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Born in Peru and raised in Miami, Florida, Leslie Rojas is a Peruvian-American entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast. With over 15 years of success in the beauty industry, she founded Ex-Boyfriend, a brand that transforms traditionally masculine pieces into stylish, empowering attire for women. Leslie’s deep passion for fashion and social media marketing drives her creativity and boundary-pushing projects. A staunch advocate for women’s rights, her vision for Ex-Boyfriend resonates with modern women who are bold, independent, and unapologetically themselves.
Ex-Boyfriend sells boxer shorts and button-down shirts inspired by the idea of wearing your ex-boyfriend’s clothes, but with a twist. These pieces are designed specifically for women, combining comfort and style to create a new wardrobe staple that feels both familiar and fresh.
@exboyfriend.brand In my pretty girl era💋 #summervibes #outfitinspo #exboyfriend ♬ Pretty Girl Era - LU KALA
Ahead, we caught up with Leslie to learn how she transformed traditionally masculine clothing into chic, feminine pieces, her mission to empower women…and more.
Inspiration behind the brand
I was inspired by the idea of women wearing pajamas and boxers as fashion statements. I saw a unique opportunity to create a brand that not only embraced this trend but also played with the concept of women wearing their ex-boyfriends clothes.
I noticed that there was something inherently powerful about women wearing traditionally masculine pieces. There’s a certain confidence that comes with taking a man’s shirt or boxer shorts and making it your own. The concept of Ex-Boyfriend was born from this idea, to reimagine these traditionally masculine items with a feminine twist. It’s about embracing the duality of our nature, combining the structured, often rigid aspects of menswear with the soft, versatile elements that define women’s fashion.
Empowering women through fashion
Ex-Boyfriend’s designs are all about empowerment through self-expression. By taking pieces that are traditionally seen as masculine and reimagining them for women, we’re sending a message that fashion doesn’t have to adhere to conventional gender norms. Our designs encourage women to step out of the expected and embrace their individuality. Whether it’s through a crisp, oversized button-down shirt or a pair of boxer shorts with a feminine touch, we want women to feel confident, bold, and unapologetically themselves. The message is clear: fashion is a tool for empowerment, and every woman deserves to feel powerful in her own skin.
Transforming masculine pieces
Transforming the classic button-down shirt into something chic and feminine involved a lot of creativity and attention to detail. The process starts with rethinking the fit and silhouette, introducing elements like a cinched waist, cropped length, or exaggerated sleeves that highlight femininity while maintaining the shirt’s original structure. We also play with textures and fabrics, incorporating softer, more luxurious materials that feel comfortable and sophisticated. This approach ensures that our pieces are not just replicas of menswear, but reimagined classics with a distinctly feminine edge.
Style versatility
Button-down shirts are incredibly versatile and can be styled in numerous ways to create different looks. One of my favorite styling tips is to play with proportion, like pairing an oversized button-down with fitted high-waisted trousers or a mini skirt can create a balanced, chic look. You can also experiment with knotting the shirt at the waist, rolling up the sleeves, or even wearing it off-the-shoulder for a more relaxed, feminine vibe. Accessories like statement belts or layered jewelry can also transform the look from basic to bold, making the shirt uniquely yours.
Cultural shift in fashion
Ex-Boyfriend fits perfectly into the current cultural shift towards gender-neutral and unisex styles. We’re redefining fashion norms by offering designs that blur the lines between masculine and feminine, creating pieces that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of gender. Our brand plays a role in this movement by challenging the traditional expectations of what men’s and women’s fashion should be. We believe that clothing should be about self-expression, not confined by gender labels.
