J. JS Lee spring/summer 2017 collection presentation for LFW

Korean-born and London-based designer J JS Lee opted for a presentation this season, allowing both the fashion crowd and public to be able to view the subtleties and delicate details of her collection.  The key inspiration came from school uniforms, and a gentle rebellious streak among schoolgirls, and J JS Lee seamlessly translated this with her signature subtle touch into a beautiful feminine yet tailored aesthetic. 

Titled School of Thought: The Class of SS17 and described as an installation and presentation hybrid, with filmmaker and photographers Eamonn Freel and Henry Gorse providing the set and music design.  The models walked pausing for a spin around the revolving dance floor and stopping in front of a backdrop of splashes of primary paint box colours to showcase the collection.  Diaphanous tulle, box shouldered overcoats with were worn layered over white shirting school dresses with scalloped black, white and forest green piping, all slightly off-centre and hallucinogenic.   

Skirts were high but hidden under the tulle, as Lee aimed for the transparent layering to echo the individuality of her schoolgirls.  Influenced by sculptor and artist Angela de la Cruz to create an almost dual personality or split to her pieces, she added oversized and faintly hidden, skewed pockets and plackets, asymmetric waists and uneven or mismatched hems to her designs. 

Irregular buttonstands and delicately psychedelic hexagonal 60’s printed dresses in fuchsia, magenta and aqua, injected with shots of aqua and blood red adding assured bold colours to the garments.  Stars were printed on denim.  Matrix-style unpredictable gridlines were printed onto shirting and jumpsuits.  Twisted tulle scrunches and compressions gave an almost bustle-like effect over prim day dresses. 

After graduating from Central Saint Martins prestigious MA degree course, and garnering the famous Harrods Award in 2010, it is clear to see why Lee’s chic and sophisticated designs have continued to garner the attention of buyers and fashionistas alike.  This was another highly covetable and cool collection from this exciting young designer.

Victoria Geaney
Photos: Chris Yates

For further information about J. Js Lee visit here.