Dion Lee takes local fashion to the world

Australian designer Dion Lee was announced as the Australian Regional winner of the International Woolmark Prize last week. Lee was up against Australian designers including Magdalena Velevska, Carl Kapp, Ellery and Song For The Mute for the coveted $50,000 prize.

Awarded for excellence in the use of Australian merino wool, the Woolmark Prize sees designers from the US, India, China, Europe and Australia complete for a $100,000 prize and the opportunity for their labels to be stocked in the international department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols.

Vogue editor Edwina McCann says Dion was chosen because his brand has the whole package. “The judges had to consider who was best placed in terms of the development of their business and creative skills to represent Australia in the final round of competition in London in February 2013.”

The panel of judges for the Australian Regional Competition consisted of Tim Blanks, Donatella Versace, Victoria Beckham and Franca Sozzani.

These images of his work for the competition were photographed by Stephen Ward and modeled by Cassi van den Dungen.