COMPLEX GEOMETRIES

I remember sitting in a Calgary bar with a couple former artschool friends sometime around the year 2000 when Clayton first told me his plan to make clothing. I've been following his career ever since then, watching his brand grow from accessories and simple T-shirts to beautiful adaptable jersey pieces and flowing hand-dyed silk wraps and dresses, always with a hint of darkness just beneath the surface. In my mind he was one of the first individuals that showed the lot of us other dinky little designers we could follow our visions and make a go of it.

The Complex Geometries F/W 2011 show was held at West Gentleman's Club in Manhattan, a perfect sort of venue for his glammy, gritty collection. Part Man Who Fell to Earth, part Mad Max, and part kimono-era Rush, I found a strong science-fiction-mystic vibe running throughout the pieces on display. A variety of textures and shades (including the introduction of burgundy and metallic silver to his usual palette of black, white and mauve) came together to create a diverse, cohesive collection. The fantastically high platform shoes (a collaboration with L D Tuttle) brought a welcome element of menace, though I don't envy the models who had to walk up and down stairs in them. All in all another covetable, wearable collection full of basics and knockouts alike, both sure to make the wearer feel special in them.

I adore this black dress, I want to wear it every day for the rest of my life. It's on my list.

As always it's a pleasure to see Clayton's work develop and grow. I excitedly await many future projects from this talented designer and wonderful human being.

Also - if you haven't already, go buy geodes now. Pretty rock slices are gonna be huge in jewellery over the next few months.