London’s golden boy presents a stellar collection
Christopher Kane’s collections are the gift that keeps on giving, and this season is no different. In fact, it’s surpassed all expectation and brought back bin-liner chic to a whole new level. We were huge fans of his SS14 collection and were pleased to see that he carried over the flower theme a little in a few of the pieces. When designers are now expected to produce a minimum of four collections, it’s incredibly refreshing to see that Kane has a staggering number of ideas.
The collection seemed to not have just one theme, but a multitude – beginning with a masculine tailoring look, before segueing into the new sport luxe consisting of a lot of nylon on everything from outwear to dress trims and glossy patent on skirts and even pocket trims. The looks, despite appearing effortlessly undone, were slick and sexy yet very subtle, as is the woman in most of Kane’s collections. His designs are often about a modern woman with a certain allure that does not come from the usual suspects, but from unexpected trims of lace, laser cutting and fur and smatterings of embellishment on skirts and suits.
One of the stand out pieces that is sticking around or another season is the pink coat, seen here in possibly the most exquisite wool crepe construction and silhouette we could have wished for and dotted with crystals. Outerwear was key in this collection and finished with lots of fur – our hot picks were a patent oversized shearling jacket and a glossy nylon overcoat lined with fur, both guaranteed to make rain chic. You heard it here first!
Every piece is a technique in itself and Christopher Kane truly excels himself in his craft with the incredible knitwear ranging from a neon fisherman’s number to delicately frilled cashmere in both bold yellow and muted grey that are guaranteed to be a sell out when they hit stores. Kane’s juxtaposition of practical fabrics like wool crepe and cashmere with the urban nylon finishes gave the whole collection instant commercial value, but saves itself from being subject to copycats with it’s unique crafting and Kane’s creativity.
Kane further charmed the crowds with his experimental sleeves made from curling ribbon, weaving in and out of each slender model’s arms, and when that was enough, there was more. Although the Christopher Kane AW14 woman is far from an open book, she sure can wear one, with organza intricately spliced into pleats as though the pages of a romantic novel were literally wafting on the model’s bodies as they walked. Kane’s ability to fashion the technique into beautifully flattering silhouettes was a mind-blowing feat and appeared to mellow even the edgiest of editors watching the show.
Watch Christopher Kane London Fashion Week show:
