Name To KNow
DION LEE Australia’s biggest export after wool is making waves globally
In four short years, Sydney-born Dion Lee has emerged as one of the most innovative designers on the global stage. The Australian debuted only last September in New York (Spring 2014) and already has a fan base amongst actors and supermodels such as Rose Byrne and Jessica Hart. In early 2013, Lee won the
International Woolmark Prize at London Fashion Week, where the judges included Diane von Fürstenberg, Victoria Beckham, and Donatella Versace. It was nothing short of a coup, and helped to spread Lee’s name internationally. His Spring 2014 show in September was applauded for his innovative use of materials—such as bonded leather, neoprene, felt—as well as 3-D printing and strong construction. These have become his trademark. But what really sets Lee apart is the finesse that goes into the making of his clothes, unusual for a designer so
young. His futuristic designs make an observer look twice. “I have always been interested in how things are made, and it is the construction and process of design that I find most stimulating,” he says. While he was interested in fashion, Lee studied acting while growing up. As he explored the performing arts, he realised his real passion lay in design, and he started his label in 2009. Today, at 27, Lee is perhaps Australia’s brightest beacon on the global fashion map. The country has a vibrant fashion scene with many independent labels, but the geography tends to keep local designers detached from the rest of the world. To Lee, this is an advantage. “I think being isolated in Australia really forces a designer to create his or her own perspective,” he reflects. “I believe that what people are
looking for more than ever is authenticity and conviction.” As if to prove him right, Australian megabrand Cue—they won the Prix de Marie Claire Awards for Best Australian Fashion Brand the third time in a row last year—entered into a strategic partnership with Lee last year, acquiring a stake in his company. While Lee will design budget-friendly fashion for Cue, his own brand will remain independent. Globally, Lee has been busy supplying clothes to online
giants like net-a-porter.com, matchesfashion.com, and shopbop.com, and retailing from his own website, dionlee.com. And that’s not all. If you happen to be in Sydney, his flagship store in the Strand Arcade, called SITE01, is a must-visit.
Of his first show in New York, he says it was an energising experience. “There’s such support for new designers and fresh ideas,” he says of that city. With his Spring 2014 showing in the Big Apple, Lee lived up to his promise. We now hope that he
lives up to his other one, of visiting India. He has been trying for three years, but “unfortunately,” he says, “travel outside the fashion calendar has become difficult”. Lee works with suppliers in India developing custom-made textiles, and is hoping
to visit this year. Fingers crossed.