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Story by
Leanimal
Published on October 16, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER: Do not read if you haven't watched the finale of Project Runway!
Squirming yet? Well, here's the verdict:
UPDATE: Yes, she won!!!
[The following was originally published on August 13, 2008.]
Leanne Marshall, aka Leanimal on Etsy, is living the dream: she's currently a contestant on the highly rated television show—and fashion phenomenon—Project Runway. Each week, lovers of fashion and craftsmanship watch in wonder as a new challenge surfaces, and the sheer ingenuity of the show's designers is put to the test. We recently got in touch with Leanne to find out her favorite pieces on Etsy, as well as to hear about her experience on Project Runway.
I'm Leanne and I run a small independent clothing line of my own formerly known as Leanimal, but now I'm just going by my name Leanne Marshall. No more animal! ;)
I knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer since I was 12 years old and I dabbled in designing my ballet costumes. I ended up going to FIDM in San Francisco and getting a degree in fashion design, but after graduating I took a detour and worked as a graphic designer for five years. I was able to quit my day job as a graphic designer and do the clothing line full-time thanks to success on Etsy.
I currently live and work in Portland, Oregon and do my clothing line full-time—or more than full-time. It's like my child, and it's not 9-5; it's my life! I do it all myself at the moment, but I'm hoping to expand and have hired help soon. At the end of the day, it's wonderful just to be able to do what I love and make a living at it.
As for Project Runway, this was my second time auditioning. I auditioned for season 4 as a last minute decision and I made it past the first cut, but ultimately I didn't make it and I don't think I was ready for it then. The second time was the charm, and I was without a doubt a much stronger designer. I had been making clothes constantly in the last year. I think I made well over 200 garments that I then sold to boutiques or in my Etsy shop. Some days I would make up to three dresses in one day! So, I definitely felt much more prepared and confident in my technical as well as design skills.
Once I found out I had made it I was beyond thrilled! And of course it was so much harder than I could ever be prepared for! I'm used to working alone in my studio apartment all day long. It's just me, my sewing machine and a closet that is overflowing outward with fabric! This environment was the complete opposite with the cameras, the crazy personalities and all the drama! But it was the experience of a lifetime, without a doubt, and I made some great friends while I was there, too.
Here are some of my favorites on Etsy:
I love these hats so much! And I have had the pleasure of doing a show with Liza here in Portland and she's a great gal! Her work is fantastic. By lizarietz, $39.
I love the innocence of these pictures and the color palette is superb! And who doesn't love a tree-hugger?! By belleandboo, $68.
I bought this picture for my boyfriend for Christmas, and marked it as a favorite. Well, the boyfriend read my favorites and surprised me with one of my own before I gave him his. So now we have lovely matching pictures on our walls! By ulmer, $25.
Because, well this wallet is just plain awesome. And hilarious! I can just imagine laughing every time I have to reach into my wallet. I have to get my hands on it! By freckleface, $35.
I have so many pieces of clothing in my studio and never enough space to hold it. I can't think of anything better to hang all of my clothes on! What a nice rack! By luxfordst, $45.
Functional and cute! This little robot will liven up any party! By Artsy, $62.
I'm in desperate need of a better bag for biking. This one is the perfect size and it's adorable! I love the design. By katedurkin, $62.
I love this style and the sense of humor! A wonderful artist! By pepperminte, $11.50.
This pin is too cute! You can change her outfits to complement yours. It's brilliant! By yaelfran, $25.
Beautiful picks, Leanne! For previous Featured Buyer articles, just click here.
| Tags | designer, fashion, Featured Buyer, Guest Curator, Leanimal, Leanne Marshall, Project Runway, shopping, Spotlight, television |
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201 comments Login to add your own!
KarmaRox
ShopClementine
Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pics, Leanne! I'm really enjoying watching you on Project Runway, your style is inspirational and I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
lavenderlizard
lupin
Lovely selections and so great to see an Etsy seller shine on project runway :)
KiWiCuties
Good luck, Leanne. Your Night On the Town look should have won.
lilarubyking
Hende
What tremendous news. . . I'm a PR fan but always have to wait for DVDs as I have no tv. That said, I'm an even bigger fan of Leanimal and have been waiting to get a dress for some time . . . always checking the shop to see what was available and wanting very much to have one of my own. The the shop was quiet . . . I wondered what was up . . . I suppose that was when you were busy with the show. Keep it up and best of luck!
melaniehazen
oh, i am such a fan. you're night on the town look SO should have won that challenge!
ValerieTyler
AntiGenre
How inspiring! Congrats to you, and good luck on the show (I definitely will start watching now)!
