Published on 12, Jan 2023

Leo Li: a Fashion Journey From Manhattan to Milan

One of Manhattan’s hottest emerging stylists and fashion photographers is 18-year-old college student and influencer, Leo Li, known as @Leojeany across social media. He treats his thousands of followers and fans to inside glimpses of the fashion world: inside exclusive Fashion Week events, luxury designer pop up shops, an insider’s view of the runway, and more.

Born in XinJiang, China, Leo came to the US at the age of 14 and went to high school on the Jersey Shore. Now he takes his signature style to Manhattan’s hottest clubs and cafes, and has become even more of a globe-trotter as he attends fashion weeks around the world. Next on his itinerary: Milan.

“I’m so pleased to be attending exclusive events at Milan Fashion Week,” Leo says. “I have some close friends and associates who will be walking as models on the runway, so I’m going to support them, as well as to network with designers and other stylists and photographers.”

As an influencer, he has created his own brand, Leojeany. He is passionate about fashion, and remembers that he’s always loved designer looks, even from a young age. He recently attended New York Fashion week, rubbing shoulders with big names like Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Lori Harvey, Julia Fox, Chole Bailey, and Dixie D’Amelio. He was photographed by Getty Images on the Rooftop Terrace of Spring Studios in Tribeca for Glam Slam: Session 3, an event celebrating the relationship between tennis and fashion.

“Milan Fashion Week is going to be different,” says Leo. “In New York, the big featured designers were Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Fendi - in Milan, we’re going to be seeing most Italian designers - Marni, Roberto Cavalli, Bulgari. Italy really sets the stage for the rest of the world when it comes to fashion, so I can’t wait to see what the runway reveals.”

New York and Milan are two of the world’s biggest events in the fashion industry. In fact, there are several fashion weeks that are referred to as the “Big Four”: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Every year, these cities host a week-long (approximately) series of fashion events, where a variety of brands (or houses) display their latest collections, presented to both buyers and to the media. These collections influence upcoming trends for the current and forthcoming seasons.

“Milan is one of the Big Four because it has a rich heritage of style, a recognized organization, and is home to some of the world’s most renowned designers,” says Leo. “It’s one of the main fashion capitals of the entire world. What many people don’t realize is that the cute cardigan they spot at the mall has its roots in something seen on a runway in Milan. Colors, cuts, patterns, accessories, makeup trends, and more are all influenced by what we see at Fashion Week.”

Leo is fascinated by fashions from all over the world. He speaks both English and Chinese and is proud of his heritage and his roots. As an influencer and content creator, he represents several notable brands; as a stylish, his work has been seen on New York City runways; and his dream is to see his fashion photographer on the pages of Vogue and Forbes.

“I have big dreams,” he says. “I’m starting young because there’s so much I want to accomplish. You don’t hear of many 18-year-old fashion hopefuls attending Milan Fashion Week - I recognize that I’m incredibly blessed to be on this path. I work very hard and I’m willing to put in the time and energy to make my dreams come true.”

Website: https://leojeany.net/

Instagram:@leoliofficial