Leo Mandella, better known by his Instagram moniker @gullyguyleo, is an individual who knows his clothes and footwear. From spending his teenage years queuing outside Supreme’s Peter Street store every Thursday morning to becoming one of streetwear’s most recognisable baby-faced faces, his taste has been shaped by the culture that defined the golden era of streetwear.
Now, Leo is showcasing his love for Reebok as one of the stars of the brand’s latest campaign celebrating the return of the iconic Workout silhouette. Alongside K-Trap, EastEnders star Laila Morse and UK garage legend MC Bushkin, Leo features in a tongue-in-cheek heist film that pays homage to Reebok’s British heritage and the role the brand has played in UK culture for decades.
We caught up with Leo to talk about everything from his days queuing on Peter Street and becoming a teen streetwear sensation to being involved with Reebok’s latest campaign, his favourite Workout collaborations, and why the brand’s legacy still resonates today.
Hi Leo, how are you doing, and where are you currently?
Yo! I’m good! I’m sat in Barcelona airport, flying back from my debut at Razzmatazz club with Antidoto. Vibes are HIGH.
You’ve probably done this a million times before, but can you explain exactly what you do and how you first got into streetwear/fashion?
So I started posting fit pics around 2016, during the golden era of Supreme, and it quickly became my full time job. I was posted up outside the store in Soho every Thursday, making sure I was the first kid to flick up in the newest drop, and it all spiralled from there… and here we are!
Most people probably know you originally from that 2016 drop era. How far do you think streetwear and your personal style have moved on since then?
I mean, everything evolves, and that’s good. Trends are way quicker to come and go, and there’s always something new.
I wouldn’t say my style has changed dramatically, because I still love a Box Logo and a new Palace drop, but I have learnt new styles. I like wearing suits, loafers, and more formal stuff here and there, which you wouldn’t have caught me in back in those days. But streetwear still has its core values, and that’s important. And the drop day culture is 100% coming back, and I’m gonna be right in the middle of it.
Back then, collaborations seemed like much more of a novelty, but now they’re totally ingrained in the culture. What do you think sets apart a good collab from a bad one?
It’s easy to spot a cash grab collab. When something feels organic, it’s wearable. Take the recent re-release of the Ice Cream Board Flips with Reebok. That felt natural, on time and organic. So I had to grab both pairs!
Speaking of Reebok, did you wear/have any interaction with Reebok when you were growing up?
Of course! They’re a classic. I had this pair of gumsole Club C’s that I would wear with all my brown outfits before I grew out of them.
Are there any other Reebok collaborations over the years that really stand out to you?
Yep! Like I mentioned earlier, the Ice Cream board flips are one of my favourite shoes ever. The colours, the silhouette, the thick lace… they’re perfect. When you see those pics from the 2000s of Pharrell rocking them with his baggy BBC hoodies, they’re iconic. And so is the shoe. The re-release made my year.
Is there a dream Reebok collab for you that hasn’t been done yet?
Ooooh. I’d love to see a tastemaker like Nigo put his spin on a classic silhouette. I reckon it would bang considering his incredible history in footwear.
You’ve spoken before about how you like matching your headwear to your footwear – what’s the ideal cap for pairing with a white pair of Reeboks?
HAS to be a 59fifty. Always. I don’t wear any thing else!
What was your reaction when the opportunity to partner with Reebok first came up?
I was gassed! Especially considering the concept of this campaign. It felt like such an honour to be cast alongside such iconic people. And I loved the role I played. It felt like I’d gone back to my old self in Year 7 outside the chippy in Warwick. So jokes.
How do you view Reebok culturally today? What sort of people & environments do you associate with the brand?
Reebok has and always will be iconic. You can’t talk about iconic culture and not think of a Club C. It’s wearable for everyone, everywhere.
Is there a particular Reebok silhouette that you think deserves more attention than it gets?
Has to be the Board Flip. I know I keep mentioning it, but it’s just the best. I’m gonna wear them tonight.
What would be your go-to Reebok silhouette, and what would you choose to style it with?
For an everyday silhouette, it would be the Workouts. Colour choices for days and an all-round perfect fit. I’d rock them with everything. Suits, tracksuits, jeans… It’s one of those shoes that everything sit perfect on.
Reebok obviously started in Bolton. Do you ever spend much time up North? If so, what do you get up to when you’re here?
Of course! I have a huge friendship group up in Manchester, and my sister lives in Bolton! Manchester especially has some of the best venues to party and play at. The raves are too sick.
You’ve had your own radio show and are evidently into mixing. What is it that you like so much about dance music and DJing?
The way it connects people. We live in a unpredictable world, and when I’m dj’ing or hosting my show, it feels like for that hour or two, or however long I’m playing.. everyone has forgotten about their issues and are tuned into the beats. And that’s amazing. Being able to control a room and make people move with the music I select.. is too sick.
Does your taste in music mirror your taste in clothing – bright, bold, loud?
Definitely! But I do tune it down sometimes, it just depends where/when I’m playing!
Reebok is entrenched in club culture – what do you think makes Reebok so popular for wearing to raves/events/afters?
They’re comfy, clean, and easy to scrub after you ruin them In the dance.
Any favourite tunes to end a set with?
At the moment, my go-to is House of Love – Yamil, Pieces of Life. It’s euphoric, vocal and overall good energy. It closes a set nicely but reminds people the night is young.
Ever ruined any clothing/footwear from attending a music event?
All. The. Time. But it’s worth it!
Gum Sole or Ice Sole?
Have to say Gum sole.
Leather or suede?
Suede!
Workout or Club C?
Club C, if I HAD to choose. But I love a Workout.
Day party or evening event?
Both!! Start at the day party and end at the night event. Seize the day!
Thanks for chatting today Leo!
Find out more about Reebok’s The Give Back campaign at Reebok
