Sadie Williams - Fashion Scout LFW SS14

Review and photos by Katy Thompson

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Sadie Williams

When walking around the exhibit of fashion graduates in the very grand Freemasons Hall, one designer in particular stood out and caught my eye more than any other. I was attracted to the rich colours and sparkle that filled the high ceilings with reflections and shimmers. At first glance her pieces resembled festive decorations, with the triangular shape and glimmering effect. They were perfectly placed in the centre of the room.

London Fashion Graduate Designers Exhibition, Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Sadie Williams is a multi talented designer who enjoys a mixture of print design, fashion design and textiles, when asked her favourite Sadie said; "I don’t really have a favourite, they come together and allow me to create pieces like this". I asked Sadie about her influences and she replied with "I was very interested in Japanese biker gangs, these have influenced the pattern and textures, for instance the leather panelling, I wanted masculine patterns but also wanted to keep the clean 60’s shape".

Born and raised in London, Sadie studied at Central Saint Martins. After graduating with a distinction she worked freelance and for various companies, strengthening her skills. Just a few of these companies include J W Anderson, Katie Hillier and Marc Jacobs.

Sadie has created glamorous floor length gowns with techniques such as bonding, printing and embossing. They are impractical but undeniably beautiful, creative and memorable. The garments have been described as "stately floor-length gowns high-impact eveningwear with an energetic, street edge" by Dazed and Confused.

London Fashion Graduate Designers Exhibition, Vauxhall Fashion Scout

I particularly like the biker inspired detailing, with leather elbow patches and panels at both front and back adding a variety of textures and create an edgier look. The glittery motorcycles that influenced her have allowed her to create a mix that keeps her friendly to mainstream fashion but making something unique and amazing. Sadie’s work proves that fashion can be limitless; varieties of processes can be used not only apart but together to create a fusion of interesting looks.

Sadie referred to fashion designers such as Cardin when talking about her influences. Cardin's high impact garments share the same impact that is seen through Sadie’s work; these include bold colours and unique shapes. Another influence of Sadie's is Valentino, with the dropped waists, long gowns and metallic textures.

Sadie’s keen interest in fashion has developed throughout her life; she has experimented with artistic processes and tested combinations that have resulted in elegant designs that stand out on the catwalk. I can guarantee that in person these garments create a lot of curiosity, they invite people over to examine them all by themselves due to the sheer presence of the pieces.

They may well have the feel of space age meets Wizard of Oz, but the way that Sadie has been able to communicate such a variety of styles suddenly makes them much more clever. The final outcomes are built up on such complex influences and so much thought has gone into the garments. She is working on a collection of mini dresses and sweaters at present (She is sporting one herself in image below), I know personally I’m very excited to see what this innovative designer has in store for us next!