In the spotlight: Edeline Lee Fun, Functional and Fabulous to wear.
Edeline Lee, a British-based fashion designer, is known for her innovative approach that marries functionality with aesthetic beauty. With a reputation for creating timeless pieces that resonate with modern women, she has carved a niche within the fashion industry as a creator of clothing that not only looks good but also serves a purpose. Her designs reflect a deep understanding of the contemporary woman's lifestyle, encapsulating the essence of elegance and practicality. Edeline's work has garnered recognition for its unique blend of structure and softness, making her a formidable presence in the realm of fashion.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of East London, Edeline Lee's studio stands as a testament to the intoxicating blend of creativity and craftsmanship that defines her work. Here, amidst the bustling streets and eclectic energy of the city, Lee has cultivated a sanctuary where innovative designs come to life. As I step into her studio, I am greeted by an atmosphere charged with artistic fervor, and it becomes immediately evident that this is not just a workspace, it's a laboratory of fashion where intricacies are celebrated.
The first thing that catches my eye are the lab-style coats worn by her dedicated staff, each piece a reflection of Lee's vision for practical elegance. These garments exude a sense of sophistication and purpose, setting the tone for a brand that is deeply invested in providing functional yet stylish clothing for women. “Fashion is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating garments that empower women in their daily lives,” Lee emphasises, encapsulating her design philosophy in a single statement.
With her collections gaining prominence on international runways and in prestigious stores worldwide, Edeline Lee has secured her reputation as a rising star in the British fashion landscape. The Sunday Times lauded her as one of “the best emerging designers to watch,” while Vogue remarked on her ability to blend structure with softness, creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.
In our recent interview, Edeline shared insights into her creative process and the importance of sustainability in her work. “I believe that every chosen material should be one we can use season after season,” she explains, underscoring her commitment to fostering a more sustainable fashion culture. Her designs not only prioritise aesthetic appeal but also reflect a deeper understanding of the modern woman’s needs, versatility, comfort, and an effortlessly polished look.
As we navigated through her studio, surrounded by patterns, fabrics, and the gentle hum of sewing machines, it became clear that Edeline's creative process is deeply collaborative. “Fashion is a dialogue,” she notes. “We are always listening to the women we design for, understanding their stories and how we can best serve them.” This approach has enabled her to build a loyal following and to expand her eponymous label, which is now available in high-end retailers such as Harrods; stretching to the Middle East to Harvey Nichols in Dubai and Bloomingdales in Kuwait.
In addition to her ready-to-wear collections, Edeline has recently ventured into children’s wear, a move that showcases her versatility and innovative spirit. Inspired by the multi-generational shopping experiences in her studio, she crafted a line of clothing that is both elegant and practical for young girls. “It’s about creating a sense of joy in dressing for all ages,” she expresses, her enthusiasm evident as she discusses the latest line.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I left the studio with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship that Edeline Lee brings to the fashion industry. With her finger on the pulse of contemporary style and a commitment to creating garments that resonate with real women’s lives, she is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in luxury fashion.
In a world where fast fashion often overshadows artistry, Edeline Lee’s designs stand as a refreshing reminder of the value of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Luxury Endless: Edeline, can you describe the foundational elements of your design philosophy in three words?
Edeline Lee: I would say my designs are structured, decorative, and functional.
Luxury Endless: Speaking of functionality, what materials do you love working with in your collections?
Edeline Lee: I tend to really research my materials because I hope that each one I choose ends up being something we can continue using over time and across seasons. I feel that the priority is for women to build a cohesive wardrobe. Ideally, if they invest in pieces from my brand season after season, everything should work together seamlessly.
Luxury Endless: It seems like timelessness is an integral part of your approach. Do cultural influences shape your designs at all, or do you draw from your own cultural background?
Edeline Lee: Absolutely, I believe it's part of a designer's toolkit to look at cultural influences. We’re constantly aware of what’s happening in the world because we seek to convey how things feel right now or how a woman might want to feel in the upcoming season. That awareness is really important in my process.
Luxury Endless: With so much going on, can you describe what a typical day in your studio looks like?
Edeline Lee: I find that I walk in and the day just doesn’t stop until it’s over. Every day feels like that. As an independent designer, I handle every aspect of the business, which means there's always something that needs attention, alongside what we’re building.
Luxury Endless: Where do you draw your drive from to keep pushing forward every day in this demanding industry?
Edeline Lee: The truth is, fashion is a bit like a marathon. It never really ends. If it weren’t for my love for this work and the craft, it would be very challenging to remain in this industry. Very few can withstand the test of time unless they truly love what they do, especially since there's a new challenge around every corner.
Luxury Endless: London is known as a fashion capital. What advantages do you find in being based here?
Edeline Lee: I love being in London. It’s a truly multicultural and diverse city where people from all backgrounds come together. This constant influx of interesting individuals inspires me, making it a dynamic place to be.
Luxury Endless: Would you see yourself elsewhere if not in London?
Edeline Lee: I travel quite a lot for work, so it's difficult to pinpoint a single location.
Luxury Endless: Speaking of travels, you recently visited Dubai. What were your expectations before your visit?
Edeline Lee: We just launched at Harvey Nichols Dubai, and also in Kuwait at Bloomingdale's. I was excited to visit Dubai after several years, and it was remarkable how much it had changed. I truly enjoyed itit’s like a magical chimera of a city with incredible food and lovely people.
Luxury Endless: Congratulations on your expansion! What do you hope to convey through your designs?
Edeline Lee: I see myself as a designer in service to women. Regardless of where they are in the world, women are always busy—juggling work, family, and myriad responsibilities. I design functional clothes that help them look polished and feel comfortable, allowing them to focus on their daily lives without distraction.
Luxury Endless: You’ve also introduced children’s wear. What inspired that decision?
Edeline Lee: We launched our children's line for Spring/Summer 2025, exclusively at Harrods. During fittings, I loved seeing mothers come in with their daughters and even grandmothers—multiple generations together. This inspired us to create clothes for little girls, which has evolved into a dedicated line featuring occasion wear.
Luxury Endless: What piece of advice has guided you, and what would you like to share with others?
Edeline Lee: An old friend once asked me, “If your life were to end tomorrow, what would you choose now?” This profound question guided me when deciding to pursue fashion school. It’s a reminder that life is finite, and we should strive to live to our fullest potential, hopefully encouraging the women who wear my designs to do the same.
Luxury Endless: Lastly, what are you currently reading or listening to for inspiration?
Edeline Lee: At the moment, I'm consuming a lot of news, which isn’t the easiest. I’m also watching various things just to unwind after long days. I try to limit screen time after work and am currently planning a getaway into nature.
