Leah McSweeney

Leah McSweeney (born 1982) is an American fashion designer and television personality. She is the founder and CEO of the "Married to the MOB" female streetwear line. McSweeney has been featured in many publications (including Complex, Elle, Essence, Inked, Nylon, Paper, and Vogue) and makes regular contributions on other media platforms.

McSweeney was born and raised in New York City, where she attended Convent of the Sacred Heart on Manhattan's Upper East Side. At age thirteen, she was expelled from Sacred Heart and moved to Newtown, Connecticut with her family. After graduating high school, McSweeney relocated back to New York, where she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology for a brief period.

In 2002, McSweeney was involved with a chance physical altercation with the New York Police Department, where she suffered several injuries. After she won a $75,000 settlement from the ordeal, McSweeney decided to use the funds as an investment in what would become Married to the MOB. With help from her ex-partner, Rob Cristofaro (of Alife,) McSweeney launched her own line of feminine streetwear.

Married to the MOB

Married to the MOB has made several successful collaborations since its initiation. Amongst its first major collaborations featured a Kangol cashmere 'beanie' cap and a KAWS two-piece graphic swimsuit. MOB then collaborated with German accessory brand MCM and French boutique Colette for a limited-edition Reebok lip-print sneaker. 

MOB would later create another limited-edition sneaker with Nike. MOB collaborations have expanded to incorporate unique artists and celebrities-both national and abroad. Some of these have included: French graffiti artist Fafi, Krink, and Jessy "Nite Rider" Kennedy. MOB has also released collections featuring various female rappers including Chanel West Coast, Kid Sister, Lil Debbie), and the Clermont twins.

Married to the MOB clothing has been seen on many celebrities, including Rihanna, Blac Chyna, Ciara, Doutzen Kroes, Fergie, Lady Gaga, Lady Sovereign, Pia Mia, and more.

Reality television

In 2010, McSweeney appeared as a client on an episode on Bravo (US TV channel)'s Millionaire Matchmaker.

Her appearance on the show was well-received by critics and has led to appearances and cameos on other television programs, including VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York.

McSweeney was first speculated to be joining the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City after being seen filming with cast member Tinsley Mortimer in August 2019. She was confirmed to have joined the series during an appearance at Bravo's "BravoCon" fan convention in November 2019. McSweeney was referred to production by former cast member Bethenny Frankel, who left the series after the previous season.

McSweeney has officially signed on for her second season as a full-time cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City. McSweeney held off on renewing her contract until she was offered a higher salary, being paid only $3,000 an episode during her season 12 stint.

Overall, McSweeney has been highly praised by fans and critics for her performance on The Real Housewives of New York City.

Radio

In 2015, McSweeney became a featured recurring star on Shade 45's Lip Service with Angela Yee of Power 105.1. The following year, she began Improper Etiquette with Laura Stylez of Hot 97. On the podcast, McSweeney and Stylez provide candid perspectives and advice on lifestyle and current issues with occasional celebrity interviews.

Leah McSweeney has been a frequent contributor to the online publication Hypebeast, where she offers commentary on wellness, streetwear style, and motherhood. She also writes an advice column for Penthouse (magazine).

On June 27, 2018, McSweeney wrote a controversial article for Penthouse titled Can We Talk About Toxic Femininity? where she criticized #MeToo Movement pioneers Rose McGowan and Asia Argento. McSweeney received wide backlash and harsh judgment for her op-ed piece. Six weeks after McSweeney's article had been published, actor Jimmy Bennettrevealed Argento had statutory-raped him when he was only 17 years old, offering him a bribe of $380,000 to remain silent amidst her #MeToo Movement fame.

McSweeney gave birth to her only child with Cristofaro, daughter Kier Marie, in 2007.