Gia Mezz founds LEAU amidst pandemic challenges

In 2019, Gia Mezz started her fashion brand LEAU, inspired by her admiration for Chanel No. 5. This venture emerged during a turbulent period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, posing significant challenges for new businesses. Despite her background in fast fashion, Gia expressed frustration with the industry and chose to chart a different course. She self-taught design skills, emphasizing the importance of creating timeless pieces and listening to customer feedback to guide the evolution of her collections. For instance, her designs often come in classic black and white, and they evolve into variations based on customer input. Gia is dedicated to raising awareness about the downsides of fast fashion, conveying a desire for customers to think critically about their purchases and the implications of cheap clothing. She posits that buying inexpensive clothing sacrifices quality and ethical considerations, a message she strives to communicate through her business. While the pandemic made it harder to predict fashion trends, she creatively adapted her approach to remain responsive to customer needs. The brand’s differentiation lies in its commitment to both design innovation and sustainable practices, aiming to cultivate a brand ethos that respects the craftsmanship and integrity often overlooked in fast fashion. As she reflected on her journey, Mezz acknowledged her initial skepticism about establishing her own label, yet she remained determined to pursue her mission. Looking forward, Gia intends to expand LEAU while maintaining a focus on meaningful design and sustainability. She hopes her brand can inspire a deeper appreciation for fashion that lasts, inviting consumers to engage more thoughtfully with their style choices. Her vision encapsulates a broader dialogue about the responsibility of consumers and designers alike in fostering a more sustainable future in fashion.