Sass & Bide is well versed in the benefits of taking a gap year.
The label debuted its maiden collection under the masterful hand of new design director, Anthony Cuthbertson – the brand’s first range since the departure of company co-founders founders Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke in July last year.
The Australian label – which fell somewhat out of favor with die-hard fans after its founders offloaded a 65 percent stake to local department store chain Myer in 2011 and remaining stake in 2013 – tapped London as the host for its post-sabbatical return to the runway, signaling a new direction for the Sydney-born brand.
Akin to the corporate wardrobe an Australian university graduate might pack for her two-year working holiday in the U.K., Cuthbertson and his new creative team, of which Middleton and Clarke took part in the recruitment process, discarded the label’s signature neon, eccentric and flirty vibe in favor of an offering fit for the urban corporate warrior.
Structured silhouettes teamed with tribal textures such as fringing and Aztec-inspired prints are certain to facilitate an effortless transition from the boardroom to happy hour, while shimmering embellishments such as the striking gold bead work on a cap-sleeve fitted mini dress – styled over a pair of sexy leather drainpipes – stayed true to the label’s sexy, glam vibe.
A standout look was a sleeveless white ankle-length coat, teamed with a royal blue turtle neck and patterned organza tweed mini skirt. The classic prim and proper London look – sure to be seen on the likes of Brit It girl Alexa Chung come fall – was stamped with a distinctive Down Under edge via a pair of iconic R.M. Williams boots, based on the shoe brand’s original 1940’s riding style.
Another key look within the mostly black lineup was white patterned sweater dress with woven embellishments, layered up with a chunky black and grey scarf and worn over patterned pants, sure to keep you bundled up and cozy through the drizzly U.K. winter.
The more structured, polished offering comes ahead of Sass & Bide’s expanded push into the highly lucrative Middle Eastern market, which is notorious for being difficult region in which for brand’s to gain traction.
Cuthbertson paid homage to the brand’s Australian roots by showcasing the collection at London’s Australia House, which was packed with Aussie movers and shakers such as Natalie Imbruglia in support of the brand’s new direction.
