Oh how the skinny lattes and the faux fur were strewn aside! DRAMA. In a manner worthy of an Olivier award-winning performance, the fashion world stood aghast this morning as news broke of PPR aquiring a majority stake in Christopher Kane's eponymous label.
But surely we saw it coming? Wasn't it only a matter of who would be the first?
The chief executive of PRR (the French luxury goods conglomerate with ownership of brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent) revealed plans to take the budding label to new heights and become an international brand in its own right. I can't help thinking that part of the Christopher Kane charm is its incongruous nature- the idea that such artistic beauty could be borne out of this one unassuming workshop in Dalston. Take the fact that a previous collection was inspired by squidgy childhood pencil cases- can this singular vision survive the hands of a multinational organisation? Christopher Kane himself has freely admitted that his creativity has previously been constrained by the limited budgets available to an emerging designer. So with PRR on board production and marketing expenditure is set to soar allowing him full creative potential. Exciting times for the label. But the implications of this deal are far reaching and signify a new step in the emergence of British fashion- will Saunders, Kantrantzou or Erdem be next to reach the world stage? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
Christopher Kane: A HISTORY...
The name Christopher Kane is synonymous
with our new generation of dynamic, eccentric and thoroughly modern designers. Through his irreverence there maintains a wearablilty, a quality that
makes his designs extremely influential both commercially and editorially. His first
independent collection of bandage-tight fluoro mini dresses demanded the
attentions of leading critics whilst epitomising his signature fusion of the
chic and coquettish. The incorporation of futuristic white buckles and zips
added a new dimension to the parade of electric purple, acidic green and
shocking fuchsia. Averyl Oates praised the show as "incredible” and commented that she loves
“how Christopher surprises us. He's not led by trends, which makes his clothes
very desirable and very collectible."
Since graduating from St. Martins 6 years ago, he has
created firm foundations within the industry through both his leading role in
relaunching Versus (Versace’s fusion line) and stratospheric popularity with celebs. He was one of the first designers to be honored with the prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer
Fashion Fund award.
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