A house, before a brand.
Founded by Rafael Zard in New York, Fora Leonara draws on a life between Sofia, Marbella and the United States.
An eye for detail.
Rafael Zard grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria, where an interest in dressing and cloth began at home.
Clean lines, the feel of a fabric and the way a garment sits became part of how he looked at clothing.
Those early influences remain part of the collection.
Learning through making.
At fourteen, Zard moved to Marbella and enrolled in an international school on the southern coast of Spain.
In Marbella, he began studying garment construction: the roll of a lapel, the drape of wool and the choices behind a well-made shirt.
Working on early designs gave that interest a practical direction.
From Sofia to New York.
A new perspective.
His first year at the University of Miami brought a different setting and new influences.
The contrast between European tailoring and everyday American dress prompted him to think about a wardrobe of his own.
The idea developed around pieces that could move between the everyday and the occasion.
Founded in New York.
After transferring to New York University, Zard began shaping Fora Leonara.
New York brought the idea into focus: tailoring and everyday pieces with an emphasis on fabric, proportion and ease.
The Wall Street Reserve is the debut collection, bringing these influences together in womenswear and menswear.
Designed in New York with production partners in Italy and Turkey, the collection includes tailored separates, linen shirts, knitwear, jumpsuits and evening dresses. Details of each piece can be found on its product page.
Looking ahead.
Alongside the collection, Fora Leonara is exploring Project Sentinel R, a concept for integrating technology into tailoring.
The concept explores integrating technology into a tailored garment, from biometric monitoring to environmental sensing. Sentinel R is in development, is not available for purchase, and its proposed capabilities and timeline may change.
From the heart of Manhattan.
Rafael Zard
Founder, Fora Leonara
THE DEBUT COLLECTION
The Wall Street Reserve
Designed in New York. Made in Italy and Turkey. Explore the collection.
Discover the Collection