Biography

Leo was born and educated in Brockton, Massachusetts, where his parents owned and operated a successful clothing business. He was graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1953. Immediately thereafter, he moved to New York City and obtained a job with the prestigious sportswear firm of Loomtogs.

Leo considers himself extremely fortunate to have promptly come under the direct tutelage of Loomtog’s noted President Arnold Schoenfeld. As he had done with the famed Jeane Campbell, Donald Brooks and John Weitz, who preceded Leo's stint at Loomtags, Schoenfeld not only personally guided Leo in fine tuning his designing skills, but introduced him to the economic and marketing principles that are essential to becoming a practical success in the challenging and ever‑changing garment business.

Shortly after beginning a formal period of apprenticeship with the Anne Fogarty of Loomtog's boutique division, Leo began submitting editorials to women’s magazines. Eventually, his thoughtful and articles were in demand by Women's Wear Daily, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Not surprisingly, as time passed he solidified respect from the entire fashion press, and was regularly hailed as one of America's top five designers.

Thereafter, Leo's accomplishments in the field of fashion design became a legend. Operating upon the precept that "clothes need not be expensive to be good," his name become internationally famous on labals for sportswear, dress collections, loungewear, swirnwear, uniforms, Vogue Patterns, and accessories. Conclusively demonstrating that "the right amount of dramatic touches ‑ paired with simple lines and good fabrics ‑ can effectively function in the world of clothing design," he engendered countless imitators and won numerous awards. Capping his huge collection of accolades is the fashion industry's coveted equivalent of the Hollywood Oscar: The Coty Award.

Currently, Leo lives and works in Massachusetts, where he has created Studio N, a full service design company, specializing in product development for better women' s catalogs and retail stores. This specific line of his work is manufactured by Daggett/Bray Ltd.  Meanwhile, his passion for design and the enhancement of the overall clothing business continues to take on new dimensions. Collaborating with his longtime friend and colleague, Patti Cappalli, Leo and Patti have thoroughly galvanized the concept that “ageless fashion is a reality for the 55+ woman."

Presently, Leo is actively involved as a critic with the Rhode Island school Of Design and the Fashion Merchandising Department of Lasell College. Ever a creative individual, Leo will soon become the host of a unique, locally produced, cable TV show that will focus upon "understanding style."