VEER NYC is a Brooklyn-based fashion company run by two women, Jenny McClary (left) and Allie Leepson (right), that pulls from a variety of designers to curate a collection of androgynous-style clothing. They are launching officially in September just in time for Fashion Week and were nice enough to sit down with Angie and myself to discuss the creation of this exciting company.
The idea for Jenny and Allie initially began at Milk Bar in Prospect Heights. They were equally frustrated by not being able to find clothing that fit well and was exclusive of gender. It was from this conversation that the idea for VEER NYC was born. The name says it all – a place where women who veer away from traditional standards of fashion can come and find well-fitting clothes that may have been once catered solely to men. They seek to “take sexuality out of style” in a positive and progressive way.
Angie asked them how they felt about the word ‘tomboy’ and if this description pertained to VEER NYC. They explained that the company is not marketed with this label because the word seems solely youth-oriented and exclusive. Drawing on the history of the word, they want to avoid the notion that women are doing something wrong. Instead, VEER NYC desires to make androgyny an attainable and inclusive norm.
In order to find items to add to their collection they venture out to trade shows and showrooms, trying on different styles. They balance each other well since Jenny prefers a harder look and Allie the contrary. This is complementary to the company because they create a varied collection that offers something for everyone within the spectrum of androgyny.
An important goal for VEER NYC is to inspire individuals to branch out and feel confident in what they wear. Not only do they inspire potential customers, but also the brands they pull from. Their experience has been positive. They explained that some designers were initially unaware of the growing desire for unisex options, but after working with VEER NYC some companies became excited and ultimately decided to include more unisex items in their collections.
VEER NYC will launch their website at midnight on September 4th to kick off Fashion Week. In the meantime come to The Dalloway in Soho on August 25th for Posture’s Black Tie Fundraising Event where you’ll catch a sneak preview during our fashion show.
For now, they will have an international online presence but have plans to open up a brick and mortar store in Manhattan and produce in-house designs. We can’t wait to watch them grow!
Visit their website to subscribe for updates: veernyc.com
Related article: Rad Hourani’s Unisex Couture Collection
