LFW: Christopher Kane Catwalk Show

Christopher Kane’s show on Monday afternoon delivered a massive zingy punch of colour to the otherwise rather subdued Spring/ Summer collections of the week so far. The collection was inspired by the young Queen Elizabeth II; shape-wise this made perfect literal sense with knee-length skirt suits, twin-sets, and pretty dresses. Kane’s use of traditional Argyll in the opening section was witty and charming. It was the colour palette that threw everyone though; unless HRH has a secret acid habit we don’t know about, we’re not sure we follow Kane’s drift. That’s not to say the persistent fluro’s were a mistake though; after another day of predominantly neutral, monochrome palettes, we more than welcomed Kane’s kaleidoscopic colour onslaught!

The Queen may have been his inspiration, but the main theme of the collection appeared to be clashy clashy; clashing colours, clashing prints - at some points almost to the level of ugliness – so much so that at times we had to check if we were still at Christopher Kane, and not a Henry Holland show. In spite of this there were actually many very wearable pieces. Break-up the looks and you find a set of beautiful stand-out separates.

In a season where many designers seemed to have played it safe, Kane stood out as someone who was staying true to himself and his vision – regardless of the commercial appeal of the clothes. Overall the collection was unapologetic and daring, which will no doubt scare off the general public, but get the trendies all hot under the collar.

-Siam Goorwich