The empress, born into Byzantine's lowest class of society caught the fancy of Emperor Justanian I, during her early days as a prostitute.

Their marriage caused an uproar, which was soon erased by her good deeds of helping the poor, advocating woman's rights and eradicating corruption.

She was also known to be ruthless, and people who met with her disapproval disappeared forever.

However, today she and her husband are regarded as saints by the Orthodox Church, and are commemorated on November 14, every year.

Chronicling the stages of the empress, Wendell's collection moves from white to ivory to bright scarlet, gold, purple and black. His trademark style is evident here too with clothes showing his minimalist approach to clothes. Layering chiffons and organza under heavy coarse cotton or silk, the clothes trace the humble beginnings of the empress to sainthood.

Text: Georgina Umdor
Photographs: Dominic Xavier