J JS Lee autumn/winter 2016 collection catwalk show for LFW

In a mess of cameras and a mob of stylish individuals, Jackie Lee stuns with her new collection from her eponymous label. A native of Seoul, Korea, Lee seems to be making great strides in the London fashion scene since launching her label in 2010 after graduating from Central Saint Martins.

Lee cites her inspiration as a celebration of “women’s empowerment and independence” with a “Victorian influence” that mirrors confidence and authority. Not only were her designs a reinvention of the 19^th century, but also a reinterpretation of classic menswear. Though this isn’t exactly a revelation in the fashion world, Lee’s boldness in restructuring masculine tailoring to form an elegant and wearable product is applauded.

Lee used masculine templates such as trousers and two-piece skirt suits to create an authoritative aesthetic, featuring belted cinched waists and voluminous skirts to highlight a feminine silhouette. This contrast depicted a sense of strength and confidence that referenced the late 1880s and also resonates with the modern woman.

The collection displayed a Victorian colour palette with mustard yellow and deep scarlet, contrasted with monochrome houndstooth. Among the A-line dresses were coats of frayed patterned yarns in a tartan style. The frayed edges and fringed necklines offered a more edgy alternative to the elegant cropped jumpsuits, capes and overcoats.

According to Lee, the J. JS Lee woman reinforces “resilience, strength, and empowerment”. Needless to say her autumn/winter2016 collection achieves those traits as well as some more: the J. JS Lee woman is also modern, versatile, and sophisticated.

Dominique Perrett
Photos: Krisztian Pinter