GraciousMay
Monicaj
Congratulations Leanne, keep up the fantastic work! Love PR and your designs!!
humblebea
missbrache
KiraFerrer
Leanne, I love your style! Congratulations on being on Project Runway! Keep up the amazing work!!
emoscreamllama
Woah, It's you from project runway! I love that show so much! Love your picks. ;]
girlsavage
It's been so much fun watching you every week and cheering you on! Good luck! :)
envejewelry
You are one of my favs on PR!!! I'm rooting for you all the way!
PaperLadyInvites
HA, I knew I'd seen you before, it was on Etsy! Great job, I've been voting for you all along! Go Portland!
-Chelsey
annagribbe
Littlehandstudios
prettypiratedesigns
You have been rocking the show! I was excited when I learned your were from my home town. Go all the way lady, "make it work" hehe!
enamored
CraftZany
Very nice! Wishing you the best of luck Leanne! I love preoject runway. I am so jealous that you get to shop at mood. I love fabric! Can't wait to watch the show.
Jenn
bayousalvage
where's the leatha? and no suede?
is this a secret hint to the outcome of PR?
WrenEleven
Best of luck to you Leanne! You create beautiful clothing... and these are great picks too! Thanks for sharing!
xox
Ez
revivalhouse
marbelladesigns
Awesome! I'm an avid PR fan! I've loved your designs so far. Can't wait to see more!
hellome
Yay Leanne - I am so enjoying watching you and Kelli on PR. I think you are doing great! I totally admire your style, and your grace under pressure. I can't imagine the kind of stress it must have caused lol. We'll keep rooting for you!!
mmmfiber
littlelakecompany
Leanne - I'm Leeann! I'm rooting for you on PR. It's nice to see someone genuine and creative doing great design on the show, instead of all those huffing and puffing, self-promoting blowheads. Keep up the good work. Us fellow etsyians are proud of you.
boundto
juliepeach
petalandpink
GreenMamba
Very nice! Big Kudos on making the cut. We've been watching Project Runway for a few seasons - always very interesting and dramatic. Can't wait to see how it turns out this go round. (Ohhhhh, the suspense!) Loved your Night on the Town design, and your Olympic outfit was cute.
And what I wouldn't give for 45minutes in the fabulous depths of Mood . . .
necessityisthemother
So exciting to read about you... and thanks so much for including the Button Up Dress! Yay Portland!
whiletheyplay
A huge Congrats to you in all of your success!
You have tons of fans here at etsy, as well as other places, I am sure! :)
I am rooting for you all the way!
twolefthands
Mizdragonfly
oceangypsy
cthings
Good Luck and congrat's on getting on the show!! WTG!!Great designs BTW!!
evagodeva
Big fan of PR, I'll be cheering for you!
And your designs are great :)
Good luck!
Pantora
sarahcruse
o you lucky girl! congratulations on hardwork paying off out there! and thanks for sharing with us on here!
artisticflair
I am a HUGE PR fan!!! I have watched every season. How awesome a fellow Etsian is one of the contestants - Good Luck!!! MAKE IT WORK!!!!
Cheers,
Deb
hellome
PS - can't help wondering if maybe you're working on your collection for fashion week right now.
Imagine, Leanne and Kelli in the final three. Now that would be a show to watch!
Kayraffla
Oh wow! How kool!!! Leanne has been my favorite on project runway, I really hope she wins!! That is SO awesome that she has been successful here on etsy, SO INSPIRING!
ClaudiaLord
Congrats on being on Project Runway! Its one of my favorite shows! So much creativity! Good luck!!
maddoxstudios
starshinecompany
CositasSeriasVintage
good luck! you're one of my favorites! i'll be watching tonight!
loadedhipspress
Oh god we need cable!!! Congrats to you. And Liza is fab and I have one of her wool hats and I love it in the winter.
ohdear
dokedoputty
boulangerieshop
Just watched the show...Great job!!! Can't wait until next week!
BloodMilk
sandcookies
We love leanimal - and you make project runway so much more fun:)
DownToTheWireDesigns
Congratulations-- that is great! Did you win or can you not yet say?
kathryncole
I've been watching Project Runway and love your designs!!! So happy to see that you are on etsy also!!!Good Luck
janesapron
dogties
bobnstitch
Kudos for being on the show. I will have to say it does make PR even more exciting knowing an Etsian is on board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ArleenDesign
Hey Leann, I've been watching that show since the first season. And I love your design esthetic. I've been watching you and hoping you will be at least in the last three. I haven't watched the show last night..so I don't know who was booted out.I hope its not you,cause i"de like to see more of your work.
