Looking for marvellous menswear? Then look no further than my-wardrobe.com. Previously menswear buyer at Liberty, Lee Douros is one-half of the fashion duo that make up the team responsible for the perfect pick of clothes on offer. We took the opportunity to have a quick chat with Lee…
What does a typical day involve for you?
I wake up at 6:30 and go through emails at home over a few strong coffees before heading off to buying appointments for 9:00. I usually get into the office at around noon to catch up with the Merchandising team, and write up any orders that need to be placed. I have a look through the New In items on the site and bookmark pieces I want to buy (too many!) before heading off to more appointments in the afternoon. I respond to the day’s emails on the tube and finish up at home around 7:30.
Who is your favourite designer right now?
Can I pick two?! I think what David Keyte has done with Universal Works is absolutely astounding. He has started a brand that looks so resolved, it might have been going for years. His aesthetic is very “workwear” inspired, which is right on trend, yet each piece is completely wearable. It fits into your wardrobe so easily. Another brand I have been a fan of for years is APC. It still gets me excited. It epitomises Parisian understated cool. You know how the French are always admired for their effortless style? Well, this is the brand they are wearing!
Would you ever consider turning your hand to be a womenswear buyer?
No, I think I would leave that to the professionals!
Where do you shop for your clothes?
Apart from our own site, I’m a fan of Liberty for their International room – Dries, Margiela and Demeulemeester – and b Store for their contemporary pieces. I also love the Paris Comme store.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
This season I have had the opportunity to work with some of my favourite designers to produce an exclusive pieces for my-wardrobe.com. It’s like playing designer for a day! I have worked with Mackintosh, YMC and Oli Spencer this season on exclusive pieces.
How did you get into buying?
I did buying for two independent, young designer boutiques in Melbourne before moving to London where I worked at Liberty and moved into the buying office as Assistant Buyer for Menswear.
Have you always been interested in fashion, what is your earliest memory?
No, I fell into fashion by accident. I was always interested in Fine Arts and I was originally working in Melbourne as a jewellery curator/buyer for a boutique when I was called upon to cover the absence of their fashion buyer. I see fashion as an extension of the fine arts/craft industry.
What is your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
It changes at any given moment, but currently I love my Grenson brogued boots and Barbour Union Jack lined jacket. Can you tell I’m an anglophile Antipodean?! I’m also a sucker for a good tweed blazer.
If you couldn’t do your current job what would you do instead?
I hope I’d be making jewellery for Maison Margiela or Alexander McQueen. Two very different designers, but both amazing.
Describe yourself in three words?
Passionate, insouciant, fun-loving.
wow i love these boots! if i had them they would probably be my favorite item in my closet too!
ive been looking to find some tan wing-tip shoes and these are very similar to what I am looking for. really love it. bravo for great style!
Nice to get some insight to the people that buy the stuff I try and sell!