About sam

Sam D'Cruze is a passionate multidisciplinary artist specialising in textiles; recently experimenting with the harmony between embroidery and painting, she focuses on 'text' to create a narrative.

In September 2023 Sam will embark on a Master of Research in Fine Art & Humanities at the Royal Collage of Art.

Since graduating in '97 from Central St Martins with a BA (hons) in Womenswear Design, she has spent over twenty years in the fashion industry. Working with various established brands and designers, she launched Darkest Star, a luxury design house 9 years ago. Exhibiting with the British Fashion Council, Darkest Star was stocked in prestigious boutiques worldwide. Appearing regularly in the pages of Schön, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle and dressing the likes of Gigi & Bella Hadid, Camila Cabello and Mary J Blige, Darkest Star was favoured by the music and fashion press alike.

In 2015, after her father's death, who sadly struggled with alcoholism , Sam started working on an art project called 'Child Of', aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction in a creative and contemporary way through storytelling. Opening up the conversation via an innovative platform focusing on creativity and mentorship and offering a deeper understanding of the impact of addiction, 'Child Of' will support those touched by addiction and raise funds for NACOA, the National Association of Children of Alcoholics.

Child Of was officially launched at the Saatchi Gallery in partnership with Saatchi Education and Learning Department in December 2021 with a month-long exhibition.

Now registered as a Community Interest Company, Child Of C.I.C proudly supports Centrepoint, Druglink & London East Alternative Provision. Sam is incredibly grateful to Saatchi Education Department and Daler Rowney for partnering with Child Of and having faith in the project.