Dion Lee

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.