Based in Chicago, along with doing work in New York City, a brand hand crafted on a single sewing machine by designer, Chad Leon. Specializing in jumpsuits, jackets, bags and high fashion / ready to wear pieces.
The craft started off as something fun, making outfits for the underground club scene in Chicago from 2001-2003. The 'CLEONS' name established in Fall 2005 has grown into a passion that the designer lives and bleeds 17 years later.
Working with Lady Gaga dancer, Ian McKenzie, and various 'America's Next Top Model' models in photo shoots and fashion shows. Published in local, national and international magazines and featured on websites such as 'NBC Chicago' that labeled the, 'CLEONS POP ARt Fashion Show: in 3D' one of Chicago's fashionable events in 2011.
"When you put on one of my pieces, I want you to feel like a different person. I want my brand to take you to a place where it's free from judgment, a place where you can be bold, colorful, edgy and expressive." - CLEONS
CLEONS FASHION SHOWS:
'TEN'.
Summer & Fall 2022 Fashion Show, Presentation & Afterparty.
June 11, 2022.
New York City.
#CLEONS10
'SPECTRUM'.
Spring/Summer 2018 Fashion Show, Presentation & Afterparty.
April 28, 2018.
New York City.
#CLEONSspectrum
'SPACE&RAVE'.
Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Show and Presentation.
September 18, 2015.
Chicago.
#SPACEandRAVE
'bizarreX'.
Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Show.
October 19, 2013.
Chicago.
#bizarreX
'DESTRUCTION'.
Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Show.
September 15, 2012.
New York City.
'POP ARt'.
Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Show.
August 27, 2011.
Chicago.
'BALL'.
Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show.
July 10, 2010.
Chicago.
'VERSUS'.
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Show.
November 7, 2009.
Chicago.
'pt. II'.
Fall/Winter 2009 Fashion Show.
April 25, 2009.
Chicago.
'Trunk Show 2008'.
Fall 2008 Trunk Show.
August 9, 2008.
Chicago.
'Spring/Summer 2008'.
Spring/Summer 2008 Fashion Show.
April 27, 2008.
Chicago.
RESUME:
(OTHER CREDITS: publications, designer collective fashion shows, events, photoshoots)
- Feature in KRAVE Magazine. July 3, 2018 READ MORE
- Buzzfeed: 'Top 10 Style Influencers to follow on Instagram', June 23, 2017 READ MORE
- ICU The Network. New York Fashion Week Party: Sky Room; New York, NY; September 10, 2016
- 'KARMA' Fashion Show: The Highline Loft; New York, NY; June 9, 2016
- Fashion Focus Chicago, "Next Fashion Chicago 2015" Fashion Show (Chicago Fashion Week) Block 37; Chicago, IL; October 7, 2015
- 'Surround Sound of Fashion' Fashion Show: Zhou B Art Center; Chicago, IL; March 28, 2015
- House of MODA's Spring 2015 Fashion Show: Great Hall (Union Station); Chicago, IL; March 6, 2015
- 'Fashion In The City' Fashion Show: Marquette Park Pavilion; September 28, 2014
- Two K Productions, 630 Fashion Show: Hotel Arista; Naperville, IL; September 26, 2014
- Valley Of The Ga (Mega Photo Shoot): Lacuna Lofts; Chicago, IL; April 27, 2014
- MODA: 'MODA In Bloom' Fashion Show: Great Hall (Union Station); Chicago, IL; February 22, 2014
- Uptown Fashion Week (New York Fashion Week): United Palace; New York, NY; February 13, 2014
- EVOLUCION Fashion Show: Columbia College Chicago; Chicago, IL; February 7, 2014
- Surround Sound of Fashion Promo Photoshoot (Designer Collective): Chicago, IL; January 4, 2014; Model: Kanani Andaluz (America's Next Top Model, Cycle 20) and Devin Norwood.
