Dion Lee: Dual Metamorphosis

At times it must seem to Dion Lee like he is balancing the weight of the entire Australian fashion industry, and at 24 that’s quite a load to bear. But while his star may be ascending swiftly, the attention to detail has not been compromised. Inspired by the construction of clothing, traditional tailoring techniques are cleverly morphed with experimental treatments, resulting in cutting-edge garments that are also highly functional – working women seek out the designer’s sharp jackets just as discerning party girls clamber for his inventive cocktail frocks.
It is a duality that seems to inform every aspect of Lee’s work – modern verses classic, structured verses fluid, understated verses arresting – and the reason why the excitement continues to build around this promising talent. The pressure doesn’t look like lifting any time soon but, luckily, the statuesque designer has broad shoulders.
Vogue Australia first profiled Lee back in March 2009 and just 12 months later one of his slick creations was gracing the magazine’s March 2010 cover, worn by model Abbey Lee. 
Showing his sixth collection at 2010’s Australian Fashion Week, press, buyers and fellow designers all turned to the L’Oreal Fashion Festival Design Award winner, eager for him to prove his debut solo show of the year before was indeed the start of something big. Not that the Sydney Institute of Technology graduate took much notice, instead rising above the hype to deliver a concise, considered collection of innovative womenswear. The industry exhaled, and local and international buyers alike took note with major players Net-A-Porter.com and David Jones placing orders.
Lee put his sartorial stamp on the world map in July 2012 when he was awarded the International Woolmark Prize for the Australian region.