Yanki Chu gives you 10 key insights into Daniel Lee’s remarkable journey in the fashion industry
Born in Bradford, England, Daniel Lee grew up with an office worker mother and a mechanic father, developing an early obsession with fashion magazines. His passion led him to study at Central Saint Martins, a prestigious art college in London.
1. Past experience
Lee began his career at Balenciaga under the mentorship of Nicolas Ghesquière, an experience that inspired him to view fashion and design without limits. From 2018 to 2021, he served as Creative Director at Bottega Veneta, where he cultivated a new model for fashion relevance and refined what “cool” means in the industry. As one of the few millennial male designers leading a luxury house, he stands alongside contemporaries like Jonathan Anderson at Loewe and Olivier Rousteing at Balmain.
2. Joining Burberry in September 2022
In September 2022, Lee was announced as the Chief Creative Officer at Burberry, making waves in the fashion world. He presented his debut runway collection at London Fashion Week in February 2023, showcasing a fresh vision for the iconic brand.
3. Inspirational figures
As a teenager, Lee was inspired by fashion legends such as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood, which motivated him to pursue studies at Central Saint Martins. He admired Christopher Bailey’s work at Burberry, particularly his ability to create a sense of community that felt inclusive and welcoming.
4. Design inspiration
Growing up in Bradford, Lee drew inspiration from the city’s diverse styles and cultures, ranging from ceremonial and royal attire to the strict codes of youth subcultures found in nightclubs and football galleries. His collections reflect a modern Britishness, celebrating London’s status as one of the world’s most diverse cities, which is integral to the Burberry heritage.
5. Self care and wellness
Lee is passionate about skincare and takes diligent care of himself. When faced with stress, he turns to the gym for a change of environment or enjoys attending live concerts and visiting art galleries during his free time.
6. Infusing style into his pieces
Believing that sexuality is important for everyone, Lee aims to create pieces that make people feel confident and attractive. His designs not only inject a sense of allure into Burberry but also represent 21st-century Britishness, embracing eccentricity and inclusivity.
7. The power of imagination
Lee has mentioned that “imagine making” is one of his favorite aspects of his job. He enjoys looking at images that allow his mind to dream and invent stories. He also collects sales data to identify which pieces resonate most with the public.
8. A social media absence
In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, it might surprise you that Lee does not have a public social media account. He believes that social media can oversimplify creative work and foster negativity. Instead, he values real-life interactions and prefers a more mindful approach to online engagement.
9. Bold use of color
Known for his unconventional use of color, Lee famously introduced “Bottega Green” during his time at Bottega Veneta. At Burberry, he continues to surprise with vibrant hues and unexpected combinations, incorporating colors like rose pink, purple, beige, yellow, and brilliant blue into his designs.
10.Record-breaking achievements
In 2019, Lee set a new record by winning four major awards at the Fashion Awards, including Brand of the Year, Accessories Designer, British Women’s Wear Designer, and Designer of the Year. As Daniel Lee continues to shape the future of Burberry, his innovative vision and commitment to inclusivity promise to redefine luxury fashion for a new generation.
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