Ryan James Lee is a British designer and founder creating print, textile and lifestyle collections inspired by place, heritage and visual storytelling.
His work brings together illustration, graphic design and textiles to create contemporary products that celebrate the identity of places and the stories connected to them.
Dyslexia has shaped his intuitive and visual approach to design, influencing the way he observes detail, connects ideas and develops new work.
2016
The Beginning
Ryan James Lee began developing his creative practice through fashion, textiles and graphic design, studying at Central Saint Martins in London before completing his final year at Liverpool John Moores University. Graduating in 2016 with a BA in Fashion Graphics and Textiles, Ryan began developing an approach that combined fashion, illustration, print and visual storytelling, laying the foundations for what would become the Ryan James Lee brand.
2017
Building a Brand
In 2017, Ryan founded his company and began developing the Ryan James Lee brand. Early collections explored fashion accessories, textiles, print and premium presentation, with a particular focus on creating products that could translate Liverpool’s character and heritage into something contemporary and wearable. This period established the foundations for the destination-led collections that would become central to the brand.
2018
On the Catwalk
In 2018, Ryan presented his work at Pure London, expanding the brand's presence within the fashion and retail landscape. Alongside the collection, he developed bespoke summer kaftans and continued exploring the relationship between fashion, textiles and original print design, with work reaching boutiques in London and Dubai.
2019
Collaborations
Ryan's work expanded through a growing range of creative collaborations and commissions across Liverpool and beyond. His projects included work with Philip Armstrong, Liverpool City Council and the Open Door Charity, alongside artwork connected with Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. These collaborations strengthened his focus on using print and textile design to communicate the identity, heritage and stories of places and communities.
2020
Growing Reputation
By 2020, Ryan’s work was becoming increasingly visible across Liverpool’s independent retail and cultural scene. His collections were featured in independent retailers and recognised through editorial coverage, while his accessories continued to develop alongside a growing body of artwork and print. This period also saw the introduction of limited-edition collaborations, including a Liverpool-inspired candle collection, further expanding the brand beyond fashion accessories.
Mid - 2020 - Limited Edition Candles
Ryan expanded his Liverpool-inspired design work into a limited-edition candle collection, combining original artwork with fragrance and premium presentation. The project reflected an increasingly important part of the brand’s development: translating visual storytelling across different forms of gifting and lifestyle.
2022
A New Chapter
The next stage of Ryan James Lee’s journey brought the brand into destination-led retail. Drawing on Liverpool’s architecture, landmarks and cultural identity, Ryan developed the Liverpool Collection, transforming familiar places into original artwork, scarves, pocket squares and gifts. The collection was subsequently introduced at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, creating a new chapter for the brand and establishing destination retail as an important part of its future.
2023 - 2024
From Liverpool to New Destination Retail
From 2023 onwards, Ryan developed a more distinctive visual language, combining hand-drawn illustration, architectural imagery and graphic manipulation. His work increasingly focused on transforming recognisable places and landmarks into contemporary compositions, bringing together fine art, print and textile design. This became the foundation for the destination-led collections that followed.
2025 / 2026 onwards
The Future of Ryan James Lee
Liverpool Collection - 2025 Building on the success of the Liverpool Collection, Ryan continued to develop his destination-led approach, creating new opportunities beyond his home city. London Collection - 2025 The next chapter began with London, inspiring a new collection of original artwork and luxury accessories shaped by the capital's architecture, landmarks and cultural identity. XLR Executive Aviation - 2025 Ryan subsequently developed an exclusive collection of scarves and pocket squares for XLR Executive Jet Centres, bringing the brand into luxury gifting and private aviation for an international clientele. Discover London - Heathrow & Gatwick - 2026 The brand then entered London airport retail through Discover London, part of Lagardère Travel Retail, extending the collections to international travellers at Heathrow and Gatwick. Mykonos - International - 2026 The brand's retail presence has since extended beyond the UK, with Ryan James Lee stocked by a luxury fashion and jewellery boutique in Mykonos, Greece. Together, these developments mark a new chapter for Ryan James Lee, bringing British design, place-led storytelling and contemporary craftsmanship to audiences far beyond its original Liverpool home.
Collaborations & Stockists
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