Leon Klaassen Bos has been designing clothes all his life. Winning a national fashion design competition gave him the opportunity to start his own clothing line at the age of 19. After studying at the couture academy in Amsterdam and an internship with couturier Frank Govers, he went deeper into couture. In the mid-1990s Leon worked for several fashion houses in Paris, including Yves Saint Laurent. On his return to Amsterdam he started his own couture label: Atelier LeonLeon. Considered an expert in couture craftmanship, he started in 2014 with masterclasses at the Master Tailor Institute in Amsterdam to teach experienced tailors the sophistication skills needed for couture excellence. In 2017, Leon became the creative director of LeonLeon, a sister company that creates customized made to measure for men and women.
High quality materials are the base of the sensuality of LeonLeon. Most of the materials are ultra-soft and amazing to feel. Imagine smooth silks or light alpaca wools, bouncy viscose or buttersoft leathers. The experience of touch is becoming more important in an increasingly digital world and it adds an extra allure to the garments. While designing, Leon imagines how to create the perfect balance between thecharacter of the material and the architecture of the design to assure a look that is naturally elegant and effortless.
photography by John Armstrong
One of the stapels of LeonLeon is draping and moulage, techniques mostly used in couture to create forms directly on the mannequin. This sensual way of working fabrics is like a 3-dimensional dialogue between the material and the body. The result is very seductive รกnd comfortable design for a contemporary glamour.
In 2012 Leon designed a LED light dress for the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. His goal was to enchant tech-lovers and fashionistas, combining esthetics with technical innovation. The dress was inspired by the architecture of the museum: a ship coming out of the water. 2000 LED lights were embroidered into the design, directed by a small computer and powered by an innovative battery. The dress was the show piece of the exhibition ‘Smart Technology’. This futuristic design became famous as one of the leading wearable LED fashions in the world.
“Sophisticated seduction has always been my primary inspiration”, says Leon. “As a boy I remember watching the glamorous allure of movie stars in the old Hollywood movies. These ultra-feminine women and virile men wore clothes that were designed to cause a magnetic charm for any viewer. When I sketch, I visualize that powerful glamour by accentuating the lines and movement of the body. It has a sensuality that attracts, and instills self-confidence. In my career I have seen trends come and go, but nothing is more above trends than the need to be loved. It’s the ultimate classic. Others can’t help but be seduced by that magical energy you radiate when you look and feel your best. Through the years, I’ve heard wonderful stories from my clients who feel my message. It’s very humbling. That is why seduction is still my main inspiration. It is living love, or loving life,” he says with a twinkling smile, “you take your pick… ”
Embroidery is an intricate part of the LeonLeon couture collection. Crystals, feathers, sequins but also semiprecious materials are used to create gowns that breathe artistry, craftsmanship but foremost un unparalleled glamour. These embroideries sparkle like a fairy tale with every movement. Even though couture dresses are made for the happy few, these creations hold the magic of fashion many can enjoy... and dream about.
LeonLeon is presenting the new collections in it’s own salon in Amsterdam. The inspiration for these shows are the private viewings the couture clients enjoyed at the couture houses in 20th century. Every model is told to present the designs in slow pace, to give the clients the time to see ånd touch the garments. Leon is reacting with this slow-show concept to a world that is experienced increasingly via social media in fast pace. During the show the models smile, reach out and interact with the guests, while Leon tells about the garments that are shown. To hear their background, the inspiration and the anecdotes gives the clothes an extra dimension to the message of LeonLeon. This approach to showing has surprised and sometimes even shocked the guests as the event touched them on an emotional and sensual level. The primary goal is to experience fashion on a human level again by inspiration and sensuality.