Hubbry Logo
The MisshapesThe MisshapesMain
Open search
The Misshapes
Community hub
The Misshapes
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
The Misshapes
The Misshapes
The Misshapes
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Misshapes are a New York City-based DJ duo composed of DJs Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol. Previously the group consisted of Leigh Lezark, Geordon Nicol and Greg Krelenstein.

Key Information

Group history

[edit]
Leigh Lezark in 2008

Night club years, 2003–2008

[edit]

Leigh Lezark met Geordon Nicol and Greg Krelenstein at college, and in 2003 they formed The Misshapes. Beginning in 2004, the trio cultivated a large following when they brought the "Misshapes Dance Party" to downtown New York City. The name was taken from the title of a Pulp song, "Mis-Shapes."[1] The party was first hosted at the apartment of Leigh Lezark on Eleventh Street in New York City.[2] The night moved to the bar Luke & Leroy's,[3] where Geordon and Leigh had to lie about their ages as well as falsify resumes to obtain access to the space at the time.[citation needed]

Group's career

[edit]

With the help of Gawker, the party's popularity grew.[citation needed] In 2005, following a performance by Madonna and Stuart Price, Misshapes experienced continued capacity issues and the party was moved to SoHo club, Don Hill's.[citation needed] At its new location, the event, as well as the DJs, enjoyed growing success. Downtown it-kids and celebrities partied together. Creative DIY-style flyers were created and sent around. A big part of the Misshapes party was its accompanying website, Misshapes.com. Weekly photos of the party were posted on that website, as well as portraits taken against a white wall.[4]

DJs and Live performers included: Agyness Deyn, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Cassie, Chromeo, Cory Kennedy, David Byrne, Dash Snow, Dev Hynes, The Drums, Felix da Housecat, Franz Ferdinand, Gareth Pugh, Gemma Ward, The Gossip, Hedi Slimane, Henry Holland, The Horrors, Hot Hot Heat, Interpol, James Iha, Jarvis Cocker, Jeremy Scott, Junior Sanchez, Junior Senior, Kelis, Kelly Osbourne, The Killers, Klaxons, Lady Sovereign, Ladytron, Lady Miss Kier, Le Tigre, Lily Donaldson, M.I.A, Madonna, MSTRKRFT, Nan Golden, Patrick Wolf, Peaches, Pharrell Williams, The Rapture, Rilo Kiley, Rufus Wainwright, Selma Blair, Sienna Miller, Siouxsie Sioux, The Sounds, Steve Aoki, The Strokes, These New Puritans, Uffie, The Virgins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Yoko Ono.[citation needed]

After a 5-year run, the trio decided to discontinue Misshapes as a weekly party, but continued to produce special Misshapes events in new locations.[citation needed]

Book

[edit]

The Misshapes also expanded into publishing with the release of their eponymous stylebook. The book contains almost 300 pages of fashion portraits and over 2,500 images with photography by Julian Gilbert, Karl Lagerfeld, Leigh Lezark, Nick Haymes, Miguel Villalobos, Patrick McMullan, Ryan McGinley, Ryan Pfluger, Scott Meriam and Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner. The book's introduction is written by "Vogue" magazine and Vogue.com editor Sally Singer and additional text by writer Legs McNeil, and Pulp frontman, Jarvis Cocker.[5]

Other DJing

[edit]

In 2008, the Misshapes began doing shows for Henry Holland. Since then the Misshapes have also DJed for Adidas, Calvin Klein, Costello Tagliapietra, Cynthia Rowley, Diesel Black Gold, Diesel Outlet, Jeremy Scott, Karl Lagerfeld, Rachel Zoe, Sophia Kokosalaki, Tory Burch, Viktor & Rolf, Zac Posen.[citation needed]

