Dion Lee’s Bionic Woman
PHOTOS: FRANK SUN.
When the first few models emerged onto to the runway wearing Dion Lee’s Spring/Summer ’16 collection at Milk Studios on Saturday, it was clear that the Australian designer’s understanding of motion and technical construction would be juxtaposed with a primitive and uninhibited aesthetic. The materials he utilized—buttery suedes, linen gauze, opaque silks, and peekaboo lace—emphasized his sensually sporty, asymmetrical, and relaxed silhouettes, which were rounded out with an abundance of neutral tones.
“This collection started with the idea of something that felt very raw and earthy and organic, looking at the texture of skin and this idea of internal and external layers,” Lee told us backstage after the show. “The idea that the clothes can breathe, like air moving through the clothes, and creating woven structures that allowed movement.”
Another highlight, aside from the garments themselves, were the minimalist face pieces created by Australian accessories brand Sarah & Sebastian to accompany each look. Slender silver pieces were placed directly in the middle of models’ faces, transforming them into soft bionic creatures.
“The idea was to create something that played with your perspective in a way, a highlight and a contour, but also this idea that every girl was unique,” Lee said regarding the jewelry. “It created a beautiful trace.”
