NYFW: A Spanner In The Works For Dion Lee Spring 2024
With the sharpest tools at his disposal, the Australian
designer is putting the 'work' in workwear
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Part of what has made Dion Lee such a global success across his
tenure in fashion is the designer’s capacity for expanding on his
focused aesthetic. Even with a Spring 2024 collection inspired by construction, the Australian
talent manages to surprise with a dynamic array of interpretations
on the hardware theme—what he refers to as “Industrial
experimentations” in his show notes.
The opening look of a cinched blazer with ring spanner detailing
over a crisp white shirt was a grownup take on the utilitarian
moods we’ve been seeing everywhere—and teased the refinement
Lee
is capable of before laying out the full content of his toolbox.
Next up, cascading wrenches lined the corsetry on a white
button-down bodysuit that was accompanied by tool-belted, leather
thigh boots. Lee’s signature
‘constructed deconstruction’ approach took form in slashed
blazers with multiple pockets, panelled shirting, and workboots
reworked into
corsets to turn functionality on its head. Screwheads were
employed in lieu of studs and buttons, while laminated denim was
Frankenstein’d together for a fresh take on dressed-up denim.
Most looks featured an element of asymmetry, further showcasing
the designer’s knack for making the complicated look effortless.
While an extension cord handbag that plugged into an outlet tab on
the back of pants erred on obvious, the usual severity that often
comes with utilitarian-inspired garments was aptly absent. Crushed
leather brought volume with bubble-hem skirts and tube dresses—a
rare deviation from body-hugging silhouettes that still held that
Lee edge.
Though a notable part of the designer’s appeal is in his
ready-to-wear pieces that have always provided us with the perfect
modern party gear, Lee makes a compelling case with Spring 2024 for
the ways his codes can be endlessly stretched far beyond the club.
And to bring it home, the show capped off with a raucous party
featuring a performance by Ice
Spice—all in a day’s work.
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)
Model on the runway at Dion Lee Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion
Show on September 9, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rodin
Banica/WWD via Getty Images)