Goodluck!
follystudio
One more time now, Yeah Portland ! I am not a TV watcher but this show sounds inspiring and fun,My turn to steal the remote.He he he
tinalewis
stubborndog
Congrats! I love your style - and can't wait to see how you do!
Bumblebeebaby
Wow! This is so awesome that one of our fellow Etsians is on Project Runway! I love that show and I LOVE your designs! Congrats!
JeweledAmbrosia
TexstyleTextures
watched you last night - - you stood your ground on who should go home if it was down to the two of you - that is hard to do and it helped that he took the responsiblity for it too
fight the good fight and be true to yourself!
sarawestermark
Leanne, I love your stuff and have been watching you on Project Runway. You have amazing talent. GO Leanne! YOU ROCK!!!
Sonntag
johnclark
jkalea
soap
Wow, cool beans! I don't watch PR (no cable), but good luck to you! Your creations are gorgeous :) (emailing a friend right now)
mystiqueisland
very nice picks! I've never heard PR before, I'm going to watch it.
Rusalka
Congratulations! And thanks for introducing Etsy to even more people!
pinkquill
Leanne-- if you read this please tell us where you got your glasses because I am dying to know!! :) You are toooo cute!!
mykonos
kjoo
I was a big fan of her shop at etsy and now I am so pleasant to watch her on project runway!
Congrats for the article, and thanks for sharing this info, I just saw the shop today (I am downloading it)since in Portugal the tv is just in season 2 :(
sugarcookie
Leanne is the winner in my book! I think she takes the cake!
washwhendirty
Leanne! I can't wait to find out the outcome...but however way it enfolded, i love your designs!! You're the best and I'm hoping one day to be able to get my hands on one of your lovelies =)
jasminescott
Congratulations on all your success!
I'm so excited to find you on etsy, and see the heights of where you can go if you just follow your dream and stick to it. All the best. xx
evecrowe
studiocvh
esmeraldadesigns
Congrats Leanne, your designs and your personality ROCK! My 10 year old daughter Isabella who wants to design and make clothes and I watch project runway together and were cheering for you all along. Isabella adores the way you draw, too.
DAINTYCROCHETBYALY
congrats Leann for your talent and the
amazing oportunity in life to shine,
your style is lovely, I hope that fashion
week was a great experience for you! I am thrilled!
that must be so exciting!!!
many success in life, the best of the best for you!!
:-)
LayerCakeShop
pinkshowercurtain
I'm cheering for you Leanne!
Your designs are beautiful. Love your final collection of PR! :)
FrucciDesign
HandmadeWhimzy
SweetWolf
beaucoupdebijoux
Congrats on seeing your dreams come to a reality. We love your work and are hugh fans of the show. This rocks for etsy having superstar sellers......
zombuki
When you said your rap name was "Lil' Leanimal" I was like, "Man that sounds familiar," lol! I just put two and two together! I think there's 100% chance of you winning tonight, cheers!
foreverandaday
Congrats on getting so far...we love your style! Good luck and best wishes <3
jantar
You are my favourite Leanne!!!! I hope you are the winner!
You rock!
dlkdesigns
Love her designs! Hope she wins tonight :) PR is my all time fav show!
villadesign
I've marked you as a favorite even before Project Runway! Crossing my fingers you'll be the winner!
denisetjarks
wonkymonkey
howlindoggie
macaroniandglue
Congratulations, Leanne! I was rooting for you. The wedding dress was positively stunning.
beadgaldesigns
LazyTcrochet
JMNPOTTERY
mudpuppy
Yay! Congratulations Leanne...the 1st episode I predicted your win!!! No really! Ask my co workers. We love your work Leanne you deserve it!
CositasSeriasVintage
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Loved the show, your pieces were amazing!
vitamini
I'm so happy to hear you won!!!
I was on your side from the beginning because of your Etsy affiliation, but your skill and creativity really won me over. Congratulations!!!
PatternsRevisited
congrats on your win! way to represent the pacific nw! we're a special kind of people out here and we're happy to have you represent us in the fashion world!! i hope you open a store out here!! congrats, again!
victorianbustle
I've tried and tried to get on the front page of etsy, but alas, that is not my destiny. I am not nearly as creative as yourself... I am proud that someone on etsy is making it in the real world. But I am equally sad that I may never be anything important to anyone. :(
aosLeather
tracychong
geminigirl64
You deserved to win! good luck to you- your collection was beyond amazing.
rabbitspider
Love the texture of your winning collection. I was also very pleased that you stuck to your work without getting to involved in the drama.
flyingzoo
fatamerican
The little bodice with skirt was one of my favorites. Fun, yet intimate....I also loved the color palette, It reminded me of Rebeca Turbow's 60's inspired dresses. Keep up the great work!
magickalrealism
I am beyond thrilled you won - it's always good when the humble, *nice* person gets the prize!
