In the ninth instalment of the exclusive Australian Made series, Vince chats with Lee Mathews the founder and designer of forward-thinking fashion house Lee Mathews. At a time of so much uncertainty in the world, the Australian Made series focuses on brilliant people here in Australia, celebrating designing and making local.

For nearly two decades Lee Mathews has been designing a making unique and desirable womenswear which avoided transient fashion trends. Despite sitting outside general convention Lee’s clothes have become widely popular, namely due to their balanced combination of relaxed look and high-quality feel. Now with 4 retail stores and over 60 national stockists Lee Mathews has moved into homeware ranges featuring beautifully crafted soaps and candles, an array of colourful glassware as well as linen bedding as tasteful as her clothes.

Vince and Lee discuss her passion for creativity, screen printing and making clothes at an early age to pay the rent as well as her early career in fashion, from getting a job at vogue with limited qualifications to designing Mambo’s children ware.

The pair go on to dig a little deeper into why early working relationships play an integral role in shaping what you end up doing later on in your career, the importance of following your instincts even though they may not always be right and how working from home has heavily influenced Lee Mathews latest collection.

Enjoy! 

Lee Mathews 

Design Your Life

Frost*collective

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