The Misshapes have also collaborated with brands like Chanel, Harry Winston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Moet & Chandon, Sotheby' and Visionaire to soundtrack installations in galleries, museums, public places and art centers.[citation needed]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Misshapes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Misshapes are a New York City-based DJ duo composed of Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol, renowned for pioneering the "" nightlife scene through their influential weekly dance parties in the mid-2000s. Originally formed as a trio in early 2004 with promoter Greg Krelenstein following a New Year’s Eve , the group hosted events at shuttered West Village bars and later at Don Hill’s in SoHo, blending diverse music genres, fashion, and an inclusive, hedonistic atmosphere that drew a global following of artists, models, and celebrities including , , and . The parties, which ran consistently from 2004 until 2008, emphasized unpredictability and community, with guest DJs ranging from singers to designers, and became a cultural touchstone for hipster and LGBTQ+ scenes in downtown . Their website, MisShapes.com, revolutionized documentation by sharing photos that amassed millions of monthly views, fostering a virtual global community and amplifying their reach beyond New York. This digital , combined with high-profile appearances, propelled the collective into international DJ gigs for brands like and , as well as sound design for fashion shows by designers such as and . In 2007, The Misshapes released a 228-page photography book chronicling their events, introduced by a Vogue editor, which captured the raw energy of their gatherings and solidified their influence on youth culture and style. After Krelenstein's departure, Lezark and Nicol continued as a duo, expanding into film scoring—such as the 2015 documentary Time to Choose—and occasional pop-up events like Pride benefits and Halloween parties, while maintaining their reputation for eclectic sets blending disco, house, and indie sounds. Their legacy endures as a defining force in early-2000s nightlife, inspiring revivals of the "indie sleaze" aesthetic in contemporary fashion and music.

Background

Formation

The Misshapes were formed in early 2004 by Leigh Lezark, Geordon Nicol, and Greg Krelenstein, who first met in fall 2001 in . The group originated from a New Year’s Eve at the end of 2003, amid the burgeoning early-2000s indie scene, seeking to address a lack of satisfying options that aligned with their interests in music and self-expression. The group's name was inspired by the Pulp song "Mis-Shapes" from the British band's 1995 album , which celebrates misfits and alternative identities—a theme that resonated with the founders' vision. From the outset, The Misshapes focused on creating inclusive dance parties that blended , fashion, and alternative culture, fostering a welcoming space for diverse crowds in a city dominated by more exclusive club scenes. In their early experimentation, the members emphasized music selection centered on non-mainstream tracks, drawing heavily from emerging New York acts such as and to capture the raw energy of the underground indie movement. This approach not only defined their sound but also positioned the group as tastemakers in a cultural landscape shifting toward accessible, genre-blurring nightlife.

Members

The Misshapes currently consist of DJs Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol, who have been performing as a duo since the late 2000s. Leigh Lezark, born July 26, 1984, in , is a model and DJ known for her strong ties to the industry, including collaborations with brands like and appearances in Vogue. Growing up as the daughter of a fiberglass plant manager and a craftsperson, Lezark developed an early interest in , frequenting gay bars and venues like with a fake ID at age 14 before moving to New York City's after high school to study at . Within the group, she handled and curation, contributing to the aesthetic and guest lists that defined their events. Geordon Nicol, a DJ and specializing in , complements Lezark as the other current member, with expertise in music production and mixing for shows and events. Born in suburban , , Nicol experienced a turbulent youth marked by his parents' divorce at age 4, child acting gigs in commercials and TV, running away to at 14, and relocating to New York at 16 amid struggles with substance use; he briefly returned to in 2002 before fully committing to the city's scene. In The Misshapes, Nicol focused on production and technical aspects, including overseeing the group's online presence as an early and . The original trio included co-founder Greg Krelenstein, a former DJ who left the group around 2008 to pursue opportunities in fashion and creative direction. Born and raised in , New Jersey, to a dentist father and homemaker mother, Krelenstein attended and interned at a publicity firm before entering . Early in the group's , he managed event and leveraged his professional network to draw high-profile attendees. Post-Misshapes, Krelenstein served as Editorial Director at the fashion agency Starworks Group for over a decade, later co-founding the creative studio GK-LD in 2019, where he continues as Global Content & Creative Officer. Lezark, Nicol, and Krelenstein met in the fall of 2001 at , a Britpop-themed party in , bonding over shared frustrations with the local and a mutual passion for indie music; they soon became roommates and launched their collaborative efforts.