- Featured on webisode, 'What's The Function'. Season 3 Episode 4: "About My Credits" www.whatsthefunction.com. Released November 26, 2013
- Fashion Focus Chicago, "Next Fashion Chicago 2013" Fashion Show (Chicago Fashion Week) Germania Place; Chicago, IL; October 17, 2013
- Industry Standard Fashion Show: Lacuna Lofts/Reverie Gallery; Chicago, IL; September 21, 2013
- Uptown Fashion Week (New York Fashion Week): United Palace; New York, NY; September 12, 2013
- 'Surround Sound of Fashion' Fashion Show: Zhou B Art Center; Chicago, IL; April 20, 2013
- MODA's Spring 2013 Fashion Show: Great Hall (Union Station); Chicago, IL; March 1, 2013
- Fashion Focus Chicago, "Next Fashion Chicago 2012" Fashion Show (Chicago Fashion Week) Germania Place; Chicago, IL; October 16, 2012
- ROC THE RED Fashion Show: Society Art Gallery; Chicago, IL; March 24, 2012
- Spring Into Summer Fashion Show: GRANDBAR; Chicago, IL; March 23, 2012
- MODA's Spring 2012 Fashion Show: Great Hall (Union Station); Chicago, IL; February 24, 2012
- Industry Standard Fashion Show: Art Revolution (600 West Cermak); Chicago, IL; January 22, 2012
- Two CLEONS jackets in Ken Dahl's Music Video: New York City; January 18, 2012
- Featured on NBC Chicago's website for my "CLEONS POP ARt Fashion Show: in 3D" being one of Chicago's Fashionable events in 2011! READ MORE ; NBC Chicago; December 30, 2011
- CLEONS 'Womens POP pARTy' MEGASHOOT: Chicago, IL; November 5, 2011; Photographers Jon Recana, SL8R Photography/Imagery, mnamikphotography, Karl Ray
- Fashion Focus Chicago, "Next Fashion Chicago 2011" Fashion Show (Chicago Fashion Week) Germania Place; Chicago, IL; October 17, 2011
- Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago presents: 2nd annual “Outstanding Business & Fashion Awards" Grossinger City Autoplex; Chicago, IL; September 25, 2011
- The Pink Carpet Fashion Show Vivid Cafe; St. Louis, MO; September 9, 2011
- 31st Annual UIC Fashion Show UIC Forum; Chicago, IL; April 8, 2011
- ROCK THE RED Fashion Show: Britten Loft; Chicago, IL; March 24, 2011
- CLEONS Interview/Campaigns Ads Featured in H.A.S. Magazine: Chicago; March/April Issue 2011
- CLEONS Campaigns Ads Featured in Cinhte Magazine: NC, GA, SC; March/April Issue 2011
- CLEONS Jacket featured on the cover of Coiffure Magazine: Vol.5 March/April 2011 Issue
- Cancer is So Last Year, Fashion for A Cure Fashion Show: Historic Rhode Opera House; Kenosha, WI; February 26, 2011
- CLEONS Campaigns Ads Featured in Cinhte Magazine: NC, GA, SC; December/January Issue 2010/2011
- OverEdged Events Presents, Wonderland: NV Penthouse; Chicago, IL; December 4, 2010
- Necessary Taboos Fashion Show: Creative Lounge; Chicago, IL; November 06, 2010
- CLEONS Feature in Blog by Smith WorldWide: Grand Rapids, MI; November 2, 2010
- CLEONS Hollywood MEGASHOOT: Hollywood, CA; October 23, 2010; Photographer Jon Recana, AD Photography
- CLEONS Chicago MEGASHOOT: Chicago, IL; September 26; Photographer Jon Recana, Ty Kyu
- CLEONS Feature in Suavv Magazine: New York, NY; October Issue 2010
- Malachi Artese Eyewear Collab Photoshoot: Chicago, IL; September 26, 2010; Model: Kayla Ferrel (America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15).
