DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Duluth designer Leo Spry is heading to New York Fashion Week next month, the country’s biggest fashion stage.
Among the pieces he’s prepared for the shows are a pair of loon camouflage pants, inspired by his Minnesota roots.
“It’s out there street style fashion,” said Spry. “It’s kind of like in high school, and I said I like to turn heads—that’s kind of like the clothes I like to make.”
Growing up in Bemidji, Minn., style was a personal passion but never a career path for Spry. It wasn’t until his senior year of college, when he was gifted a sewing machine during COVID.
In his free time, he started making clothing for friends.
“I made mainly sweatshirts for them with a tag line that said ‘hug your homies,’ and it just kind of took off on campus a little bit,” said Spry.
From there, Spry has had to find his own way in the industry, selling his clothing brand 037 online, often partnering with performers and artists.
“It’s kind of hard, especially coming from a small town where there’s nothing like this,” said Spry. “It’s hard to gauge what this looks like. There’s no blueprint.”
Show producer Jolanta Young says fashion week can be a huge opportunity for smaller designers like Spry.
“If you’re looking for exposure outside of Minnesota, that’s why New York Fashion Week is so very important,” said Young.
Spry has had his eye on the New York Fashion Week for years, feeling some nerves but mostly excitement.
“I hope I’m ready for it, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said Spry. “Even if it’s a show that it might only have five people show up, it’s still where I want to be.”
Spry is looking at the experience as a learning opportunity, open to wherever it might take him next.
He’ll be preparing pieces right up until he leaves for New York Fashion Week, which is taking place Sept. 11 to 16.
A link to Spry’s work can be found here.
Spry is also hosting a fashion show in Minneapolis at the end of September.
Tickets and more information can be found here.
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