Studying at Toronto’s Ryerson University, Amanda Lew Kee’s buzzed about graduate collection garnered instant recognition – no small feat for a young designer in Canada’s developing fashion scene.
Dividing her time between designing clothes, putting on a night at Toronto’s it-venue The Thompson Hotel and hanging out with girls and boys about town, Amanda hopes for her brand to one day reach international status. The raven-haired, sometimes blue-lipped designer cites Daphne Guinness and Anna Dello Russo as personal style icons, evident in the threads of her work. Combining sexy, feline silhouettes with hard edge details, Amanda achieves what she calls “progressive ready-to-wear for the metropolitan, feminine rocker individual”. Turning a page, Amanda recently delved into the deeper waters of New York City. Here, she tells i-D online why we should keep our eye on her…
Who inspires your work? There is not one person who inspires my work. I find inspiration by exploring ideas and concepts.
What’s your design aesthetic? I have a strong foundation but as a young designer and brand I feel that I’m in an evolutionary stage of exploration. For now, I’d say effortlessly chic and progressive ready-to-wear for the metropolitan, feminine rocker individual. It’s a mix of streetwear and eveningwear designed to maximize versatility and wearability.
How do you stay inspired? Travel, good company and different outlets of creativity through collaborating with other creative people.
What do you like to do for fun? Spend time with friends and family, travel, taste different cuisines.
Who is the Amanda Lew Kee girl? A confident, flirty individual who appreciates quality construction, fabric and design.
Which other young Canadian designers are on your radar? Sid Neigum.
What advice do you have for other new designers trying to establish themselves? Be true to your beliefs and understand what you want to accomplish. Nothing is impossible.
Tell us about something amazing you’ve seen recently? Life through a new perspective. I recently picked up and moved to NYC.
Who would you die to dress? Gaga, Daphne Guinness and Anna Dello Russo.
What are you working on at the moment? Spring/Summer 12, custom headdresses for Deadmau5, and a few dresses.
Photography: Paolo Azarraga
Make-up and hair: Mila Victoria using MAC Cosmetics
Styling assistance: Drew Ferguson
Models: Anna Shevchenko and Dayana Arango at Push Management
All clothing Amanda Lew Kee. Shoes Alexander Wang and Acne at jonathanandolivia.com
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