The Times Australia
Fashion and Beauty

.

LEE MATHEWS Turns 25 — and This Is How You Do a Quarter-Life Celebration in Style

  • Written by Cesar Ocampo


Photography & Story by Cesar Ocampo

Resort ‘26 was soft, sharp, and so very her.

The show that reminded us: you don’t have to shout to make a statement.

Let’s talk about staying power.

While most trends come and go faster than your oat latte order, LEE MATHEWS has been serving thoughtful, quietly powerful fashion for 25 years. That’s no small feat — and at AFW 2025, the brand showed exactly why she’s still that girl.

Set inside Carriageworks on a calm Tuesday morning, the show opened with light, air, and a distinct feeling of ease. It wasn’t loud, dramatic, or trying too hard — and that’s exactly the point. This was LEE in her element: relaxed, refined, and quietly confident.

Ballet Rehearsal, But Make It Fashion

The inspiration? A ballet rehearsal. Not the big stage moment — but everything before it. The quiet warmups, the undone bows, the elegance in progress. You felt that instantly in the soft layering, delicate embroidery, draped silks, sheer overlays, and feminine touches like bows and frills.

It was romance, but grounded. Dreamy, but real. The kind of styling that feels effortless, yet detailed enough to make you look twice.

 

Old Favorites, New Energy

This wasn’t a radical departure. It was a return — with texture. The designer played with more structure and contrast this time around. Signature silhouettes (think breezy, flowy, and wearable) were reimagined with new layers, sharper lines, and pattern play.

From tailored shirts with exaggerated cuffs to floaty dresses you’d actually want to live in, everything had that signature LEE MATHEWS feel: thoughtful, feminine, and made to move with you.

There was nothing costume-y about it. You could imagine these looks going from gallery hop to long lunch to lazy Sunday — worn, loved, reworn again.

Why This Collection Worked So Well

Because it stayed true to what LEE does best. While the rest of the world zigs, she zags quietly. No gimmicks. No over-designing. Just clothing with heart, purpose, and staying power.

Even after 25 years, it still feels fresh. Still relevant. And still totally in its own lane.

One Thing's For Sure…

You didn’t need to be in the front row to feel the vibe. This wasn’t just a runway — it was a celebration of a brand that understands how real women want to dress: beautifully, comfortably, and with meaning.

And if this is how LEE MATHEWS is stepping into her next chapter? We’re already obsessed with what’s next.

 

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an onli...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beau...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data anal...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right c...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in t...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is ...

The Times Features

Do kids really need vitamin supplements?

Walk down the health aisle of any supermarket and you’ll see shelves lined with brightly packa...

Why is it so shameful to have missing or damaged teeth?

When your teeth and gums are in good condition, you might not even notice their impact on your...

Australian travellers at risk of ATM fee rip-offs according to new data from Wise

Wise, the global technology company building the smartest way to spend and manage money internat...

Does ‘fasted’ cardio help you lose weight? Here’s the science

Every few years, the concept of fasted exercise training pops up all over social media. Faste...

How Music and Culture Are Shaping Family Road Trips in Australia

School holiday season is here, and Aussies aren’t just hitting the road - they’re following the musi...

The Role of Spinal Physiotherapy in Recovery and Long-Term Wellbeing

Back pain and spinal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical support, oft...

Italian Lamb Ragu Recipe: The Best Ragù di Agnello for Pasta

Ciao! It’s Friday night, and the weekend is calling for a little Italian magic. What’s better than t...

It’s OK to use paracetamol in pregnancy. Here’s what the science says about the link with autism

United States President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women[1] to avoid paracetamol except in ...

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board ...