TheInvitation
I'm so jazzed for you Leanne! You deserve this! Many congratulations to you! Your whole body of work was so amazing! Love the textures, layers & fine details! My kinda gal :))))
chiarashandpainted
Congratulations on winning Leanne! Your designs are beautiful!
JewelsofLuxury
Oh my gosh! I wish I had caught this article originally. I would have totally loved to have one of Leanne's pieces!
houndmade
KalliopeGifts
Congratulations! Wonderful news, so glad you won, you definately deserved the kudos! Woo-hoo!
MissesBird
Ooooh so exciting! I watched her win last night and since I knew she was an etsian, I had faith LOL
LilDabDesigns
i have been a fan right from the start! i had to work last night , but was happy to tape the show , i woke up this morning to find out it did not tape! so i missed the final and most important show! but then to find all the talk around here! wow what a kawinkydink. so glade to find out you won!i must say the wedding dress was to die for great job!Leanne
incraftwetrust
Congrats to you! You were my favorite the whole time plus I loved your low-key personality through the show. Yay Leanne!
sweetiepie
i got totally addicted to project runway this year when i found out one of the contestants was a portland-crafty etsy babe. congratulations, leanimal! i've been rooting for you coast to coast as i tour america and loaf around in motel rooms.
executeme
YAY!!! I'm so glad you won, you were my favorite! Best of luck to you in the future, I can't wait to see what you come up with next. <3
BCharmer
junquerevival
HURRAY! You were my fave, and can you believe I just found out you were an Etsy seller about a week ago!? Gives us all hope! LOL!
BIG congrats!
tomsaaristo
lynncyrart
Congratulations!!! How wonderful that one of our fellow Etsians made it to the top!!!! You ROCK!!!!
UglyKitty
Dammit Etsy! You couldn't put that announcement further down in the article? I was all excited to watch my DVR when I got back home this weekend to see who won =P. Oh well, at least the Leanne won =) - definitely my favorite and I can't wait to see what you come out with next!
tavinscreations
I have been watching all season and I have to say I was rooting for you the whole season. I love your style you do beautiful work. I had no idea you were on etsy. CONGRATS!!! you were great!
AchAchLiebling
Experimetal
omg you so totally desreved the win :)
congratulations Leaninmal!
raisinlike
APhoenixRises
craftycatlady
Yay Leanne!!!! So glad you won & not Kenley! Your designs are beautiful.
smeeta
reqbat
necessityisthemother
Alright Leanne! Huge Huge Congrats on your win, and your final
collection, which was so lovely. Way to manage a pretty brutal
and televised competition with so much grace and aplomb!
AlisonDuBois
Yeah! I loved watching the show Leanne, you are so talented and your final collection was amazing ~ I'd wear it all ♥ Congratulations!
mingus
PolkaDotToadstool
Yay congratulations. I knew it all along :) You are so talented.
tiffanyinthetrees
bozack80
ARThiel
diengiedesigns
Congrats Leanne! We love that you use ecofriendly textiles as we are company also has a passion for! (We make bags out of recycled coffee bean burlap bags) I love your designs especially your ocean wave inspired collection!!! great job!
UrbanPrincess
I loved the line...I know Many Woman Hours went into creating Your baby. I'm so happy for you! You Did a wonderful job keep moving forward!!
-Shica
DaisyChains
RocketScienceShop
grammysgirl
BethToddCreatz
Woohoo! Congrats Leanne!
I'm so proud of you and glad you won it all!!! Your runway show was absolutely gorgeous!
Oh, and I love that you took Tim Gunn for a bike ride, how cool!
livefunky
You are absolutely amazing, Leanne! My husband and I were rooting for you since day one. Congrats and cheers to a fabulous, long career doing what you love!
ridiculosaur
Leanne! I love your designs! I hope I can afford to buy something of yours someday. :)
marcellasmama
you did portland proud!!! it was fun to watch and i'm excited to see what you do next
;)
happydaystudio
dizzeelizzee
yummyandcompany
tvandoren
Yippee! I am so excited that you won! You really deserved it- you are so talented. Great work! Best wishes.
YOUNGATHEART
YAY!!! YOU DESERVE IT LEANNE!! you were my fave right from the beginning...so creative...a true artist. i can't wait to purchase my first leanimal dress.
