Christopher John Kane (born 26 July 1982) is a Scottish
fashion design
Fashion design is the Art (skill), art of applying design, aesthetics, clothing construction and natural beauty to clothing and its Fashion accessory, accessories. It is influenced by culture and different trends, and has varied over time and plac ...
er based in London.
Biography
Kane was born as the youngest of five children in
Newarthill
Newarthill is a village in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, situated roughly three miles north-east of the town of Motherwell. It has a population of around 6,200. Most local amenities are shared with the adjacent villages of Carfin, Holytown and Ne ...
,
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire ( sco, North Lanrikshire; gd, Siorrachd Lannraig a Tuath) is one of 32 council areas of Scotland. It borders the northeast of the City of Glasgow and contains many of Glasgow's suburbs and commuter towns and villages. It also ...
, to an engineer and draughtsman father and housewife mother.
Kane attended
Taylor High School. While still in college, he worked for fellow designers Russell Sage and
Giles Deacon
Giles Deacon (born 1969) is a British fashion designer, Creative Director and Founder of Giles Deacon group, a fashion enterprise. Deacon joined the Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Deacon has been known to challenge the traditional ideas of womenswe ...
and attracted the attention of
Donatella Versace
Donatella Francesca Versace (; born 2 May 1955) is an Italian fashion designer, businesswoman, socialite, and model. She is the sister of Gianni Versace, founder of the luxury fashion company Versace, with whom she worked closely on the developm ...
by winning the Lancôme Colour Award in 2005.
Kane subsequently won the
Harrods
Harrods Limited is a department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London, England. It is currently owned by the state of Qatar via its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority. The Harrods brand also applies to other ...
Design Award for his MA Graduate collection, consisting of
£1,500 and a showpiece window in Harrods from 24 February to 8 March 2006. The collection consisted of stretch-lace dresses decorated with brass rings. He was immediately hired by Versace to work on the label's Atelier couture collection as well as consulting on shoes and accessories. He graduated from
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
Central Saint Martins is a public tertiary art school in London, England. It is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London. It offers full-time courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and a variety of shor ...
in 2006.
In December 2006, Kane was photographed by
David Bailey
David Royston Bailey (born 2 January 1938) is an English photographer and director, most widely known for his fashion photography and portraiture, and role in shaping the image of the Swinging Sixties.
Early life
David Bailey was born at Wh ...
for British ''
Vogue
Vogue may refer to:
Business
* ''Vogue'' (magazine), a US fashion magazine
** British ''Vogue'', a British fashion magazine
** ''Vogue Arabia'', an Arab fashion magazine
** ''Vogue Australia'', an Australian fashion magazine
** ''Vogue China'', ...
'' alongside
Antony Price
Antony Price is an English fashion designer best known for evening wear and suits, and for being as much an "image-maker" as a designer. He has collaborated with a number of high-profile musicians, including David Bowie, Robert Palmer, Iva D ...
, whose 1980s bombshell evening dresses and curvaceous feminine styles foreshadowed Kane's bandage-tight tailoring. In August 2014, Kane was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to ''
The Guardian
''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
'' opposing
Scottish independence
Scottish independence ( gd, Neo-eisimeileachd na h-Alba; sco, Scots unthirldom) is the idea of Scotland as a sovereign state, independent from the United Kingdom, and refers to the political movement that is campaigning to bring it about.
S ...
in the run-up to September's
2014 Scottish independence referendum
A referendum on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom was held in Scotland on 18 September 2014. The referendum question was, "Should Scotland be an independent country?", which voters answered with "Yes" or "No". The "No" side w ...
.
Professional career
![Christopher Kane Dress of the Year 2014](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Christopher_Kane_Dress_of_the_Year_2014.jpg)
Kane established his namesake label in 2006, with his sister Tammy Kane who studied at the Scottish College of Textile Design, running the financial side of the business and also assisting in his fabric creation and design process.
