Dion Lee Puts Models to Work
Images Courtesy: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
In Dion Lee’s SS24 collection, showcased on September 9th at NYFW, Lee took it literally when he wanted to put his models to work. Dion Lee, the Australian-American designer behind his brand, has been in the game for 14 years, giving fashion lovers and fans a utility-inspired collection. His usual brand always understood that fashion is art, and he delivers this idea every season. The probable inspiration? Contractor in a dystopian society. Monochromatic looks and a perfectly exaggerated concoction of fabrics blur the lines between minimalism and maximalism.
Meticulous design is nothing new to Lee; past collections demonstrate his expertise in the world of abstract art. The collection includes stunning monochromatic outfits in a limited color palette. Cobalt blue, cherry red, and mustard yellows can be found among the usual shades of grey. However, the use of bright primary colors isn’t what makes this collection eye-catching. His architectural construction of the clothes is impossible to ignore. Almost as if the models were meant to look like they participated in the literal construction of the clothes. The warehouse-esque runway makes the focal point stay on the models and the clothes.
While the theme seems to be construction-based, many of the looks feature deconstructed elements. A bright blue-on-blue denim look has a cap sleeve top that looks like it had its pockets ripped off. The top shows a distinct discoloration on the chest area. Another example of this is exposed fabric edges, which can be found on several of the 48 total looks.
It wouldn’t be a construction theme without tools, and they seem to be the accessory to own, according to Dion Lee. Probably the most notable look from the show has to be the crisp white button-down collared bodysuit. The bodysuit had six wrenches on the abdomen, doing a job no wrench had had before. In corsets, the molds that give the piece its structure are called steel bones, or plastic bones, as both as still used today. The wrench accentuated the waist in the same way, while also providing three pleats on each side. The untraditional sculpting of these pieces combined with the traditional tailoring is Lee’s signature.
Another notable look is where the model turned an industrial-grade cable into an accessory. In a muted yellow look, the outfit seemed normal at first. It was just a ribbed tube top with a pair of glossy cargo pants. But as the model walked away, you could see that the cable was plugged into the pants. This quirky idea shows commitment to the theme without overdoing the tool metaphor. Shoes had their moment too, as belt-buckle heels and thigh-highs with pockets for anything your heart desires.
Cargos, white takes, and heavy outerwear bring a masculine vibe to the collection, which works well with the androgynous models. There was a comfy athleisure feel to several looks as well. To challenge the masculinity of the theme, lots of lace and free-form gowns also make an appearance towards the end of the show. Slip silk tops with lace outlines and draped details gave a flattering figure to models. Corsets and garters looked beautiful on actress Hari Nef, seen on Barbie and The Idol. The ultra-feminine pieces emulated elegance.
As the fashion girlies await to spring and summer seasons to come around, Dion Lee’s collection will be the brand to want for fashion and functionality.
Strike Out,
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret
Boca Raton
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret is the Senior Editor and Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca Raton. When she isn’t writing, this Cancer enjoys listening to music, reading, doing some retail therapy, & eating pasta. You can reach her on Instagram @emilyfiorini, or at emilyfiorinic@gmail.com