Nightclub Era

The MisShapes Parties

The Misshapes Dance Party began as an informal gathering in the early , with the first official event held in early 2004 following a New Year’s Eve precursor in the founders' apartment in , marking the start of what would become a defining fixture in downtown . Initially inspired by a desire to create a space for fun amid a lack of appealing venues, the party quickly evolved from these intimate beginnings into a weekly series that drew a dedicated crowd of young creatives. In 2003, the event relocated to Luke & Leroy, a former on Seventh Avenue South in the , where it gained traction among hipster and scenes for its energetic atmosphere and eclectic selection. As attendance grew and the venue struggled with overcrowding and logistical issues like air conditioning failures, following a in late 2005, the party moved in 2005 to the larger space at Don Hill's in , allowing for expanded crowds and additional features such as a basement subparty and a dedicated photo room. The weekly nights from 2004 to 2008 emphasized inclusivity, attracting a mix of locals, celebrities, and industry figures without a strict door policy, fostering a sense of community in New York's evolving club landscape. The parties became known for high-profile attendees and performers, including , who made an appearance in 2005, as well as during their early rise, and guests like , , and . Coverage from influential blogs like amplified their visibility, turning the events into a media phenomenon that documented the era's indie and fashion crossover through the group's website, which amassed millions of monthly hits. After a five-year run, the weekly Misshapes parties concluded on September 8, 2007, at Don Hill's, coinciding with the launch of a 228-page photo book chronicling the series' highlights, though occasional events continued into 2008. This final event capped a period of consistent growth, having transformed from apartment gatherings to a cornerstone of mid-2000s New York .

Cultural Impact

The Misshapes played a pivotal role in shaping the "" aesthetic of mid-2000s , blending sounds with downtown fashion and a gritty urban vibe that defined hipster culture. Their weekly parties featured eclectic mixes of punk, new wave, , and electronic music, attracting a stylish crowd that embraced thrift-store finds, skinny jeans, and staples, creating an authentic, expressive style that influenced global trends in alternative nightlife. Media coverage highlighted their status as tastemakers, with a 2006 New York Times article describing the long lines and star-studded attendance at their Don Hill's events during , underscoring their position as a cultural hotspot for , and fashion insiders. Blogs like frequently featured and critiqued photos from the parties, amplifying their visibility and compiling them into the 2007 book Misshapes, which further cemented their influence on emerging artists and scenesters. The parties served as safe spaces for misfits, drawing from the group's name—inspired by Pulp's 1995 song "Mis-Shapes," a rallying cry for outsiders—and fostering diversity in music tastes and attendee demographics, including editors, models, musicians, and creatives who felt free to express themselves in an open, inclusive environment. Their events had ripple effects on the broader scene, inspiring similar music-driven parties across New York and providing early exposure that helped launch careers of indie bands by integrating their sounds into a vibrant community of raw creativity and debauchery.

Career Evolution

Transition to Duo

Following the conclusion of their iconic weekly parties at Don Hill's in 2008, The Misshapes faced the need to redefine their role in New York City's nightlife landscape, transitioning from comprehensive event production to focused DJ performances. This period of evolution included a key lineup change, as Krelenstein departed the trio after 2008 to focus on his career in communications at Starworks Group, where he worked from May 2005 until , eventually becoming director. Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol continued as a duo, adapting to the challenges of scaling back from the operational intensity of weekly hosting—such as venue coordination and crowd curation—to more agile, performance-centric engagements that highlighted their curated DJ sets. The shift reduced logistical burdens while preserving the group's aesthetic and influence, enabling Lezark and Nicol to pursue selective gigs that sustained The Misshapes' in and circles.

Commercial DJing

Following their residencies, The Misshapes transitioned into professional DJing for major starting in 2008, including performances for events. They also provided soundtracks and DJ sets for high- occasions, such as Chanel runway shows under . This commercial work expanded their reach beyond New York nightlife, blending their eclectic style with brand-specific atmospheres. The duo's high-profile gigs included DJ sets at Coachella after-parties, such as the 2013 Filter Yacht Club event featuring performances alongside acts like St. Lucia and Penguin Prison. In 2018, they headlined First Fridays at the Institute of Contemporary Art in during , drawing crowds with their energetic mixes during the museum's extended hours. Their international tours encompassed fashion weeks and events across and , solidifying their global presence as sought-after DJs for luxury and lifestyle activations. Geordon Nicol contributed significantly to production efforts, handling for numerous shows and events, which complemented the duo's live . Their sets typically fused , electronic beats, and pop elements, creating immersive experiences that echoed the diverse sounds from their early party origins. The duo has continued performing at -related events into the 2020s, including launches for brands like Veronica Beard and as of 2024.

