
Soon after the turn of the century, Charles and Margaret Forster arrived in New York from their native Vienna, bringing with them a refined European sensibility and a passion for fine linens. During their travels throughout Europe, they immersed themselves in the world of textiles, discovering where the finest fabrics were made and forging relationships with the most skilled artisans.
In 1910, they opened their first shop on West 57th Street, setting the tone for the elegance and sophistication that would come to define Léron, and in 1931, Léron opened its flagship store at 745 Fifth Avenue—a prestigious address the brand would proudly call home for the next 60
years.
Among their earliest and most enduring collaborations were with the hand embroiderers of Madeira, whose intricate needlework became a hallmark of the Léron style that remain today.
Following the passing of his mother in 1949, Norman Forster transformed the business his parents had founded into a true luxury brand—an enduring institution. Over the next five decades, he worked closely with master artisans around the globe, continually introducing fresh, inspired designs that reflected the changing world.
In 2001, David Forster became the third generation to lead the family business. Then, in August 2025, the tradition continued as Steve Sellery—great-grandson of Charles and Margaret Forster—became the fourth generation to guide Léron into its next chapter.