Interview with Leah Bauer of NOLA Fashion Week
By: Dalton Primeaux
In anticipation for NOLA Fashion Week (March 21 – 26), I set up a talk with one of the featured designers in the show, Leah Bauer. Bauer is from New Orleans, born and raised, and is the designer of the brand Leah Milana of Los Angeles.
“What types of pieces will we see from Leah Milana on the runway at NOLA Fashion Week?” I asked Bauer as we began our interview. “It’s a surprise. You’ll have to wait and see at fashion week… I’m joking!” Leah Bauer’s personality had won me over already. She was energetic and fun, and had a great attitude to match her extraordinary, creative collection.
Bauer continued by describing what we are to expect from the first collection of the Leah Milana brand, “A mixture of Rocker and Bohemian: Bohemian for my free spirit and Rocker because of the collection’s edgy feel. It’s a combination of the two.” So, we are sure to expect both a silky, chic style and tough fashion with tons of 1970’s vibes and accents of leather. Also, her line will feature an eastern feel with some of the collection’s Asian-inspired Kimonos.
Bauer is inspired by traveling to colorful areas and different countries, like South America. She feels that Los Angeles is also a great place to be inspired because it speaks to that fun vibe. People in L.A. certainly do not fear fashion. Bauer says she also finds inspiration in flea markets, where you can find old fashion trends, which will usually come back around. Fashion is a part of history, and history is sure to repeat itself.
While visiting home last summer, Bauer met with Nick Landry, founder of NOLA Fashion Week, to discuss having her designs shown on the runway. Now, she is a featured designer at the event and a part of a tremendous fashion revolution that is taking over New Orleans. In just a few years, the city’s idea of fashion has most certainly evolved.
When asked what she wanted to get out of being a part of NOLA Fashion Week, she told me she sees this opportunity as a great promotional tool for her upcoming website, and to bring in sales. But, she almost mentioned how important it was to her that she was doing this event in her hometown. “It’s important to remember where you came from,” she said.
Leah Bauer will be launching her line’s website, www.leahmilana.com, a month after NOLA Fashion Week. Bauer laughed and said, “So, I guess that just means stay tuned.” And, we most certainly will.
