3D touches and copper coin plates, Sadie Clayton trod the line between reality and still life for SS16.

Museum worthy

Sadie Clayton’s SS16 presentation at the Royal Academy of Art was certainly fit for viewing in an art museum, or even the natural history museum. The setting was of a white wash studio with added details (inspired by the line or the line inspired by the setting?) such as copper coin plaits, stone statues and busts. The statuesque models really played the part well: Clayton popped a stray model in amongst the stone busts in boxes, and one model swayed ever so slightly to the music which only enhanced the eeriness of the presentation, caught between reality and still life.

Copper Coated

Perhaps Clayton’s inspiration was fire, because her two solid colour choices were coppers and browns paired with completely contrasting blues and navy. The result was a very natural look (again not out of place amongst some dinosaur bones at a museum), and yet fantastically futuristic at the same time. The use of croc leather resembled the cracked earth and embellishment in copper fabrics really sparkled like flames. Wonderland’s favourite fiery piece was the bomber so delicately embellished in gold-orange and electric blue threads, with geometric mesh detailing in the sleeves and a chunky gold zip for a truly futuristic street look.

Sculpture

Clayton is known for her sculptures, thus the line would not be complete without her trademark 3D touch. The piece that popped out the most was worn by the swaying model, and appeared to be a boxy jacket in a brown croc which almost resembled a large rock. Although the theme’s coherence must be commended, this piece was hard to miss for all the wrong reasons, and completely unwearable – although I am sure some fashionista may prove us wrong. Aside from this statement piece, in general the use of sculpture really made the collection pop. The glass mosaic pieces in mesmerising orange and blue with silver and gold detailing really played on the qualities of glass and made the viewer think about the production of glass-blowing. The oversized style of the jewellery was cleverly done: large bashed-metal or delicate blue glass necklaces worn backwards and an oversized upper-arm bangle were surprisingly complimentary to the female form.

Photographer: Daniel Sims

Words: Abigail Southan