International Textiles Magazine wrote of Lee Lapthorne:
"Lee Lapthorne is hard to define, but public artist, textile designer, digital technology pioneer, photographer, curator and catwalk show producer are all appropriate titles. Lee is described by ‘Design Week’ as one of the country’s hottest creative talents and on the annual list of the 50 most important people in fashion and design today. Lee saw the need to bridge the gap between on schedule and off schedule designers during London Fashion Week and in 2003 established On|Off at the Royal Academy of Arts.

10 Seasons on, On|Off is now considered the life blood of British Fashion and is the showcase for UK and International emerging talent as well as established designers such as Jasper Conran, Gareth Pugh, Karen Walker alike. On|Off is now showcased in London, Milan and Paris.

As one of the country’s leading fashion and event management experts, Lee was chosen by Channel 5 as the catwalk mentor for its hit series ‘Make Me a Supermodel’, appeared on GMTV's 'Top Model' competition, Project Catwalk and most recently 'The Passions of Girls Aloud'. Lee is also an industry spokesman for Gillette.

However, his passion lies in the creation of images and their interpretation through textiles, mainly using photography and digital technology. "I am interested in experimenting with texture, combining imagery and textiles, and working with innovative fabric prints to produce one-off design/art pieces. My work is autobiographical and provokes thought rather than gives answers. The creation of atmosphere and manipulation of the surface texture on which the images are printed are as important to me as the photographs themselves. My work has become instinctive and intuitive with experience, adding deeper conceptual dimensions to the work I produce. I am interested in the way different qualities and meanings can be conveyed."

ART
Lee is currently researching the production of sustainable art pieces that combine textiles, photography and the digital image.  This research is an extension of his completed Masters degree in textiles and national public art works.  Lee’s passion is the creation of images (principally photographic) and their manipulation through textiles. He has completed many art commissions.

LEE LAPTHORNE FASHION ACCESSORIES
Lee is currently producing a stunning range of exclusive scarves and hoods – each one is unique in design and a wearable piece of art.

FASHION PRODUCTION
Lee’s company doll is the leading fashion show / event company in the UK. www.thedoll.org

On|Off
Lee is the director of the On|Off (founded in September 2003) event and the company doll whose clients include, Jasper Conran, Karen Walker, Gucci, Oasis, Jaeger London and many more (view www.thedoll.org/onoff).

TELEVISION
Lee has appeared and mentored on Project Catwalk, Make me a Super Model, LK Today and Grandmas back in business.

LECTURING
He is a visiting University lecturer (since 1997) and a keen designer consultant for designers showcasing during London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks.

CONTACT
lee@thedoll.org
020 7580 7740