The Philosophy of Functional Ravewear

For MI Leggett, the creative force behind the New York City-based label Official Rebrand, the true test of a garment lies in its performance on the dance floor. “If it’s not working at a rave, it’s not really going to work in everyday life,” Leggett explains. Their design philosophy centers on the idea that high-energy nightlife requires clothing that is as functional as it is expressive. A bag that looks stylish but fails to secure your belongings during a long-endurance night of dancing is, in Leggett’s view, a failure of design.

Leggett’s approach to sustainability goes beyond the use of recycled materials. By upcycling surplus items—ranging from corporate promotional swag to discarded country music merchandise—the brand creates pieces designed for versatility. Their latest collection, palimpsest, exemplifies this by blending prep and office aesthetics with the adventurous spirit of club culture, proving that a wardrobe can be both sustainable and seamlessly adaptable to any environment, from the library to the club.

Community and Creative Roots

Leggett’s journey into fashion was deeply influenced by their time in Berlin, where they first engaged with queer nightlife. This experience remains a cornerstone of their creative practice. Today, Leggett is a vital figure in New York’s electronic scene, frequently collaborating with the Queer Nightlife Community Center (QNCC). This partnership provides not only a space for creation but also a platform to support queer and trans artists.

“Nightlife has always been a core inspiration and test kitchen for my work,” Leggett notes. “It was a crucial part of me discovering my queer identity.” This commitment to community is reflected in their work for the QNCC, where they produce one-of-a-kind, upcycled merchandise for the center’s events. By transforming discarded materials into wearable art, Leggett continues to push the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can achieve.

I think that we’re all our best versions of ourselves when we’re expressing ourselves and presenting ourselves the way that makes us feel the most like ourselves. —MI LEGGETT

As Leggett continues to build roots in Ridgewood, Queens, their focus remains on versatility and the power of self-expression. Whether it is through chemical dye removal on discarded textiles or hand-screen printing on leather, their goal is clear: to take what the world discards and turn it into something people love.