The significance of Sass and Bide’s SS10 ‘FUTUREGRAND’ collection was established even before the clothes ventured out on to the catwalk. Showing in London this season, not only marked a return to the place that the brand was born, but also signified the label’s ten-year anniversary in the industry. The Australian design duo has described the design signatures of the brand as ‘a clash of the bold, the strong, and the obscure’ and these aesthetics were certainly seen in their interpretation for SS10. Beautifully bold, graphic prints made a strong first impression. A clean, crisp and usually classic combination of black and white was kept interesting by presenting it in the form of unstructured silhouettes. The slouchy cut of harem trousers contrasted the clear use of pattern in the fabric. However, the sense of ‘strength’ was not only seen in design decisions, but also in the added detail. Metallic hardware decorated necklines; from back-to-basic black tunics to billowing Grecian-esque maxi dresses. Where heavy embellishment exemplified a Sass and Bide ‘strength’ in one way – gold and silver harnesses seemed to cage dresses in another - protecting the delicacy of the pale grey material. Yet, despite an overall sense of ancient warrior meets futuristic chic, the collection still had a seductive allure about it. Gold sequin harem pants, metal leggings and cut-outs meant that glamour was not forgotten. Amidst a muted palette, the Sass and Bide signature ‘sexiness’ was maintained. So, as a brand that aims to appeal to a woman that ‘appreciates the beauty in life’, perhaps the Sass and Bide’s AW10 collection looks to be a further progression for the brand. With hints of ‘organic versus industrial’, and glass, mirror, shell and bone all mentioned in terms of materials, it is a collection that promises ‘perfectly placed chaos’ and with that in mind, is one not to be missed. - Annie Chin