When it was announced in May of 2024 that Dion Lee was placed into involuntary administration. I was shocked. It felt like an Australian fashion trailblazer was snatched away.
Looking in it seemed that everything was perfect. A strong US customer base, the opening of a Miami store in 2023 with a NYC flagship in the works alongside multiple Australian retail destinations. Not to mention showing his Fall 2024 collection in Shanghai a month prior to the news. It wasn’t perfect. As I like many came to terms with the news, the sad realisation that no new collections were to come and his extremely unique pieces were no longer accessible via an online store or retail space became a reality.
But now, a year and a half later HÆLO has emerged as Lee’s new project. It is Lee’s creative direction and is designed to expand his aesthetic into a softer and more sensual territory.
HÆLO debut collection blends the angelic with the gothic. The juxtaposition of lace and corsetry with sharp tailoring, leather and sculptural silhouettes feels very much like what we associated with Dion Lee. However, there is a sense of rebirth and sensual minimalism that wasn’t prominent within Dion Lee particularly towards the last few collections.
The focus with the launch is to be a direct to consumer label. Emphasis is of course placed on elevated fabrication, precise construction and European materials and manufacturing. Which makes sense as Lee now resides in Paris. Its aim is to blend the contemporary and designer categories seeing craftsmanship driven pieces at a more accessible entry point.
Speaking about pricing, it is on a similar price point to Dion Lee. But an aspect that is effecting the price as an Australian is that HÆLO is being sold on haelo.world with exclusive retail distribution through Revolve and FWRD. All which are in USD and with the current exchange rate is seeing pieces that are reasonable sky rocket in price once the currency is converted. A basic tank retailing for USD$119 is AUD$201.
But as a devotee of Lee, if the quality and fit matches or exceeds that of my Dion Lee pieces I will most likely be parting with my money.
Most importantly it is an exciting thought to see what is install for HÆLO. Along with the direction in which Lee takes it and the pieces that will be released in coming collections. I’ll be waiting in anticipation to place HÆLO beside my Dion Lee pieces in my wardrobe. A combining of two chapters of a designers career – the past and the present.
HÆLO is now available to shop via haelo.world or via Revolve and FWRD.