Sarah-Jane Clarke
Inspired by her deep love for nature and the wonders and treasures of the world, Sarah-Jane Clarke designs forever pieces, created and made locally with sustainability at their core.
Photography: Courtesy of Sarah-Jane Clarke
Rusty, earthy tones, which stand the test of time are the focus for Sarah-Jane Clarke’s designs.
Sarah-Jane Clarke draws on her travel experiences for her fashion collections.
Tell us a little about your fashion label - what’s the main focus for the brand?
After sass & bide, I took a sabbatical from fashion, packed up my bags and travelled the world with husband and our three boys. It was during this exploration that I first started thinking about luxurious pieces that travel well. I saw there was a gap in the market that could be filled with small capsule collections featuring natural fabrics and easy silhouettes - pieces that could be taken from a tent in the desert to the Ritz in Paris, but would look just as good running Sunday errands at home.
Growing up, did you always know the creative world would be the focus of your career?
My mother always said I dressed differently to all of my peers - I knew exactly what I wanted to wear from an early age. Having studied Business and majoring in Accountancy, I fast learned that I needed to merge my business degree with my innate sense of style.
“I saw there was a gap in the market that could be filled with small capsule collections featuring natural fabrics and easy silhouettes,” says Sarah-Jane Clarke.
Is there a creative aesthetic which ties your work together?
The label is inspired by my deep love for nature and exploration of culture and places. I wanted to create a luxurious travel collection that transcended seasons, easy silhouettes using the finest quality fabrics.
How would you best describe the style of your new capsule collection?
My desire with SARAH-JANE CLARKE is to make pieces that are super comfortable, chic and luxurious. I’m making forever pieces which are not trend driven and not seasonal. When you buy a piece of SARAH-JANE CLARKE, it is a keeper, for life. It’s also proudly Australian made. It’s important for me to support our local industry.
“The concept is to have a minimal footprint on our earth - SARAH-JANE CLARKE is a lifestyle brand with a conscience.”
The capsule collections include colours such as Medina Pink, Ice Mint, Sun-bleached Toast Gingham and Clay leopard prints.
Well considered designs with a focus on natural linens and fibres are at the core of Sarah-Jane Clarkes collections.
Timeless, well considered pieces in natural fabrics are at the core of your collections - why are these elements so important to you?
I find the constant bombardment of marketing from the larger fashion companies rather exhausting. I wanted to create capsule collections that are timeless, and trend defying. I like that each capsule can be worn together, time and time again, capsule 1 is still just as relevant as the latest capsule.
“Natural fabrics that can break down are important to me, which is why I’m working with linen and natural fibres - we have a responsibility to make choices that are kinder to our planet. ”
How have you found the shift to working and designing on your own, rather than as a duo?
I had such a dream ride with Heidi (Heidi Middleton, Sarah-Jane’s partner at sass & bide). We were amazing collaborators. However, I felt at this stage of my life, I really wanted to explore and express my individual creative energy. It’s much more intimidating going solo.
“Subconsciously I’ve been inspired by so many things while travelling; the colours of a sunset in Morocco, the seaside in the Mediterranean, the vintage markets in Paris…" shares Sarah-Jane Clarke.
Well considered designs with a focus on natural linens and fibres are at the core of Sarah-Jane Clarke’s collections.
Your work is heavily influenced by travel - why has travel been such an important part of the new collection?
SARAH-JANE CLARKE is all about travel; I feel like we generally are more open and joyful when we discover a new place - I believe travel broadens the mind. Subconsciously I’ve been inspired by so many things while travelling; the colours of a sunset in Morocco, the seaside in the Mediterranean, the vintage markets in Paris, the coloured prayer flags blowing in the wind high up in the mountains in Bhutan. It all made its way into the collection. Our mulberry silks were inspired by fabrics I saw in Marrakesh, our Paris floral print is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century French furniture, but also comes from a love-worn piece I had once bought in the Paris market. A signature for the brand is also the slightly worn colour treatment on our linens and prints.
“You know when you’re on holiday and you leave a shirt out to dry in the sun and it gets that perfect faded sun-bleach? That’s what we’re trying to replicate. ”
The capsule collections include colours such as Medina Pink, Ice Mint, Sun-bleached Toast Gingham and Clay leopard prints.
Sarah-Jane Clarke draws on her travel experiences for her fashion collections.
How has your style evolved throughout the years?
I’m much more interested in a slower paced life now. I love things of beauty, well created objects, and have a huge respect for handmade craftsmanship. I like knowing the story behind each piece. I’m much more thoughtful and considered when buying and I buy the best quality I can afford. I don’t like excess, less is definitely more!
“I love the transformative power of fashion, how it makes us feel, and how we express ourselves through the way we dress.”
As a designer, what’s been the greatest lesson learnt since the start of your fashion career?
Having sat over all areas of a business, I think the key to success is having relevant product in the market at the right time. It’s very important to know who you are as a brand, and to be able to articulate what you stand for. This will bring authenticity to everything you do.
What’s in store for the rest of this year creatively?
SARAH-JANE CLARKE HOME is set to launch soon with products including ceramics and cushions.
“You know when you’re on holiday and you leave a shirt out to dry in the sun and it gets that perfect faded sun-bleach? That’s what we’re trying to replicate,” shares Sarah-Jane.
The capsule collections include colours such as Medina Pink, Ice Mint, Sun-bleached Toast Gingham and Clay leopard prints.