity in fashion.
During a recent outing to a jewelry-making workshop at Hesta, Leila was inspired by the creativity around her. “I saw a necklace made from carabiners, and I had to try making one myself,” she recalls with a smile, although she admits her creation did not quite capture the original’s essence.
The impact of hero pieces
Leila’s sewing journey commenced during her high school years in Sydney, where she learned to sew garments ranging from tailored jackets to formal prom dresses. “It was an exciting time,” she recalls, “we created everything imaginable in class!”0
Leila’s sewing journey commenced during her high school years in Sydney, where she learned to sew garments ranging from tailored jackets to formal prom dresses. “It was an exciting time,” she recalls, “we created everything imaginable in class!”1
Leila’s sewing journey commenced during her high school years in Sydney, where she learned to sew garments ranging from tailored jackets to formal prom dresses. “It was an exciting time,” she recalls, “we created everything imaginable in class!”2