Australian Fashion Designer, Dion Lee

Since graduating from the Sydney Institute of Technology less than a decade ago, Dion Lee has managed to to establish himself as one of the most sought after fashion designers in Australia.

Dion Lee, 32, was born in Sydney and starting creating clothing at a young age. He attended the Sydney Institute of Technology and graduated in 2009, immediately after graduating he began working on his self titled label. Two pieces from Lee's graduate collection were selected to be shown in the Powerhouse Museum's 2008 "Student Fashion Exhibition". This opportunity to show his work earned him a "Westfield Fashion Graduate of the Year Award" and an invitation to show his graduate collection at the next Fashion Week.

In Lee's first fashion show in 2009, he won the "Prix de Marie Claire" award for best up-and-coming designer.

In 2010, Lee was the first designer to stage a runway presentation at the Sydney Opera House. Lee cites the Opera House as being one of his fondest memories as a child and a giant source of inspiration for his designs. In May, he announced that he would be designing a new collection of Opera House uniforms for more than 600 employees. This line will include uniforms for front-of-house, box office and tour guide staff. The process is expected to take a year to complete and is part of the Opera House's renewal project.

Lee has described his lines aesthetic as "technical with an intelligent sensuality". Dion Lee is sold globally in over 60 retailers and has six stores in Australia. In the past year Lee has moved to New York and established his design studio here as well. Once he is settled in New York he hopes to expand his line and begin designing products and furniture.

By Kristen Catalano