The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitefashion B efore she came to London to complete her Foundation in Arts and Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and then graduated with a First from the same ter- tiary art school with a BA (Honours) in Fashion Design Womenswear, Canadian-born Edeline Lee completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Joint Honours at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Between her studies, she interned at Alexander McQueen and then at Dior under John Galliano. In 2004, she joined Zac Posen at his New York studio, which allowed her to design a dress worn by Britney Spears, Natalie Portman, Naomi Campbell and Jennif- er Lopez and featured on magazine covers. The young Edeline learned to sew at school in Vancouver and de- voured magazines, cover to cover. She was thrilled when Central Saint Martins accepted her application. “Saint Martins was the dream because every designer I admired had gone there,” she told Helena Lee of Harpers Bazaar in May 2022. The London-based designer launched her eponymous label in 2014 and is renowned for her immersive and per- formative shows at London Fashion Week. She designs with the concept of the Future Lady in mind. “Female identity is in flux in our generation: modern women live hectic, collaged lives,” she said. “We can’t automatically subscribe to the possible identities laid out for us histori- cally. Women are more beautiful, powerful, freer, strong- er, aware and capable than at any other time in history.” While she says women still have a way to go before we fulfil our true potential, Edeline asks: How does the Fu- ture Lady dress? What is it to dress with actual power, grace, beauty and dignity in today’s world? The answer may lie in businesspersons like financier Helena Morris- sey and chair of the British Fashion Council and CCO at Farfetch, Stephanie Phair, who wears Lee’s pieces when- ever she has a television appearance. “The women I dress are working hard - they’re on the board of many companies, they have children, they’re public speaking,” Edeline explained. “Demands are so high that creating clothes that function is important. Yes, there’s the fun, fabulous stuff, but I like to find balance with pieces where you can live your life and still look ‘dressed.’” As such, Edeline Lee designs pieces that em- phasise precision cutting, handmade details and femi- nine form. Her pieces are tailored to fit a wide range of body types, and the fabrics resist wrinkling so women can function at a high level in the clothes. “These are pieces designed with a soul, made with quality and meaning, to fit well to lift the best out of you.” Some women of the art world have naturally gravitated towards her aesthetically so- phisticated signature. Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Gemma Chan, Helen Mirren, Cynthia Nixon, Alicia Vikander and Ciara have also worn her designs.