Helen Lee
Helen Lee is a Shanghai womenswear label founded by designer Helen Lee, one of the pioneers of China's independent fashion design scene. It makes clothing for work and evening in self-designed fabrics and prints.
| Designer | Helen Lee |
|---|---|
| Base | Shanghai, China |
| Studio | Tianzifang |
| Earlier label | insh |
What is Helen Lee?
Helen Lee is the eponymous womenswear label of the Shanghai designer Helen Lee, regarded as one of the pioneers of China's original fashion design scene. Her studio is located in Tianzifang, Shanghai.
History
A self made entrepreneur who started with no outside funding, Lee first founded the label insh, which began with everyday basics such as T-shirts and jeans and expanded into bags and other accessories. The Helen Lee label followed as her client base grew. She has shown at Shanghai Fashion Week and has presented her work in the United States.
Products and positioning
The Helen Lee line focuses on clothing for work and dinner parties, using self designed fabrics with the brand's own colours and prints. Its ideal customer is described as an urban, modern young woman whose outfit is an international fusion, reflecting a modern metropolitan style.
Distribution
The brand works with a small number of carefully selected boutiques and has received international orders, including from Singapore.
Why it matters
Helen Lee belongs to the first generation of Shanghai independent designers who built labels without corporate backing, helping establish the city's reputation for original Chinese fashion design.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Helen Lee?
Helen Lee is a Shanghai fashion designer considered a pioneer of China's independent design scene, behind the labels insh and Helen Lee.
What does the Helen Lee label make?
It makes womenswear for work and evening, using self designed fabrics and prints.