- CLEONS NYC MEGASHOOT: New York City, NY; August 28-30, 2010; Photographers: Corey Ko, Ozkan Balk, Seth London
- Malachi Artese Eyewear Collab Photoshoot: Chicago, IL; August 13, 2010; Photographer, Nuru Kimondo. Makeup by Zee Gustafson
- Lady GaGa & Backup Dancer, Ian McKenzie: Made custom CLEONS jackets for each; Chicago, IL; August 5, 2010
- At Risk Fashion Show: "Fashion Statement": The West Point Auditorium; Chicago, IL; July 31, 2010
- CLEONS Promo Ad in 32 Style Magazine: Chicago, IL; June Issue 2010
- 30th Annual UIC Fashion Show UIC Forum; Chicago, IL; April 9, 2010
- CLEONS Denim Collection Photoshoot: Chicago, IL; March 16, 2010; Photographer, Jon Recana. Makeup, Arie Jones
- CLEONS Collab Photoshoot with Stevie Boi (SB Shades): Chicago, IL; July 25, 2009; Photographer, CLEONS
- CLEONS Photoshoot In L.A.: Los Angeles, CA; June 18, 2009; Photographer, TreyFX
- FIE INK: Cirque2: Columbia College; Chicago, IL; April 17, 2009
- Fashionably Loud Concert/Fashion Show feat. Jim Jones & Bobby Valentino: Premier Entertainment Center; Chicago, IL; March 13, 2009
- Winter Fresh Fashion Show: Olympic Theatre; Cicero, IL; February 21, 2009
- ASJ Worldwide Presents: Rip The Runway Fashion Show Feat. Ed Hardy: DuSable Museum; Chicago, IL; January 24, 2009
- World AIDS Day Fashion Show: Macy's (State St.); Chicago, IL; December 5, 2008
- The Rock Entertainment: Round 3, The All Male Review Fashion Show: DuSable Museum; Chicago, IL; November 29, 2008
- POWER 92 Remix The Runway Fashion Show: DuSable Museum; Chicago, IL; November 28, 2008
- Profound Directive Group Fashion Show: BUZZ The Club; Chicago, IL; October 13, 2008
- Sister 2 Sister Sorority Luncheon Fashion Show: Hilton Hotel; Chicago, IL; September 13, 2008
- CLEONS Fall 08 Trunk Show: Little Black Pearl; Chicago, IL; August 9, 2008
- CLEONS Promo Ad in Bleu Magazine: New York, NY; 2nd Anniversary Issue 2008
- Windy City Black Pride: FASHION Carnivale: Harold Washington Cultural Center; Chicago, IL; July 4, 2008
- EXODOS Magazine Fashion Show: Climax Nightclub; Chicago, IL; May 23, 2008; Designer
- NEWCITY Magazine: www.newcity.com; Chicago, IL; May 8, 2008 Issue; CLEONS HoODiE Featured
- Distinct Entertainment "Delirium" Fashion Show: Chicago State University; Chicago, IL; April 25, 2008; Participant Designer
- 28th Annual UIC Fashion Show "Fashion Statement": UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago); Chicago, IL; April 4, 2008; Participant Designer
- NEWCITY Magazine: www.newcity.com; Chicago, IL; February 7, 2008 Issue; CLEONS garment on cover
- CLEONS Winter '08 Promo Fashion Show (Esh The Singer's B-Day Show): The Mix; Chicago, IL; November 20, 2007; Featured Designer
- OZONE Magazine: www.ozonemag.com; Atlanta, GA; October 2007 Issue; Stylist & Photographer for Model: Patrice
- What's The T: (INTERVIEW); www.whatsthet.com; Atlanta, GA; June 30, 2007; Featured Designer
- "Return To The Runway" Fashion Show: The Sabre Room; Hickory Hills, IL; June 14, 2007
- 2nd Annual Roc-Da-Runway Spring Fashion Show: Chromium Nightclub; Chicago, IL; May 3, 2007
- 2nd Annual St. Baldricks Benefit and Fashion Show: Galleria Marchetti; Chicago, IL; April 27, 2007
- 27th Annual UIC Fashion Show "international ALLURE": UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago); Chicago, IL; April 13, 2007 - April 14, 2007
- Stick & Move Dance Crew and Three-Sixty Crew: Loyola University Chicago; Chicago, IL; March 27, 2007; Custom Designer (B-boy Ensemble)
- The Oprah Winfrey Show (Janet Jackson): Harpo Studios; Chicago, IL; September 7, 2006; Designer: Shirt for dancer* (*Not Janet's)
- Pure Renditionz Dance Group: "Under One Roof": Athenaeum Theatre. Chicago, IL; May 6, 2006; Costume Designer / Dancer