Publications and Media

Misshapes Book

The Misshapes book, formally titled Misshapes, was released in September 2007 by powerHouse Books as a stylebook documenting the group's influence. Spanning 176 pages, it contains over 2,000 images that serve as a visual chronicle of party attendees, , and intersecting music culture in downtown from 2002 to 2007. The ISBN is 978-1-57687-381-6. Featured photographers include , of the , , and Scott Meriam, among others, whose contributions capture candid portraits of punk rockers, artists, musicians, DJs, and celebrities posed against white studio backdrops or in party settings. The book includes an introduction by Vogue editor Sally Singer, alongside text contributions from punk journalist and Pulp frontman , providing contextual essays on the evolving aesthetics of the era's club scene. These elements highlight the Misshapes parties as hubs for creative cross-pollination, with images depicting eclectic crowds in bold, experimental styles that blurred lines between subcultures. Upon release, Misshapes was celebrated for offering an intimate snapshot of nightlife and its fashion-forward ethos, earning praise for its impact on the style world: "It is on the fashion world the MisShapes have the most impact…" The book was distributed through major retailers including Amazon and independent booksellers like Dashwood Books.

Other Appearances

The Misshapes have been featured in various media outlets reflecting on their influence in nightlife and music production. In a 2024 W Magazine interview, members Leigh Lezark, Geordon Nicol, and Greg Krelenstein discussed the origins of their parties, collaborations with artists like Madonna, and the resurgence of "indie sleaze" aesthetics. A 2017 Dazed article covered their return to hosting parties in New York, such as the summer series "Linda," highlighting efforts to revive the city's club scene after a period of dormancy. Additionally, a 2016 Interview Magazine profile explored their transition into sound design and production, noting how Nicol and Lezark expanded beyond DJing into creative audio work. Lezark appeared on the cover of ' 2006 album Dying to Say This to You, posing alongside friend Alexis Page in a style that captured the era's vibe. The group's online presence includes their account (@themisshapes), which has approximately 76,000 followers as of 2025 and has shared event photography and archival images from the onward. In fashion circles, The Misshapes provided DJ sets for events such as Christian Siriano's 2012 concept store launch in New York. They also hosted a 2018 Halloween party documented through Polaroid photography, featuring costumes from attendees including Jeremy Scott and Alexa Chung. In 2025, they provided a DJ set for Veronica Beard's Iconic NY launch event.

Legacy

Influence on Nightlife

The Misshapes pioneered inclusive, genre-blending parties in the mid-2000s that emphasized a welcoming atmosphere for diverse crowds, mixing , , electro, and to create an authentic experience that later influenced the "" revival of the 2010s and . Their events at venues like Don Hill's in drew a broad spectrum of attendees, from emerging artists to celebrities, fostering a that contrasted with more exclusive club scenes of the era. This approach to curation highlighted DJs as cultural tastemakers, blending music with visual that resonated beyond the dance floor. Their impact extended to the fashion-music crossover, where they elevated DJing as a form of artistic direction, collaborating on soundtracks for runway shows and after-parties that integrated post-new-wave styles with contemporary trends. By attracting models, designers, and musicians—such as playing tracks from up-and-coming post-punk revival bands like Bloc Party and Arcade Fire—the Misshapes helped bridge nightlife with high fashion, inspiring a generation of events where music selection shaped cultural narratives. This synergy contributed to the hipster subculture's rise, positioning their parties as a central hub for the ironic, retro-infused aesthetic that defined 2000s New York. The group's global reach transformed local NYC parties into a model for international , with their online photo-sharing and DJ residencies in cities like , , and disseminating the "" vibe worldwide. Their website, which garnered 10 million monthly hits by 2007, allowed fans from to to virtually participate, inspiring similar genre-blending scenes in and beyond through replicated and event formats. This digital extension democratized , turning the Misshapes into a for inclusive, media-savvy parties that influenced urban clubbing from 's beachfront venues to European fashion hubs. Critically, the Misshapes are recognized in accounts of New York nightlife as pivotal to the post-punk revival and the emergence of hipster , channeling post-9/11 energy into fashion-forward gatherings that marked a shift from excess to more introspective, style-driven revelry. Historians of the era cite their weekly events as "ur-hipster" milestones, blending kitschy retro elements with forward-thinking music to sustain the vitality of scenes amid economic and social changes. Their enduring legacy lies in this foundational role, as evidenced by ongoing nods to their authenticity in discussions of nightlife's evolution.

