Photo Diary: What people wore to the launch of Lee Signature x Gabi Sullivan’s collection

Denim for days.

Runways are great but there’s a reason why fit-checks are so popular: we need to see clothes in action. The hair, the laughter, the lighting, the rummaging through a perfectly paired handbag for your thrifted film camera. Garments come to life in the real world. Fashion Journal was lucky enough to peek behind the scenes of the new Lee Signature x Gabi Sullivan collection launch where guests showed that denim is as wardrobe-relevant as ever.

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Gathering her closest friends at 10 William St in Sydney’s Paddington, content creator and model Gabi celebrated the collection with an evening of food, wine and denim. The guestlist starred some of the country’s most stylish creatives and influencers who breathed life into the collection’s classic staples and fresh silhouettes. What started as an idea based on a shared love of denim between Gabi and the iconic brand has resulted in an ultra wearable, elevated selection of pieces that will move seamlessly with you from day to night, all through the spring season and beyond.

Gabi’s go-to uniform is a pair of classic jeans and a killer basic, which is what she chose to celebrate the launch. The Signature Rib Tank and Wide Leg Relaxed Jean created an elevated version of ‘jeans and a nice top’.

Sydney based creator Madison Rose built her look for the night around the Freya Denim Midi Skirt in the shade Indigo Pool. Bold lip liner and a low-slung vintage belt added sophistication to the staple piece which is inspired by Lee’s ’90s archives. The skirt is extra loveable for its front sidesplit and heritage panel detailing.

While there was plenty of posing for the camera, the launch was filled with laughter and connection. Content creator Ebony Shield and designer Bella Varelis were all smiles. Ebony (left) dazzled in an elevated version of denim’s best friend – a crisp white shirt with ruched sleeve detailing. The perfect complement to Ebony, Bella (right) went for a darker look of a black leather jacket, Fendi bag and the Mid Wide Relaxed Jean in Essential Rinse – a wash that evidently can do no wrong.

Of course, no dinner out is complete without a pasta picture. Model Olivia Oz certainly hit the brief here, looking glowy and glamorous as she enjoyed some saucy carbohydrates. She wears the trucker inspired Mona Denim Vest that’s cropped thoughtfully at the waist for a modern twist on an iconic staple. Like a glass of red to a bowl of tagliatelle, her denim pairs beautifully with a playful blush scrunchy and gold accents.

Model Dominique Elissa made a strong case for double denim. She layered the collection’s Freya Oversized Denim Vest with a smart collared shirt and paired it with the Freya Denim Midi Skirt. When designing the collection, the team envisioned a timeless and versatile wardrobe inspired by Gabi’s own, where sets like this take centre stage but individual pieces are easily mixed and matched.

Model Mikaela Bell took a moment to kick back in the Wide Leg Relaxed Jean with new fiancée Clayton Carfino. The jeans feauture an adjustable waistband that can be styled higher or lower on the waist, making it a suitable choice for all activities, from sipping at a sophisticated wine bar to playing in the park under springtime sun.

Photographer Holly Blanshard was at the table to snap special moments between friends. Here not one but three guests are pictured wearing the Freya Oversized Vest. One layered it with the Shrunken White Tee while others opted for bare shoulders.

Holly’s camera roll is a testament to the timelessness and versatility of this collection. Browsing through the snaps, it’s clear that Gabi and Lee Jeans have created a range of pieces that will get a lot of traction this spring and beyond.

To explore the Lee Signature x Gabi Sullivan collection for yourself, head here.