Bradley Theodore has long been known for transforming cultural icons into vibrant skeletons bursting with colour and energy. His latest exhibition in Mayfair takes on Marie Antoinette, reimagining the infamous queen as the “original influencer” while connecting her legacy to today’s fashion and power conversations. From the streets of New York to global galleries, Theodore’s work celebrates individuality while challenging uniformity in culture. We caught up with him to talk about his new London show, his signature style, and the journey that keeps his art so fiercely original.
Your new exhibition in Mayfair focuses on Marie Antoinette. What drew you to her as a subject, and how do you see her as the “original influencer”?
This subject takes us on an exploration of fashion’s evolution, celebrating the trailblazers from its earliest mavericks to the rock-model icons of today. It resonates with the themes presented by the VA’s Maria and echoes the dynamic atmosphere of Fashion Week, serving as a reminder that to envision the future, we must first honor the past.
This show coincides with London Fashion Week and the V&A’s major Antoinette exhibition. How do you feel your work speaks to today’s conversations about fashion and power?
Modern fashion often appears crowded by uniformity—a landscape overrun by imitators, lacking the unique spark of those who pour passion into color and dramatic expression. What our industry craves are creative souls with a deep appreciation for theatrical vibrancy and a respect for history, who also dare to shape a future for the next generation. Naturally, the allure of wealth and power plays its part, enabling the acquisition or creation of high-quality pieces that embody aspirational dreams.
Your style reduces icons to skeletons bursting with colour. What does stripping away their exterior reveal about fame, identity, and legacy?
I believe true style is rooted in an understanding of an individual’s energy and spiritual presence. I seek out those who remain genuine, untouched by the pressures to conform to a predefined mold. By peeling away the superficial layers of fame, fortune, and extravagant garments, we can reveal the authentic self beneath—a truth that stands firm if nothing is hidden beneath the exterior.
From New York streets to global galleries, your career has crossed disciplines and borders. How has that international journey shaped your artistic voice?
My own path has led me through the vibrant streets of New York City and into the underground clubs where tastemakers reside. There, I discovered that my work—modern yet steeped in the heritage of classic street poetry—resonates with those who appreciate the reinvention of timeless elegance, much like the transformation of a cherished 1950s Rolls-Royce for the present day. Amid the flood of digital and AI-generated content, I have carved out my unique voice, one that balances modernity with classic sensibilities.
You’ve collaborated with brands from PUMA to LEGO. What excites you about crossing into fashion, design, and commercial projects while staying true to your vision?
In collaboration with brands such as LEGO, Puma, David Beckham’s signature collections, and distinguished whisky makers, I strive to create experiences for collectors. These are individuals who, while they may not acquire expansive artworks, cherish the possibility of curating a personal gallery—be it on a shelf, hung on a wall, or displayed in an intimate space.
Looking ahead, what do you hope audiences will take away from your London exhibition—and where do you see your work evolving next?
For this London exhibition, I hope visitors leave energized and inspired—a celebration where the excitement of color, creativity, and fashion is artfully woven into one unforgettable experience.
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Bradley Theodore at Clarendon Fine Art
46 Dover St, London W1S 4FF
19–29 September