“Every time I visit the studios at Sarabande, the air thrums with activity. The faint smell of oil paint lingers in the corridor as I watch a digital artist dancing, their body covered in sensors; around the corner, a woodcarver painstakingly chisels wooden tulips as sewing machines whirr. In the kitchen, the artists are talking, working things out together – forming their own smaller communities that will be their support system for years to come.
“In many ways, Sarabande represents the early Alexander McQueen studio in Hoxton Square, where I began my journey at McQueen 27 years ago. Like Sarabande, I remember the studio being alive with raw energy, passion and unfettered creativity.
“We were always looking for creatives in different disciplines; Lee never limited himself to working only with fashion people. I would hunt for a bedmaker to make the iron showpiece he had just envisioned, or a glassblower willing to attempt an impossibly fragile bodice for a model to wear. Lee loved the conversation between different visionaries and makers that all fed into making his dreams possible.
“Next year, the studios that were started by my friend, the brilliant Trino Verkade, will celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Trino was such a huge part of the birth and success of McQueen – she was his first employee – and she continues to work tirelessly to support every kind of creative. The foundation’s studios have helped hundreds of artists to further develop their passion into careers. The artists meet or are mentored by the best in the business – be that in fashion, art, film or jewellery. Lee loved women and this story shines a light on just a handful of the dozens of astounding, talented women that Sarabande has nurtured.
“The majority of those whom Sarabande has helped with studios have been artists, not fashion designers – sculptors, painters, performing and photographic artists… Lee had a place at Slade before he died. And this broad mix of creatives works its own kind of magic. It is fair to say that Sarabande Foundation created the model that other brands are now starting to replicate as they up studio spaces. I am in awe of the richness of the talent and I applaud its belief that success isn’t just commercial.
“Sarabande is a jewel, an incredibly special place where all individuals and ideas have importance, a home where everyone is supported and nurtured, and at the same time challenged to achieve their best. Sarabande is where dreams become reality. I am sure Lee would be very proud of it.”
