Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch winners are four and already you have been introduced to three of them: Shao Yen, Phoebe English and Malene Oddershede Bach and finally last but not least, today we would like to introduce you to Alice lee duo.
Design duo, Alice Lee received international recognition starting in 2002 when they were awarded NewGen for three consecutive seasons and gained Browns, Harrods and Barneys New York as stockists. This followed Alice’s completion of the MA Fashion Knitwear course at Central Saint Martins and different collaborations with Giles and Hardy Amies Couture. The label was put on hold whist the couple raised their family, to re-launch again last season at Vauxhall Fashion Scout. Alice Lee’ gorgeous knitwear collections feature intricately handcrafted, modern pieces with a couture aesthetic.
Enjoy their 60 seconds interview with Vauxhall Fashion Scout:
VFS: What were your feelings and thoughts when you knew you were announced as Vauxhall Fashion Scout´s Ones To Watch MEN winner?
AL: We were so excited and thrilled to be chosen.
VFS: How are you celebrating?
AL: No celebrating as of yet we have too much to do.
VFS: Did you always wanted a career in fashion? When did you decide this was your field?
Alice- I was always sewing something from an early age, and I was inspired by my mom who was a fashion designer. I loved dressing up and used to make a lot of my own clothes, but I didnt know I would be a knitwear designer till I discovered it at Chelsea art school.
Lee- It was a bit of a last minute decision, at the end of the foundation course I changed from graphics to fashion, then I went home and cut up the family tent and made it in to jackets. I only stayed at college for a very short time.
VFS: Do you carry a notebook around with you to jot down ideas? If not how do you process ideas?
Lee - i have a sketch book i draw in
Alice - i dont carry a note book, i work everything out mathematically in a diagram, and then on the knitting machine and mannequin
VFS: If you weren't a fashion designer, what would you do?
Lee- Art or music.
Alice- archeologist, or chef
VFS: Where are your favorite spots in London?
AL: Richmond park and Hampstead Heath
VFS: What do you admire most about the fashion industry?
AL: The passion and creative energy
VFS: Where would you like to see your brand in the future?
AL: In some great stockiest worldwide, and worn by inspirational people
VFS: Now on month to go... how are you feeling towards September?
AL: Cant wait to see our collection on the catwalk !!
VFS: Tell us a bit about your SS12 collection.
AL: Intricate knitted stitches embellished and rendered with leather, highly textured, complex hand work, within a structured silhouette.