London Fashion Week review - J.JS Lee: A fresh take on summer staples

J.JS Lee spring/summer 2015

The shoulders of a young designer are pretty heavily weighted, so to add to that load the pressure of opening the proceedings of the new season can be a big ask.

But it’s a challenge that Jackie Lee seems to relish, and her collection for spring/summer 13 showed a polish and professionalism that was impressive.

There was a sense of refined elegance to the opening looks of navy silk tailoring, which skimmed the body rather than clinging. Long and lean, detail came thanks to crisp folds and flashes of lime and mandarin – soft rather than citrus sharp, and without the residual burn that acid colours can bring.

An abstract floral print created a sense of femininity which due to a juxtaposition of clean lines and graphic angles steered clear of fustiness.

There was a sporty sense to the collection, not least thanks to the use of pleats which flowed from dropped waisted dresses or were twisted, wrapped and strapped around tennis-like skirts.

Lee’s fresh take on summer staples may not have been ground-breaking, but as a palette cleanser to lead on to the next season it was perfectly judged.

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