May 17, 2016 |
It’s a whirlwind tour we’re to undertake at Dion Lee’s studio in the lead up to his Australian Fashion Week Presentation. But Dion Lee isn’t at his studio. He’s at a prep space in Waterloo, a lifetime away, a tiring Uber conversation away. Sorry, Alan. You were a really lovely guy; we just hadn’t hit our sixth coffee yet, and before that we’re not quite human. We arrive. Late. No surprises there. A couple of models languish on a bench outside the door. We enter, expecting frenetic action — orders barked, hands waving, palpable tension, assistants crying. But there’s nothing of the sort. Dion and Caterina Scardino, super-stylist, have everything under control. They’re fucking surgeons; they conduct the room with such efficacy and precision. That chord? Too long. Snip. Done. So decisive. That fringe? On the face. Much better. Decision made. That look? “It’s great. Shoot it.” What’s needed from the shops? Double-sided tape. Done. Someone’s on it. Considering the states of chaos and confusion we constantly find ourselves in, we’re completely in awe of them. As a behind-the-scenes photographer flits about shooting their divine dance, Dion and Cat fit three models in as long as it took us to decide to order poached eggs on toast this morning. They’re ten looks into a total of 28. Powering through. But — oh no. Where’s that next look? As it turns out, we’ve been sitting on it this whole time. Oops. We seize the opportunity to quiz Dion and Cat. How long have they been working together? Three years. Why does it work? “Connective energy,” says Cat. “And we have a LOL,” adds Dion. “We support each other.” “Yep.” “We love each other.” “And we dance really well together.” “We definitely have a LOL.” Finish each other’s sentences, even? “No,” says Cat. “More try to beat one another to the punch line.” And how many coffees in are we? Just two? And you’ve been up since what time, Dion? 5am? What a psychopath. Back to that garment yours truly has been sitting on. It’s a sight to behold, alright. Real special stuff. We’d love to say more, but we’ve been sworn to secrecy. It’s no easy garment to sport, though — we can say that much. It requires the perfect model: a powerful woman of the utmost poise. She’s here. [redacted] takes up the mantle. Dion asks: “Do you accept the challenge?” “I’ll eat a big breakfast,” she says. He nods. “Do you mind taking a walk, my dear?” She does, and she nails it. Total pro. She’s photographed, and they’re onto the next look, and we slip out the door so they can get on with it.
Text by Zac Bayly
