“It’s not just a business—it’s shaped me into a better person." Interview with JENN LEE, the founder of JENN LEE

JENN LEE is a brand born from a love for fashion and creativity, evolving over the past decade into a platform for artistic expression and empowerment. The brand celebrates the unseen and embraces imperfection, offering a space for those on the fringes to shine.

With a unique blend of British punk’s raw edge and the subtle beauty of Asian aesthetics, JENN LEE’s designs deconstruct traditional fashion, merging avant-garde elements with cultural influences. Each collection embodies both youthful energy and quiet reverence, like the Echoes of Youth collection, which fused punk-inspired acupuncture needles with hand-stitched calligraphy headpieces.

Focused on slow, thoughtful creation, JENN LEE releases one collection per year, collaborating with artists, designers, and even AI technology to push fashion boundaries. More than a brand, JENN LEE is a movement that empowers and inspires.

What inspired you to create JENN LEE initially

Jenn Lee: To be honest, I started this brand purely out of my love for fashion and creation. It was more of an accidental journey at the beginning, but here I am, ten years later. Over the years, I’ve realised that art and beauty are the forces that keep me moving forward. Running this brand has also taught me how to connect with the world in a more genuine and kind way. It’s not just a business—it’s shaped me into a better person.

Can you share us some inspirations behind your 25SS collection “ECHOS OF YOUTH”?

Jenn Lee: The inspiration for Echoes of Youth comes from those small yet vivid memories, like the feeling of wind rushing under a pleated skirt or the scribbled, uneven lines in a notebook. These seemingly mundane details hold a raw, untamed energy that I wanted to capture through my designs. That sense of imperfection and freedom is the essence of this collection.

Our choice of venues reflects this duality. In London, we held the show in a 1929 building with a backstage library—a space so quiet it felt like time had stood still. In contrast, the Taipei venue was an underground techno party space, where the lights and bass pulsed through the room, and the air still carried traces of the previous night’s chaos. These two settings, though vastly different, perfectly represent the two sides of youth: one steeped in the weight of time, and the other alive with untamed energy.The designs also embody this contrast. For example, we collaborated with a French embroidery artist to create “calligraphy embroidery” headpieces. The lines were intentionally uneven and slightly absurd, breaking away from the usual refinement of traditional craftsmanship. The acupuncture element, however, holds a deeper meaning. It’s rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, but we presented it in a punk-inspired way, with models walking the runway adorned with acupuncture needles. It’s not just about being visually striking—it symbolises healing and energy, perfectly aligning with the theme of Echoes of Youth: both a challenge and a restoration.

Can you tell us about your team? Are they from diverse backgrounds, and how do they collaborate to bring your brand’s vision to life?

Jenn Lee: We’re a small yet diverse team—a bit like a pirate ship. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, and some aren’t even from fashion. But this flexibility and variety give us a unique kind of vitality. I love working with people who have a rebellious spirit—that kind of forward-thinking energy is something I deeply admire. Recently, we even started a book club, where we discuss a chapter each week and try to apply its ideas to our brand. It’s been a really fun and inspiring way to grow together.

How would you describe JENN LEE in three words?

Jenn Lee: Deconstruction, avant-garde, rebellion.

Has your design been influenced by modern British culture, or do you draw on a blend of both Asian and European cultural influences?

Jenn Lee: Rather than expanding, we’ve actually been scaling back. We now release only one collection a year. The typical fashion calendar—with two shows annually—felt rushed and unsustainable for me and my brand. Instead, we’ve chosen to focus on creating smaller, more thoughtful collections. Our designs are divided into four lines: artistic showpieces, luxury handmade garments using special fabrics, the KIDS line made from upcycled materials (named to reflect the playful attitude of children), and ready-to-wear pieces for everyday life.

This slower pace allows us to delve deeper into cross-disciplinary collaborations, like our work with French embroidery, acupuncture, video games, and most recently, AI design with a tech company. We also venture into curation and visual consultancy, such as organising a virtual fashion exhibition in London.

My work is heavily influenced by British punk culture—the rawness, the rebellion, the wild beauty of it all. But since returning to Asia, I’ve also been inspired by the subtlety and restraint of Chinese aesthetics, which have added a sense of balance and depth to my designs. Recently, I started practising Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, and its wabi-sabi philosophy—the beauty of imperfection and impermanence—has naturally found its way into my creations.

What challenges have you faced in building your business, and how have you overcome them?

Jenn Lee: Challenges are inevitable, especially when resources are limited. But I’ve learned to focus on my strengths and to embrace imperfection.

What advice would you give to people who want to start their own business in the fashion industry?

Jenn Lee: For young designers, my advice is simple: don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. The industry is tough, but if you hold onto your voice and your story, you’ll find your way.

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start.

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