YOUNGATHEART
correction: leanne marshall, not leanimal (though i really like the "animal" part :)
tizzalicious
Snowberrylime
Congratulations! It's so encouraging to hear your story and your designs are stunning. :)
f2images
OMG! I had no idea this shop was yours!! I've always loved your clothes here, and am a huge Project Runway fan! Congrats simply isn't enough!! Wow. You rock.
seacolour
YoU WeRe and ArE My FaV-!
I waS wiTH YoU aLL the WaY.
I SiMpLy LOvE youR dEsiGnS
BEAuTiFuL, beaUtiFuL.
CoNGraTuLaTiOnS with a BiG huRRaY-!
K.
Art2ArtColorado
Congrats! *what a wonderful thing!
*Wishing you a bright & exciting future!
shopgoodgrace
beadbrains
kunklebaby
Congratulations on winning Project Runway! It was a great final show this year.
chocolateandsteel
karenfromthelbc
Congratulations! You collection is absolutely stunning. So beautiful and original!
Rockalicious
CraftsbySilverwitch
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration! You were my pick from day 1. "The fashion assassin!"
JulieMeyer
Congrats! Finally my favorite won! I was rooting for you from the beginning and then halfway through found out you had an Etsy shop! Loved your color palette in your final collection.
Meekiyua
congrats! I love your very unique designs! p.s. I wish I had cable again =_=
BluCille
pumpkineater
You're collection was stunning!! My sister and I we're pulling for you. We thought it would be you or Kenley. I think her obnoxious attitude (and voice!!) pushed her out - personality makes a difference and if you're not a likable person how can people like you as a designer? Plus the copy cat wedding dress... anyway... it's not about her, it's about YOU!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Margherite
Fishstikks
You did an amazing job and handled yourself exceptionally well. I'm not a normal viewer of Project Runway but you won me over.
Congratulations!!
You did such beautiful work and I love your collection!
madhatter2555
Hey congratulations I was with you all the way. Well after that brown dress anyway. You seemed to me to be the contestant that grew the most during the show. I like Kenley's design's but my god her mouth was so over the top. And Katoh Not sure of the spelling. Well her stuff was great too and, in fact, would look the best on me. But I loved the construction of your pieces. I so hope to see you rise like a rocket shooting off into the heaven's. Good luck in the future. Ah to be so young with so much potential. Minerva
gochemoche
I am so proud of you! I did not know you had a shop here on Etsy, this soo exciting :) Congrats on your win, your collection was the only one that I remembered after I watch the finals, I love your sense of color, and organic, futuristic designs of yours. I will be talking about it for a month now, I hope to see your work in every magazine and website I read
cheeerrrsss
amysfunkyfibers
ColAreto
I watched the show with my 8 year old and she loved your collection! Throughout the whole show you kept making amazing pieces! Great job! And we loved Korto's collection as well. Awesome!!!
missevilkitty2
bonjourpierre
mmarielle
You were my favorite from the beginning. As a model and artist I really appreciate your talent. Your craftsmanship is superb and your designs are so inspiring and original. I'm glad the jury recognized you for it. Good luck! You will need lots. You seem way too nice for the shark-tank out there.
lizarietz
CONGRATS LEANNE!! i am so happy for you!!
Thanks for featuring my cloches as your etsy favorites!
best of luck in nyc - we will miss you in portland! keep in touch! xo liza rietz
johannasjewelry
PaperLadyInvites
I'm SOOO happy you won. I wish all the luck to you, and hope your business just grows and grows!
-chelsey
jwstyle
memake
Congratulations Leanne!
This season of Project Runway has only just started on UK television. My daughter and I are really looking forward to seeing what you create each week.
zaja
sabrahardy
congratulations i found you on etsy looking for a sewing instructor i find you are truly and organically inventive and a true original which is why you won, creative and hard working if you have any suggestions as a to whom is a good sewing instructor let me know please! good luck with your dream.
withheartsandflowers
Very belated congrats, Leanne. I was holding my breathe for weeks . . . hoping that real talent would out. And, Lordy, it did. Who could have imagined an extremely popular sewing show? I thought all sewing was done late at night in someone's basement! And no matter what Heidi says, at my house, "home sewing" means doing it well. I started at age 16 in MY basement and I'm still doing IT, though IT is now done in the guest room upstairs.
Anyway, nice to see Leanne whip out her flaming creativity and pierce all those designers' hearts. Love the bloody mess she left in the Project Runway studio.
HouseHoldWords
LondonParticulars
Well done! I would love to know what Leanne is doing now!
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