Christopher Kane’s SS13 collection was something that was out of a mad scientist’s lab – a very fashion forward lab. Kane was inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and hence the scientist began his interpretation with the basics. White monochromatic looks featuring pencil skirts, quilted biker jackets, clean-line dresses, and trousers led the charge but, upon closer inspection, transparent plastic nuts and the bolts replaced fastenings on dresses and were re-fashioned in bows. As the show progressed, the delicate pinks, yellows and greys added a springtime femininity on day dresses, skirts, and jackets but, once again a twist, layers of folds in varying sizes were carefully placed to create volume and dimension. Transparent jelly versions of all of the above entered – as bows meshed together, as rouching and frills on skirts, and a jacket and skirt ensemble that would have otherwise been pretty and prim.
Themes – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein meets Bubblegum Princess. The gruesome Frankenstein story was lightened up with whimsy featuring pastel colors and bows-a-plenty.
Colors – White, fondant pink, pale yellow, bubblegum pink, Gainsboro grey, black, purple
Key Items – Quilted biker jackets, bubblegum pink folded tier dress with V-neckline, lined sheer yellow dress with chandelier jeweled applique.
Prints/Patterns – Duct tape strips on various skirts and dresses, printed bows, jelly bows, quilted leather jackets.
Fabrics – Leather, cotton, jelly rubber, tape, lace, plastic
Accessories – Shoes were peep toes with bolts, ankle strap sandals with wrapped strap detail. The bags were quilted leather with giant plastic nuts and bolts as handles.
Swag – Christopher Kane’s use of bows, applique embellishment, folds, lace, plastic, and even tape was whimsical, creative and just plain smart. We plan on seeing the jelly rubber and the various bow adorned dresses in editorials and It-girls throughout the Spring especially from Kane’s usual clientele: Alexa Chung, Leigh Lezark, Daisy Lowe and Poppy Delevingne.