Leslie Hamel was born in Canada and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design.

Immediately following her graduation she was hired to design wardrobe for Madonna in a series of japanese television commercials for Mitsubishi. One of these designs was chosen for her "You Can Dance" CD cover, and replicated for her figure in the Hollywood Wax Museum.

During this time, she launched her first retail venture, Leslie Hamel Jeans, a line of ultra high end denim that endured tremendous worldwide success.

Concurrently, she worked on Madonna's "Who's That Girl" tour, going on to design for a diverse range of genres and clientele, from major Vegas productions for Suzanne Somers, Rock and Roll tours including David Lee Roth, Ice Skating costumes for Nancy Kerrigan, and pop icons including Barry Manilow.

Leslie Hamel is Executive Vice President and Creative Director of the Suzanne Somers Apparel / Lifestyle brand.