Leighanne Marcum 

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
Collection in three words: Vulnerable. Cathartic. Juxtaposition.

The events of the past year greatly influenced Leighanne Marcum’s collection, UNEASE. Marcum says people are feeling uneasy, vulnerable, and scared because of the pandemic. “People don't know how to feel or what to do as we all adjust to this new world we are living in,” Marcum says. “I am also hoping to pay homage to the Black Lives Matter movement, along with the political difficulties that have cropped up either this year or have been brought to light this year.” Marcum uses sheer organza to bring attention to the beauty of the model’s skin tones and bodies while also allowing them to feel covered and protected by the amount of layers they are wearing. “The juxtaposition of having on so many layers, while those layers are completely sheer help translate my message of feeling vulnerable yet wanting to be seen above all else,” she says. Marcum says they hope people will find a catharsis or be able to identify with the pieces. “I hope that I can turn the ugliest feelings I've had over this very hard year into something very beautiful.”