We caught up with designer Leah McSweeney recently to find out the latest developments with her Married to the MOB label. A pioneer on the streetwear scene when she started up MOB seven years ago, the label has had it twists and turns, including the recent conclusion of a partnership with an investor and is getting back to its roots, albeit with a second-act heaping does of wisdom. McSweeney = MOB so it’s no surprise that many of the bumps, bruises and joys experienced by the brand over the past few years found a parallel in the young designer’s own life. Compelling, frank, more than slightly intense, not to mention a bit of a lightening rod, this is one female whose next moves we will always look out for and cheer.

HS: A lot has happened in the past year. Can you catch everyone up on Married to the Mob and what happened to your brand? You had investors and now you are no longer partnered with them.

Leah: Legally I can’t get into details. In the long run, the only thing that matters is I got my company back. I have nothing but gratitude toward my ex-partners, they believed in me but we’re two different animals. They’re amazing at what they do with men’s brands and I will say the three years I had funding, it was the best education on the business. I worked side by side with super smart, successful people, but more importantly I learned how to make a garment, and I learned about fabric, production and design. I started out making tee shirts and I didn’t have any experience. When I went into the partnership I was 25 and on top of the world, thinking, this is the easiest thing getting this brand to blow up. I thought it was the be all end all and it was just the beginning.

In the Q&A continued on the next page, find out aobut MOB’s second act, McSweeney’s road to sobriety, favorite collabos, what she has to say about streetwear, the future of “bitch” in MOB designs, and the start of a new label.

The Mob crew is at it again, bringing new looks for Holiday 2011. Standouts are the “Deflower Me” leggings (as modeled above by Sarah McSweeney) and boyfriend sweatpants, plus for sheer fun points (not to mention a great X-mas gift), the “Die Young Stay Pretty” sox. All available for purchase here.

Married to the Mob jumps into the holidays with some just-launched “Deflower Me” leggings. Featuring a vibrant floral motif, there’s an all-over pattern and a black-paneled option (shown above). Made in limited numbers right here in NYC, you can grab them now in the Mob store.

See the all-over version on the next page.

Our buddies at Married to the Mob have just added the Autumn 2011 line to the brand’s store. Offerings include the popular “Milton Glaser” hoddie, brought back from the Autumn 2011 collection. As for credits, that’s Sarah, sister of designer Leah McSweeney, above with the mic in her, err, hand, and on the next page, see a couple of new men’s additions modeled by Kai Perez (son of photographer, Shadi).

While the stills of the look book featured last week were cool, we enjoy even more the backstage footage of Married To The Mob’s Summer  2011 look book with cutie Jasmine Solano.  The footage conveys that fierce and fun New York female spirit that is palpable and effortless. Enjoy!

Married to the Mob headed to Times Square to photograph its Summer 2011 lookbook, which features the muy bonita and talented Jasmine Solano. Head mobstress Leah is in the mix, too, hanging out with the Naked Cowboy no less! Shop the entire collection here.

More images on the next page.

Given that the world of streetwear is the ultimate hostile work environment for women, we’re loving that Married to the Mob (No. 17) and Hellz (No. 20) were listed by The Hundreds’ designer, Bobby Hundreds, in his “The 50 Greatest Streetwear Brands Of All Time” list, compiled for Complex.

Here’s what the article said about MTTM:

Let’s give it up for Married to the Mob, because they were the first true women’s streetwear brand and are still carrying the torch for the ladies. It’s a pretty monumental task considering the Boys Only nature of streetwear, but founder Leah McSweeney has accomplished more with MTTM than most male streetwear labels have in their entire career.

And Hellz:

As far as design goes, Hellz wins first place in the niche women’s streetwear department. Under the auspices of creator Lanie B., the brand follows a contemporary design trajectory, interjecting a street element around her edgy female couture. It’s a little bit punk, a little bit girly, and a whole lotta style—so much so that Hellz truly stands alone in its category. You know what? I take it back. Hellz isn’t just the best-designed women’s streetwear line, it’s one of the best-designed streetwear lines period.

And because of the forementioned anti-female tendencies, we’re not at all shocked–though totally bummed–that Claw Money was left off the list. Her Claw logo is legendary and her credentials are airtight so not sure how that is even possible…..No matter, we see you woman and 100 percent recognize.

Married to the Mob had done a lot of collaborations but the label’s work with Fafi has always been a favorite. There’s a certain ying and yang going on with their combined energies that just works. Made Mob woman, Tabatha, is modeling the tees for this collection, which are on sale now.

See more styles on the next page.

Never-ever shy or demure (and thank god for that), Married to the Mob offers a beach towel that says what’s what.  On the next page, check out the brand’s “Bunny” tote in red, yellow and black. Available for purchase now at the Mob store.

Yes, there’s a million things different, starting with one has a husband who calls prison home, but how many of you have watched the new reality series Mob Wives and felt like Drita D’Avanzo (above left) is designer Leah McSweeney (above right) of Married to the Mob fame in some alternate universe? Not to mention they’re both married to the mob!