His first independent show, presented on 20 September 2006, consisted of super-short bandage dresses in neon shades. Kane said of his collection that he "only used neon last year because it was my first collection and I wanted to go as bright as possible."
The collection was lauded by prominent international fashion critics and credited by various sources as a major contributor to summer 2007's 'fluoro' trends.
In April 2006, Kane was awarded the Young Designer of the Year at the
Scottish Fashion Awards
The Scottish Fashion Awards was an annual awards ceremony honouring Scottish designers, photographers, models and fashion industry leaders. Founded in 2006, the event organiser was Tessa Hartmann, owner of a Scottish-based PR firm to promote her ...
. Subsequently, the designer launched a
capsule collection
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximise the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing ...
for British high-street clothing store
Topshop
TOPSHOP (originally Top Shop) is a British fashion brand for women's clothing, shoes and accessories. It was part of the Arcadia Group, controlled by Sir Philip Green, but went into administration in late 2020 before being purchased by ASOS (r ...
.
His second collection, showcased on 13 February 2007, once again received positive reviews from leading critics. Moving away from his signature tight-fitted look, Kane showcased a collection of velvets and leathers in a more relaxed silhouette. This was also his first collaboration with prominent shoe designer
Manolo Blahnik
Manuel "Manolo" Blahnik Rodríguez (; born 27 November 1942) is a Spanish fashion designer and founder of the eponymous high-end shoe brand.
Biography
Blahnik was born in Santa Cruz de la Palma, in the Canary Islands (Spain), to a Czech father ...
, who created the shoes for the show.
Kane collaborations extend into music: He designed costumes for
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, having sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has been recognised for reinve ...
's music video "
2 Hearts"; On 18 October 2007, he collaborated with
Beth Ditto
Mary Beth Patterson (born February 19, 1981), known by her stage name Beth Ditto, is an American singer and songwriter most notable for her work with the indie rock band Gossip. Her voice has been compared to Etta James, Janis Joplin and Tin ...
for luxury label
Swarovski
Swarovski (, ) is an Austrian producer of glass based in Wattens, Austria, and has existed as a family-owned business since its founding in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski.
The company is split into three major industry areas: the Swarovski Crystal ...
's Fashion Rocks show held at the
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the UK's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no govern ...
to critical acclaim. In addition to designing his own label and consulting at Versace, he is also part of Atlier Swarovski, a small collective of designers who create special jewelry collections for
Swarovski
Swarovski (, ) is an Austrian producer of glass based in Wattens, Austria, and has existed as a family-owned business since its founding in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski.
The company is split into three major industry areas: the Swarovski Crystal ...
.
On 10 September 2007, days before Kane was scheduled to show his third collection, it was reported that 23 pieces from the Spring-Summer 2008 show had been stolen from his London studio. In addition to
cashmere and leather pieces, a laptop was also stolen. No fingerprints were found upon inspection. However, the designer proceeded his third show and second collaboration with Blahnik seven days later on 17 September 2007, once again changing directions and introducing snake skin printed chiffon and denim in yet another collection that won rave reviews.
On 27 November 2007, he was awarded New Designer of The Year at the British Fashion Awards. Kane has also been credited for single-handedly turning the fortunes of cashmere producer
Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin is a woollen mill in Elgin, Moray, Elgin, Scotland.
Alexander Johnston established his business in 1797 at Newmill Elgin on the banks of the River Lossie. Despite a major fire (1954) and numerous floods the Mill at Elgin contin ...
by partnering with the company to produce his line of cashmere garments.
