Overview
You'd be hard-pressed to find an Aussie fashionista who doesn't know Sass & Bide. Founded by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton in 1999, the Brisbane-born label captured the early 2000s by storm with its gilded embellishments and bold prints. Sass & Bide's designs have strutted down runways in Australia, London and New York — and remains one of the country's most recognisable names in fashion.
After Sass & Bide kicked off, Middleton spent 25 years straddling Sydney and Paris as she pursued art and design alongside her role as Creative Director. Now, the designer has returned to Queensland with an exciting new project in tow — ARTCLUB, a retail, gallery and studio space displaying her multidisciplinary designs and artwork.
Housed in a former Sass & Bide boutique on James Street, ARTCLUB reimagines Middleton's world into a retail experience. On the first floor, a six-metre gallery wall is lined with Middleton's original artworks. Abstract floor-to-ceiling sculptures and sculptural brass clothes railings fill the room. Paintings hang alongside clothing made from natural fabrics and offcuts — both are available for purchase.
Upstairs, the mezzanine has been converted into a working atelier that perches above the shop. Visitors can watch Middleton hand-cutting and sewing her designs, or even have something made to order. There are no smoke and mirrors here, just slow and sustainable production that yields limited runs.
Like any beautiful home, the space will evolve. Soon, collaborations with artists, designers and other kindred creatives will take shape within the sunlit walls. In 2026, Middleton plans to weave in an Objet Trouvé edit — a curation of found objects from her travels — plus a collection of limited-edition furniture and sculptural design pieces.
Images: Supplied