“The Man Repeller” is the name of an archly funny blog by Leandra Medine, a fashion writer in her early 20s. Ms. Medine makes a joke of preferring fashion choices that she asserts are deliberately unattractive to heterosexual men. Trademarks of the Man Repeller include non-shape conforming favorites such as the baggy harem pant, large shoulder pads which obscure the female form, and jewelry that looks like it should be a part of someone’s weapons locker. She likes to wear garishly clashing items in segments she calls “print blocking.”
In an account of her new popularity in the New York Times, Ms. Medine is recognized for the strength of her feminist desire to dress for the entertainment of herself and her friends, rather than the pleasure of men alone. She has been criticized by some for the expensive nature of many of the labels she favors, but to her credit, her blog will give any aspiring fashionista a thorough education.
So what labels do you need to become a Man Repeller? Here are just a few favored by Leandra Medine:
- Eleven Objects: A maker of elaborate detachable collars.
- Anarchy Street: A purveyor of all kinds of items, of which Ms. Medine favors their crocheted tank tops.
- Proenza Schouler: A house that makes very unique shoes and clutches.
- Rag and Bone: A group that is well-known for its amorphous and very long skirts and dresses.
- Marni: Another source of unusual shoes, particularly wedges.
- Alexander Wang: A maker of very long and sometimes diaphanous dresses.
- Amanda Uprichard: Maker of blouses, including a brightly-colored floral top favored by Ms. Medine.
