Resort 2019 / Runway

With this concept in mind, Creative Director Lee and newly appointed Head Designer Natalia Grzybowski began with a grounding palette of creams and clays, punctuated with pops of mint, orange and blue. These colours appear across a hybrid of natural textiles and zero-waste fabrics - from organic cottons to a coated zero-waste Italian linen and ethically sourced silks. 

Silhouettes revolve around fluidity and represent the curves of nature; sheer Summer dresses sweep the ground with river-like tiers and blooming sleeves shoot like flowers from shift dresses. At times a nod to artist due Christo and Jeanne-Claude appears in gowns that roped and wrapped, don't look dissimilar to the artist's well known landscapes. 

This human-nature theme deepened to explore more sustainable practises across the brand, and has resulted in Lee Mathews' most sustainable collection to date. Whilst continuing a signature use in natural textiles (biodegradable and organic) Lee Mathews is working with fabrics from mills at the forefront of waste, energy and water reduction. One discovery was EcoNyl, a material produced in an infinite loop system, crafted from rescued nylon and discarded fishing nets. This has led to a debut Swim Capsule of 5 timeless styles. 

Collectively, these precise compositions represent the vision and hope of change in the fashion industry, one where the environment is no longer an absent factor in the manufacturing process. 

Lee Mathews is striving to grow & change; challenging the team to act more responsibly, produce more thoughtfully and continue to create beautiful clothing that can be passed on to future generations. 

Our MBFWA Show Partners share both our aesthetic and ethos

Our official make-up partner is Guerlain - a brand who has had a strong sustainability program in place for over a decade - provided our runway look under the direction of makeup artist Claire Thompson. Thompson worked with Guerlain's iconic customisable lipstick Rouge G, using one universal shade to create a look that is sun-kissed, French style stain and and nod to the 90's natural beauty. 

"We worked with the incredible texture of the Guerlain Rouge G lipstick to create a stain in the centre of the lips, blending out. I then worked the colour across the cheeks and bridge of the nose for a healthy glow" - Claire Thompson for Guerlain. 

Our official hair partner De Lorenzo, under the direction of Alan White, envisioned a woman that was immersed in nature, working with each model's hair texture and creating a windswept, romantic look. 

"I'm thrilled to partner with De Lorenzo ahead of Lee Mathews' Resort showcase. The collection oozes natural beauty with soft lines and takes influences from nature. The De Lorenzo Elements range mirrors those natural instincts and will assist with creating elegant moment as the models walk the show" - Alan White for De Lorenzo

Our footwear has been provided by Alex Moore from Prince + Pauper, a company who provides employment for men and women in the Korogocho slum of Kenya, and created her beautiful sandals by up-cycling trees, glass bottles and found objects. 

Show Partners

Guerlain 

Makeup Director: Claire Thompson @ Company1

guerlain.com  |  @guerlain

De Lorenzo 

Hair Director: Alan White @ MAP Agency

delorenzo.com.au  |  @delorenzo_haircare

Mud Australia 

With thanks to Shelly & Tess

mudaustralia.com  |  @mudaustralia

Prince + Pauper 

With thanks to Alex Moore 

princeandpaupercollection.com  |  @princepaupercollection

Show Credits 

Makeup Direction by Claire Thompson for Guerlain

Hair Direction by Alan White for De Lorenzo

Casting by Neill Seeto for IMA Casting

Set Design by Benjamin Fountain of Ghostflwr

Production by Nikki & The Event Group

Jewellery by Fay Andrada

Music by Rohan Bell-Towers