Dreaming of an urban beach, perhaps? Dion Lee’s cool urban summery collection integrated elements of the designer’s New York and Sydney lifestyles with some late Eighties/early Nineties sportswear influences. “We really wanted something that had freshness,” the designer said backstage at what was probably one of his best shows.
For starters, he sent out a great gray knotted asymmetric blazer paired with bike shorts (he also showed a two-sleeved version of the blazer). A group of interesting twisted knits with shadow stitching followed, but the colorful paper-yarn versions in red and sky blue, which resembled towels, were definitely the highlight of the show. “It’s kind of a papery yarn. We’ve been experimenting with knitting different fabrications, so we developed this yarn,” he explained. “It has the weight and the look of a towel and is actually quite soft and spongy.” Elsewhere, twisted shirting pieces were paired with tailored denim numbers; a cool scuba romper was worn under a nylon cape; for a softer, dressier note, Lee sent out beautiful air-brushed, pin-striped pleated dresses.