Dion Lee Welcomes James Miller as New CEO in a Move Towards Global Expansion and Strategic Growth
In a significant stride for the fashion world, Dion Lee, a label renowned for its avant-garde approach to tailoring and its progressive stance on gender and sexuality, has announced the appointment of James Miller as its new CEO. Miller, with a rich background as CEO and chief creative officer of The Collected Group, overseeing brands like Equipment, Joie, and Current/Elliott, brings a wealth of experience to Dion Lee.
Lee, the creative director and soul of the brand, expressed his excitement about this development. He sees Miller’s leadership as a pivotal force in driving the global expansion and strategic evolution of the Dion Lee brand, which is already a global presence with more than 200 stores worldwide, including six flagships in Australia and an imminent opening in Miami’s Design District.
The new Miami store, a testament to the brand’s design ethos, spans two floors and 3,000 square feet, featuring Berlin-based artist Oliver Laric’s artwork and a striking custom helix staircase. Lee describes this store as a “portal into the Dion Lee brand,” signifying the fusion of art and fashion that the brand is celebrated for.
With plans for a new store in Melbourne and a flagship in New York’s SoHo slated for early 2024, Dion Lee is poised for significant growth. Miller, reflecting on the brand’s potential, highlights the advantages of its independent structure, free from the pressures of boards and markets, which allows for an organic and considered approach to expansion.
Miller, no stranger to the complex dynamics of the fashion industry, having navigated The Collected Group through a pandemic-driven financial restructuring in 2021, is set to leverage his expertise to chart Dion Lee’s future course. In an interview from the new Miami store, Miller shared his enthusiasm for this “exciting next big chapter,” emphasizing the brand’s readiness for expansion without the need for fundamental change.
Looking ahead, Dion Lee’s journey includes a foray into accessories and footwear, with Miller open to exploring partnerships in some markets while maintaining independence in others. This multifaceted strategy under Miller’s leadership promises to usher in a dynamic and flourishing era for Dion Lee, embodying innovation, artistic collaboration, and thoughtful growth.