Mother of Pearl AW14 / LFW Day 4

With its debut at London Fashion Week, Maia Norman’s Mother of Pearl introduces Richard Saja. With a different artist collaboration every season, works of art are infused in the relaxed, luxe sportswear aesthetic of the brand.

This time around, creative director Amy Powney finds inspiration in William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, combining romantic embroidery from the Pre-Raphaelite era with traditional prints and sporty lines.

New York based artist Richard Saja is known as an embroidery artist and has his own design firm “Historically Inaccurate Decorative Arts”. He worked with Powney and Norman and incorporated his intricate needlework in the Autumn/Winter collection.

The result is a modern interpretation of long lost eras, translated through the interesting shapes and embroideries of the outfits. Saja’s creations work to compliment Morris’ aesthetic and underline his infamous flower and bird art shapes.

Short skirts are paired with bomber jackets and turtleneck tops in a effort to keep the flesh covered and midi dresses with three quarter sleeves and frills are also shown.

Elegant, long, boxy dresses are worn with leather slippers and embroidered socks, trousers with elastic finishing are paired with thick silk V-neck tops or white embroidered shirts and long coats in pastel hues and darker tones make an appearance as well.

The use of prints is a signature style for the label and with Saja’s artistic input, takes on a new turn by including neon threads of unicorns and cherubs on bomber jackets, sweaters and shoes.

The colour palette of navy, burgundy, light blue and red is varied with the flashes of bright yellow and mustard and juxtaposes the romantic feeling of the collection.

The sporty essence of the brand’s aesthetic made from luxury fabrics, make them appropriate for a variety of occasions and can be easily dressed up and down.