Mandi Kingsbury: The Untold Story of a Life Lived Boldly
The first time I met Mandi Kingsbury, it was 2011 in Dubai Mall, and I didn’t know it then, but this chance meeting would introduce me to one of the most meaningful relationships of my life. Mandi arrived that evening wearing a structured jacket and black boots. Her pixie haircut framed her face in a way that was both sharp and soft. She was pure style, but not in the way most people would think—it wasn’t just about fashion. Mandi’s style was an extension of her, a form of expression that reached beyond clothes and accessories. Her aura was unmistakably artistic. She embodied everything she created.
Our friendship wasn’t the kind that required constant contact. It went much deeper than that. When we met, we laughed, we spoke honestly, and we truly saw each other. Mandi didn’t need to try; she was authentically herself in every moment, carrying a quiet but undeniable strength. A strength I came to lean on when my life shifted dramatically.
In 2017, I found myself facing the unknown—I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was terrified. And in that fear, I called Mandi. She had lived with MS for most of her adult life, and I needed someone who understood the battle ahead. She didn’t give me any grand advice; she just said, “Let’s meet for lunch.” That’s how Mandi was—she dealt with life’s complexities with simplicity. At lunch, as I unraveled my fears, she reached across the table, held my hand, and said something I will never forget: “Dina, you’re a lot more than this… remember that always.” It wasn’t just a line—it was her gift to me, a reminder that I had strength, too.
Mandi & Myself Having Fun While Working!
Mandi’s life was anything but ordinary. Despite her MS, she thrived. She designed for brands like L’Oréal, Ralph Lauren, and Swarovski, and her work appeared in magazines like Vogue Taiwan and Vogue India. But none of those accolades were what defined her. Mandi was a visionary, someone who didn’t let anything—not even a debilitating illness—stop her from creating. Her work was an extension of her creativity, and every piece carried her mark—brave, bold, and unapologetic.
More than just an artist, Mandi was deeply vocal about global crises and social injustices. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind about the world’s most pressing issues, and she stood firmly on the side of what was right. Whether it was a humanitarian cause or a political crisis, Mandi used her voice and platform to advocate for change.
Her relationship with Gerry O’Leary was its own kind of masterpiece. They weren’t just partners in life—they were collaborators in art. Although I never met Gerry in person, I knew him through Mandi, and he knew of me through her too. Seeing them together in pictures, the love they shared was apparent, a love that went beyond words and was lived through the way they created together. When I eventually connected with Gerry after Mandi’s passing, it felt natural. We were bound by the same person who had brought light to both of our lives.
Masterpiece Partners In Life, Mandi & Gerry; Image Source: Gerry O’Leary
In August of this year, Mandi was repatriated to New Zealand after a severe MS relapse left her completely paralyzed. The logistics of moving her back were complex—11 seats on an Emirates flight were needed to accommodate her stretcher and medical team. It was a reflection of both Gerry and her sister Jo’s devotion, ensuring that her final days were spent surrounded by love.
On September 7th, Mandi passed away in New Zealand, with her loved ones by her side. When I heard the news, I was in the US and felt lost. How could someone who had impacted so many of us be gone?
But Mandi was never defined by her physical presence. Her spirit, the same one that offered hope to those who knew her, continues to live in every memory, every piece of art, and every person she touched.
In Her Creative Element; Image Source: Gerry O’Leary
Mandi didn’t hold back in life. Even as her body struggled, she embraced each day fully. She leaves behind more than a career; she leaves behind a legacy of strength, creativity, activism, and love that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
