Sadie Williams, Alan Taylor and more brightness – by Silvia Bombardini

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Dear Shaded
Viewers and Diane,

 

A recent
graduate from her Central Saint Martins MA in fashion textiles, Sadie Williams
already has her own window at Selfridges, as part of their ever so astute
selection of Britain brightest rising stars. And hers is bright indeed. In our
London weather so dreary and wet, her floor-length gowns refract and glow. Pillars
of light of an almost papal grandeur, they're glittery statement of a luminous
female authority. So different from the flimsy, slippery womenswear we've somehow
got used to, Sadie's work gives us dramatically dropped waists in sparkling racing
hues. She was inspired by Japanese bikers gangs and brought to the London scene
their flamboyant stance, their speeding hearts and wild and warm, fast summer
nights. Her textiles were achieved with multiple treatments of sublimation,
print design, and through the use of a heat press "that squishes
everything together" – for an already iconic result. Just last week Susie
Bubble was wearing one of her Selfridges-sold, 60s-shaped minidresses, and  new prestigious collaborations already seem on
their way.

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On a side
note, I think I could mention maybe once more how very fond I am of Selfridges'
Bright Young Things initiative. Their Concept Store at the Oxford Street shop
is just like an inflatable cabinet of wonders. And this year they're also launching
a series of interactive events you really wouldn't want to miss out on. Earlier
this month I went to see Alan Taylor chatting with Steve Salter of Style Savage
about his newest collection and the influence of Francis Bacon. Here's a clip, in
case you're curious:

 

 

Later,

Silvia

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