All of us in menswear are shocked and saddened to learn of Lee Leonard’s passing on Saturday, December 31 at his home in Manhattan. Lee was very much loved by so many in the industry, a friend to both retailers and suppliers. He was a key part of the DLS triumvirate that helped build so many businesses and launch so many careers. He had just turned 74 and had been dealing with heart-related issues.
Those who knew him best describe Lee as an amazingly sweet and multi-talented man: an actor, photographer, dancer, teacher, and tour guide, outspoken and energetic on the outside, kind and caring within. Those who had the good fortune to travel with him to Italy often returned with some outrageous tales, for this was a guy who knew how to have fun!

Miami retailer Jose Bolado got to know Lee from a trip to Naples. “He was a true Renaissance man: artistic and fun-loving, he loved to dance, loved people, loved life. I missed him when he departed to South Korea and was so happy when he returned. Will miss you always Lee; rest in peace.”
Says Gary Lowy, “Lee was always in the market, visiting, observing, offering advice, and sharing his take on evolving fashion. Everyone loved his posts about travel, food, fashion, and people. He will be missed.”
From Pennsylvania merchant Brian Cohen, “It’s been a pleasure and an honor to get to know Lee over the past two decades. One of my favorite things about him was the way he’d start off our DLS meetings, asking, ‘Can I have a loud ‘GOOD MORNING?’ And if he wasn’t satisfied with the group’s response, he’d ask again: ‘Can I have a loud ‘GOOD MORNING?’ He was always enthusiastic, something I will really miss.”
Florida retailer Craig DeLongy agrees. “Lee was soft-spoken except when handed the mic at DLS meetings, then he was like a carnival barker. Over the years, I got to enjoy Lee at many trade shows. When we were at Pitti in Florence, I named him Leonardo; when we were in Charlotte, I called him Billy Lee. Always the first to jump on the dance floor to cut a rug, God help the female sales rep who happened to be standing close by…”
David Chaney describes Lee as “always the gentleman. Actually, he was a WILD MAN, and much fun to be around.” “The market will be much quieter without his laughter…” Marc and Vinny of Marc N Vinny predict.
Lee’s DLS partners Fred and Virginia are planning a ‘celebration of life’ memorial service in NYC after the January/February menswear shows; anyone with ideas please advise. To read more tributes to our industry friend Lee Leonard, see MR’s February print issue.