Precious Lee on style, Sade and transcendental serves

This story is taken from the spring 2024 issue of Dazed. Pre-order a copy of the magazine here.

Atlanta-born Precious Lee scored her first Vogue cover in 2015, landed on the New York runway in 2017, and in 2021 made history as one of the first curve models to ever walk for Versace, alongside Jill Kortleve and Alva Claire. Since that game-changing appearance, Donatella seems to have had her on speed-dial, with Lee a regular on the Milanese runway. In fact, it was pretty much fate that she’d end up pounding the catwalk – she was affectionately referred to as a ‘supermodel’ by her mum as a kid. Don’t think she’s stopping at fashion, though. Hollywood is calling her name, and the model is intent on becoming a ‘slashie’ before the year is out.

What was the last song you listened to?

Precious Lee: ‘The Sweetest Taboo’, by Sade.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Precious Lee: I have a bunch I’ve collected, but the most simple, all-inclusive vibe I can think of right now is to always keep your head up.

Who was your first crush and why were you into them?

Precious Lee: Lol no, you would gag!

What did you get in trouble for at school?

Precious Lee: I always made straight As, but I never made perfect attendance.

Do you have a freakum dress, and if so what’s it like?

Precious Lee: You gotta have it. It’s all about BAWDY and it has to be soft to the touch because it has to look AND feel good. Even if its shelf-life is short. If it doesn’t make you feel like the cuntiest, sexiest, baddest hottie ever, you’re not freaking anybody. You basically have to make yourself so hot for yourself that it freaks everybody around you. It’s the ultimate seduction garment.

When was the last time you were starstruck?

Precious Lee: Honestly, the stars I love I feel connected to, which is why I love and admire them. So I actually feel super comfortable around them, as if they’ve been my homies for life. My cousins, if you will. It’s kind of funny. I ALMOST cried in front of Beyoncé the first time I met her, but I waited until I got home... My mommy was visiting and I just lay on the floor and cried like a small child, but that’s normal, right? In front of Bey, I was collected and told her some of the highlights of why I am so deeply inspired by her and how much I absolutely love her. So I guess I had a delayed reaction? Bey is a literal angel.

What’s an iconic fashion moment for you?

Precious Lee: It’s just when all the pieces hit. When everything works. The process may be a mess, but the serve slays and transcends time.

What would you do if you were queen for a day?

Precious Lee: Mandatory meditation and breathwork. Free food. Free necessities. As much spiritual expansion as possible. Something long-term to help the environment and well-being of women and children. I would probably write a bunch of policies that would ensure the elevation of the people, even when they kick me out the next day. Things that last. Something very Virgo.

Where’s your favourite place in the world?

Precious Lee: Alignment.

Have you ever had a supernatural experience?

Precious Lee: Absolutely, every day. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, so we all have. Whether we all believe it is another thing.

What do you do to get out of a bad mood?

Precious Lee: Probably find the closest mirror... Music. Prayer. Laughter. Dance. Create new goals. Cartoons. Box breathing. Writing. Helping someone. Call my mama.

Who was your style icon growing up?

My big sister, Charisma. Nineties It-girl through and through, making everything look fab. She understood the hair, nails and jewellery were the icing on the cake. She would plan her looks at night and have it all meticulously laid out head to toe and pristine. And she always wore the new-new. Big Libra energy. She shopped at the top of the season and would buy so many clothes and shoes, OMG... Statement pieces, custom vibes. Her friends always begged to borrow her clothes. If IG was out then she would have been a viral style icon for sure. Legend!

Hair EROL KARADAG at MA+ using ORIBE and LUXY HAIR, make-up ERNEST ROBINSON using PAT MCGRATH LABS, nails DAWN STERLING at EDMA WORLD, set design GRIFFIN STODDARD at STREETERS, photographic assistants EDUARDO SILVA, TRISHA HARMSEN, RYAN CARTER, styling assistants LEA ZÖLLER, HADYA TUOFIQ, CHRIS LEE, ALEXA LEVINE, BIANCA PARISOTTO, ZACH TURKSON, JONAS HARRIS, tailoring THAO HUYNH at 7TH BONE TAILORING, hair assistant ZACH DIERKS, make-up assistant DEREK BERNARD, set design assistant ARLINGTON GARRETT, production SERIE YOON, MICHAELA MCMAHON-DUNPHY at 360PM, production assistant ANDY MARTINEZ, post-production NUMÉRIQUE, casting MISCHA NOTCUTT at 11CASTING