Recent Activities

In 2017, The Misshapes staged a comeback with a series of weekly parties in New York, aiming to revive the raw, inclusive energy of their original mid-2000s events amid a perceived decline in the city's club scene. By 2024, Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol reflected on the group's enduring influence in a W Magazine interview, tying their legacy to the resurgence of "indie sleaze"—a term encapsulating the era's authentic, unpolished aesthetic of thrift-store fashion, underground music, and hedonistic nightlife. They emphasized how the Misshapes parties served as a cultural hub for emerging artists and scenesters, fostering connections that shaped modern fashion and music trends. The duo maintains an active schedule of performances, managed through DGI Management, with bookings for events including fashion launches and festivals. In September 2025, they DJed Veronica Beard's Icons Party at Corner Bistro in New York, blending nostalgic tracks with contemporary vibes to evoke early-2000s reunions. On October 24, 2025, they provided music for the Mick Rock VIP celebration in New York, featuring a night of glam and glitter with additional performers. As of November 2025, The Misshapes remain an active duo, having operated in this configuration since , with their official serving as a hub for archival photos, event highlights, and booking inquiries.

References

  1. https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/the-misshapes-parties-leigh-lezark-geordon-nicol-greg-krelenstein-interview
  2. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/36428/1/the-return-of-the-misshapes-new-york-nightlife
  3. https://nymag.com/nightlife/features/37244/
  4. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/the-misshapes-time-to-choose
  5. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/leigh-lezark.html
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/07/fashion/greg-krelenstein-reads-fashions-crystal-ball.html
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-krelenstein-b89071a1
  8. https://www.whatscontemporarynow.com/episode/casting-contemporaries-crafting-culture-the-makings-of-greg-krelenstein
  9. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/remembering-don-hill
  10. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/misshapes-raide/
  11. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/misshapes-is-ov/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/arts/music/31club.html
  13. https://vagazine.com/the-indie-sleaze-resurgence-a-dive-into-early-2000s-culture-and-its-modern-revival/
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/14/fashion/cool-at-least-for-a-few-minutes.html
  15. http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2015/10/book_notes_alex_19.html
  16. https://www.talkhouse.com/was-this-it/
  17. https://www.pvh.com/news/press-releases/Calvin-Klein-Inc-Hosted-MultiBrand-Event-in-Singapore-to-Celebrate-the-Companys-Expanding-Presence-i
  18. https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/filters-annual-coachella-pre-parties-2013-6318375/
  19. https://worldredeye.com/2018/12/first-fridays-ica-miami-ft-misshapes/
  20. https://cfda.com/news/words-with-fashion-friends-leigh-lezark-geordon-nicol/
  21. https://www.instagram.com/themisshapes/?hl=en
  22. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Misshapes/dp/1576873811
  23. https://www.abebooks.com/9781576873816/Misshapes-Geordon-Nicol-1576873811/plp
  24. https://www.mississauga.com/things-to-do/the-book-on-the-rich-and-famous/article_a60ddb02-31a3-5c80-a094-17288a42408d.html
  25. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/tags/misshapes/
  26. https://www.dashwoodbooks.com/pages/books/29534/jarvis-cocker-geordon-nicol-legs-mcneil-sally-singer-texts/misshapes
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/arts/10miss.html
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/1281602-The-Sounds-Dying-To-Say-This-To-You
  29. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fashions-night-out-solange-talks-stylish-album-more-music-475230/
  30. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/the-best-costumes-from-the-misshapes-halloween-party-on-polaroid-film
  31. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOb8Ze9AeZp/
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/13/t-magazine/nyc-downtown-nightlife-party-scene.html
  33. https://themisshapes.com/
  34. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/veronica-beard-icons-party-2025
  35. https://www.facebook.com/therealmickrock/posts/it-was-a-night-of-glam-and-glitter-in-nyc-the-vip-celebration-for-mick-rocks-roc/1403295104485585/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.