Gia Mezz discusses her journey from fast fashion to founding LEAU, a brand focused on quality, intentional design, and timeless style, challenging the norms of the fashion industry.
Gia Mezz, the founder of LEAU, is reshaping the modern fashion landscape by focusing on quality and intentional design. Since launching the brand in 2020, her mission has been to provide an alternative to the fast fashion industry that prioritizes speed over substance. After beginning her career in fast fashion, Mezz expressed her dissatisfaction with the industry, stating, “It felt like the artistry and fit of garments were being replaced by urgency.” This disillusionment prompted her to dive into graphic design in her off hours and create refined pieces that cater to the modern consumer.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge for many businesses, but Mezz saw it as an opportunity to pivot. Instead of postponing her vision, she embraced the slower pace of the moment by opting for small, limited product drops, which have since become a foundational aspect of LEAU. “It gave me the space to slow things down, prioritize intentionality, and create pieces worth investing in,” she noted regarding this pivotal decision.
LEAU’s aesthetic evokes nostalgia for ‘90s fashion, characterized by sleek, form-fitting silhouettes combined with vintage-inspired corsetry. Mezz aims to resurrect the timeless sophistication of that era. She commented, “There was such an emphasis on sleek, minimal, and refined pieces,” and seeks to bring that style back into modern wardrobes. Central to this vision is the importance of fit; Mezz believes that well-fitting clothing contributes significantly to individual confidence, which she views as essential for a strong capsule wardrobe.
The brand’s corsets have emerged as a standout feature, experiencing consistent demand and rapid sellouts. Mezz expressed her frustrations with a lack of versatile, fitting options in women’s tops and dresses, motivating her to redefine the corset silhouette. “For me, it’s about continuing to evolve it into pieces that feel more wearable, versatile, and easy to style,” she explained. The design philosophy behind LEAU’s corsets allows them to be worn in multiple ways, ensuring their practicality despite their traditionally structured nature.
Despite the brand’s growing popularity, Mezz maintains a commitment to small-batch production. This strategy enables her to remain heavily involved in product development and ensures that only pieces that resonate with her vision are released. She noted, “I’m deeply involved in product development and only release pieces we truly love,” emphasizing her dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. By effectively responding to customer preferences, the brand can adjust its offerings based on direct community feedback.
LEAU distinguishes itself further by rejecting the conventional fashion calendar, allowing Mezz to prioritize the readiness and quality of each new release. “Not being tied to a traditional fashion calendar allows me to slow down and be intentional with every style,” she articulated.
Looking forward, Mezz plans to expand LEAU’s digital footprint and explore international markets. She intends to diversify product offerings, developing LEAU into a comprehensive alternative for curating a well-rounded capsule wardrobe. “At its core, LEAU is about redefining what it means to invest in fashion,” Mezz stated. Her objective is to encourage consumers to steer clear of fast fashion in favor of lasting quality, promoting the idea that timeless pieces can hold a significant place in one’s wardrobe.
Source: Noah Wire Services
