Fashion blogger Leandra Medine is a man repeller. That is, her taste is so good, it goes beyond what simple men can see. Luckily the New York Times sees it, and just published a profile of her and her blog, The Man Repeller.
The paper wrote:
Since April, Ms. Medine, 21, has been publishing photos of herself wearing [man repelling] pieces on her blog, the Man Repeller, as well as shots of similarly challenging recent runway looks: fashions that, though promoted by designers and adored by women, most likely confuse – or worse, repulse – the average straight man. These include turbans, harem pants, jewelry that looks like a torture instrument, jumpsuits, ponchos, furry garments resembling large unidentified animals, boyfriend jeans, clogs and formal sweatpants.
Fashion uncouth gents aside, many are taking notice of Medine’s witty writing and outlandish style. She has even inspired a new fashionista catch phrase that New Yorkers are beginning to spread: “I am totally man-repelling today.” And that’s a good thing. “I was afraid people would think I was mocking fashion,” Medina told the Times, “and it’s like, ‘No, I swear, I’m wearing feathered sleeves as I write this!’ “
Her styles are certainly ones that lesbians can get behind, as we have no desire to attract men, but The Man Repeller is more about loving your own style and building a wardrobe for your own satisfaction. Fashion may not always be considered very feminist, but Medine’s blog is irreverently empowering.
It is also fun. Medine doesn’t take herself or her style too seriously embracing the inanity of clothing as well as admiring it. She has an entire post that is dedicated to holiday gift items that look like female genitalia, ending the post with these parable-esque words of wisdom:
And to the ladies that will receive these gifts, bask in the paradoxical glory of knowing that while you expose your sartorial lady bits for your fellow Repellows to see, embrace, compliment, lust after and swoon … your anatomical lady bits will stay rusty, unused, neglected.
To top it off, she is not only a funny but sexy. In a recent post, she includes pictures of herself attempting some DIY couture, with a skin colored body suit covered in 8 ½ by 11 sheets of paper.
A smart, sassy writer with a great sense of aesthetics Leandra Medine may be making her name as a man repeller, but among women she is prospering.
