DION LEE TAKES AN ‘ORGANIC APPROACH’ AT MBFWA

With a fresh collection filled to the brim with modern updates of wardrobe essentials, Dion Lee’s highly anticipated Line II runway at MBFWA exceeded expectations.

Slightly less structured than Dion Lee’s mainline, the Line II runway was styled with a somewhat ‘organic’ approach. Semi-wet look hair reflected the fluidity in the collection, while a Japanese inspired topknot drew on Dion’s use of structuralism. Dewy faces felt appropriate for a fresh, crisp showing in a light filled warehouse space.

Opening silhouettes were slouchy, still structured in their design but worn layered for a slightly grungier look. Tight ribbed sweaters provided a more feminine and  perhaps 90s influenced contrast to wrapped mid-length skirts and slouchy wide leg pants. We worked our way through ceruleans to jet blacks, all worked back with crisp whites.

Denim played a key role, giving a somewhat industrial and androgynous feel to the collection. A clean white jacket with acid wash lapels and blue denim sleeves and peplum detailing becomes a hero piece this season, adding several points of difference to a tried and tested wardrobe staple. The ‘underside’ of denim becomes an enviable texture, its powdery hue worn next to bright whites for added impact.

Pale denim works through to a powder blue story with more boxy blazers, slouchy trousers and wrap skirts coming to the forefront. A midi dress with a plunging neckline takes on a slip-dress silhouette, while subtle underbust cutouts amp up the femininity and sex appeal of the collection and pay homage to the signature cutouts of Dion’s mainline.

Preppy cropped sweaters are worn beneath both a black leather biker and a longline parka, again combining elements of femininity and sexuality with an industrial influence. A black wrap dress, overtly feminine in its use of draped silk and plunging neckline, still maintains an air of nonchalance while styled with flat sandals. A crisp white shirt is given a Dion Lee update, paired back with a layered wrap skirt over pants combo.

We moved into a more daring colour palette, as reds and blues clashed like fire and ice. This splash of colour closed the collection, leaving a lasting impression and cementing Dion Lee’s Line II SS14/15 as the work of a true design maven.

Images by Wanda Chin and Matthew Raabus