INTERVIEW with Caren Lee Millinery || Designer for Chona Allen’s Event: “The Solo Launch” - Nov 9 2024
SD: How did you come to learn about Chona’s event: “The Solo Exhibition”?
CL: I came to learn about Chona's solo exhibition after she invited me to collaborate.
SD: What was your vision in collaboration with Chona as a designer?
CL: My vision with Chona was to make her dresses shine by adding a beautiful adornment for each model's head. I believe millinery enhances any high fashion look. I did a photoshoot with another designer Rita and I am still very happy with the images years later. I believe millinery elevates high fashion looks into true art from head to toe. I always love doing fashion collaborations and it is an honour to be invited to collaborate every time!
SD: How do you measure success after an event like Chona’s?
CL: I measure success after events like this one in the traffic to my Instagram account which currently sits at 11,000 visits this month. I believe the more exposure that comes your way as a designer, the more people will love what you do! I'm looking forward to my next collaboration and look forward to working with other hat lovers!
In 2023 I was in 3 runway shows within 6 weeks, which was a huge undertaking. Being in Chona's show, I brought along 27 hats. I joked with Chona that it reminded me of the movie "27 Dresses" because you can never have too many! Seeing my millinery on so many beautiful faces wearing amazing gowns was definitely my highlight of 2024! Thank you Chona and thank you to all my amazing models! I look forward to working with you all again.
SD: What was the highlight of “The Solo Exhibition” for you?
CL: The highlight of my evening was definitely watching Tahlia model two of my favourite pieces of millinery, which looked spectacular paired with Chona's hand painted dresses.
SD: Do you have any exciting project/s coming up next year for 2025?
CL: 2025 will be my third year of fashion study. I will be going down to Melbourne again this year for Cup week and to visit my daughter Jane. I love immersing myself in Melbourne fashion as it always inspires me!
- Photo Credits -
Top + Bottom Photo: Model Tahlia Cherie taken by Chi Yeung
Caren Lee’s Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarenLeeMillinery
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/carenleemillinery/
Chona Allen’s Links:
Website: https://chonaallen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chonaallen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chonasart
