Project Runway's Melissa Fleis Is Taking Leather Jacket Orders

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

It's almost summer in San Francisco, so you're probably dreaming about a new leather jacket to keep you warm as the chilly fog rolls in. If you're looking for something more unique than the ubiquitous motorcycle jacket, Melissa Fleis can help.

The Project Runway Season 10 finalist who calls San Francisco home showed her latest outerwear collection last weekend at NWBLK in the Mission. Her fans from the TV show won't be disappointed: The collection is filled with the types of edgy leather jackets and vests that made her a PR favorite.

Grid View

Expand

Fleis is taking orders for custom leather jackets, but bespoke outerwear isn't cheap. Vests in her new collection run between $1395 and $2400, while jackets range from $1850 to $2600. Still, when you consider that you get to pick the cut and leather that you want for your hand-finished jacket, it may be worth the splurge.

If you're ready to order your own Melissa Fleis original, the designer will be back at the NWBLK on Tuesday, May 28 from 4 to 7 pm for fittings. Or, if you're not quite ready to take the four-figure plunge with one of her leather designs, check out Fleis's leather clutches or her jersey tanks and dresses. Consider it a local way to get your Project Runway fix between seasons.
— by Robyn Hagan Cain
· Melissa Fleis [Official Site]
· NWBLK [Official Site]