My Runway Reviews: Christopher Kane
So much excitement filled London Fashion Week it left fashion enthusiasts everywhere buzzing. However, one collection in particular stood apart from the rest for me, because of its innovative inspiration and uncommon shape. It was Christopher Kane, a London-based fashion designer who started his label in 2006 with sister Tammy. To me, Kane is out to prove himself as a designer and create to the best of his ability. Judging from his latest collection, it is fair to say that he understands that recognition will come in time, if he takes risks and puts into practice all the crazy ideas that pop up.
The inspiration for Christopher Kane Spring 2009 RTW is the pre-historic age. Kane uses the shape and form of, literally, dinosaurs’ giant scales as a foundation for the collection. Kane’s modern interpretation of a scale comes into being as a kind of large half circle that he uses, in all different sizes, to frame each look. The first look starts strong with pairing a neon-orange leopard print long-sleeved tee tucked under a voluminously shaped bright yellow skirt flapping with scales all around. It is not until later in the show that one can put together the pattern and imagery of the pre-historic, dinosaur-loving theme of the collection. The semi-circle scales bring every look together and create cohesiveness, and at the same time provide for a new and fresh way of thinking. It seems almost absurd to connect fashion with dinosaurs, yet somehow, Kane has managed to make this collection elegant, classy, and even fun. What I found to be refreshing about Kane’s latest is the fact that he managed to take an extremely uncommon basis of inspiration, and make it entertaining and fresh for the viewer. Commonly, when a designer has some sort of unconventional inspiration for a certain collection, they will go out of their way to dig deeper and create complex looks. However, what Kane does here is so much more interesting to me. The idea of pre-historic times is definitely original and thoughtful, but instead of bombarding the viewer with crazy piece after piece, Kane uses one simplistic model (that of the scale) and presents it in a variety of ways. The color palette and the youthful spirit made the collection entertaining to watch; and in a positive sense, easier for the viewer to digest Kane’s original concept.
Though Kane is still a relatively young designer, his innovation especially in his latest serves as a taste of exciting new things to come from him. His collection was memorable and extremely praise-worthy for its ability to remain both gutsy and light-hearted.
