London Fashion Week: J JS Lee

In my mind there are two universal truths when it comes to London Fashion Week – it will rain and J JS Lee will be the best show. With umbrella in hand and expectations running high therefore, it was off to the BFC Courtyard Show Space at Somerset House to watch London Fashion Week’s A/W14 collection open with Jackie Lee’s effortlessly chic style.

With minimal makeup and Butter London nude nails giving just a hint of what was to come with houndstooth tips, the catwalk cover gave way to a lesson in standout coats and slouchy knits. There were certainly no first day nerves here from the Seoul-born, London-based designer.

For A/W14 it was actually all about camping – something that Lee had hinted to when I caught up with her a few weeks prior to the show to discuss her excitement at returning to LFW.

‘London is so focused on young talent and presents very exciting creative challenges, it supports and showcases young emerging designers and I feel London is the best city to see what is fresh and new,’ she said.

‘I had a very instinctive feeling for A/W14. I wanted to go camping and felt inspired by nature. I had a longing although never did it, to retreat to a cabin in a beautiful forest with my dog and be inspired within my own world and sanctuary to get spiritual healing and inspiration,’ she added.

Creating the perfect collection to escape the elements outside, Lee paired chunky knits and heavy dark wool skirts, with ankle-grazing brushed mohair coats thrown over for good measure.

Rolled necks and slouchy two-tone knits also warmed us up for the new season, while cute co-ords continued – from boxy tops, skirts to oversized clutches – in classic winter checks. Back to the houndstooth and Lee turned to tire prints to toughen things up too, delivering a covetable collection of silk crepe tops, jacquard jersey and laser cut details.

With another offering like this surely J JS Lee must be an ivory brogue in for this year’s LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize. We certainly hope so!

London Fashion Week A/W14 runs from Friday 14 to Tuesday 18 February. Stay tuned for coverage.

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