Known to be a passionate promoter of his home country, the designer was appointed as an ambassador for
VisitScotland
VisitScotland, formerly the Scottish Tourist Board, is a national tourism organisation for Scotland. It is an executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and other ...
in January 2008. He celebrated
Burns Night
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns (25 January 175921 July 1796), the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, known as Burns Night ( sc ...
by showcasing a special trunk show of his Spring-Summer 2008 collection as well as hosting an exclusive party at
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols is a British luxury department store chain founded in 1831, at its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London. It sells designer fashion collections for men and women, fashion accessories, beauty products, fine wines and luxury f ...
the ambassador for VisitScotland. Furthering his role, Kane collaborated with
Lancôme
Lancôme () is a French luxury perfumes and cosmetics house that distributes products internationally. Lancôme is part of the L'Oréal Luxury Products division, which is its parent company and offers luxury skin care, fragrances, and makeup at ...
to create a limited edition Juicy Tube
lip gloss
Lip gloss is a cosmetic used primarily to give lips a glossy luster, and sometimes to add a subtle color. It is distributed as a fluid or a soft solid (not to be confused with lip balm, which generally has medical or soothing purposes, or lipst ...
. The finished product, called Burns Night, is a tangerine colour with a beautiful illustration printed on the tube along with Kane's signature and was launched in February 2008.
On 12 February 2008, the designer showcased his fourth collection which departed again from his previous themes. Featuring dresses of layered organdy and plastic sequins, cable woven cashmere tops and dresses along with heavily embellished jackets, the show was greeted with similar praise from fashion critics.
On 16 September 2008, Kane showcased his fifth collection, this time building upon his previous theme of circular sequins which "had grown into even bigger circles of chiffon and leather that rippled like scales around the models or created scalloped contours down their bodies to oscillating – and very short – hemlines." Inspired by "
Planet of the Apes
''Planet of the Apes'' is an American science fiction media franchise consisting of films, books, television series, comics, and other media about a world in which humans and intelligent apes clash for control. The franchise is based on Frenc ...
" and "
The Flintstones
''The Flintstones'' is an American animated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The series takes place in a romanticized Stone Age setting and follows the activities of the titular family, the Flintstones, and their next-door neighb ...
", it was met with similar praise from fashion critics. Commercially, the collection was a massive success, selling out within 24 hours of launch on Net-A-Porter.com on 13 February 2009.
Kane presented his sixth collection on 21 February 2009, a show labelled as another "Best Ever". The collection featured nude chiffon dresses and was praised for its construction as a more mature offering. He also collaborated with Versace, producing a capsule collection of accessories for the younger
Versus (Versace)
Versus (Versace) was a diffusion line of the Italian luxury fashion house Versace. It began in 1989 and was a gift by the founder Gianni Versace to his sister, Donatella Versace. After closing in 2005, Donatella resurrected it in 2009 with a ca ...
line showcased on 2 March 2009.
Donatella Versace
Donatella Francesca Versace (; born 2 May 1955) is an Italian fashion designer, businesswoman, socialite, and model. She is the sister of Gianni Versace, founder of the luxury fashion company Versace, with whom she worked closely on the developm ...
later compared him to her late brother
Gianni Versace
Giovanni Maria "Gianni" Versace (; 2 December 1946 – 15 July 1997) was an Italian fashion designer, socialite and businessman. He was the founder of Versace, an international luxury-fashion house that produces accessories, fragrances, make-u ...
.
In 2009 and 2010, he collaborated with the professional British haircare brand Catwalk by TIGI to create an advertising campaign for the brand's three new product collections.
On 15 January 2013,
Kering
Kering () is a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods. It owns the brands Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.
The timber-trading company Pinault S.A. was founded in 1963, b ...
and Kane jointly announced that they have signed an agreement by which Kering acquired 51% of the designer's luxury brand,
in order to develop the business in partnership with its creator.
Kering
Kering () is a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods. It owns the brands Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.
The timber-trading company Pinault S.A. was founded in 1963, b ...
plans to open Kane’s first freestanding boutique.
On 2 December 2013, Kane was awarded the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award at the 2013 British Fashion Awards at the London Coliseum.
In 2018, Phoebe Tonkin wore a red dress from 2018 collection of Christopher Kane. In 2019, Kering sold its 51% ownership of the Christopher Kane brand back to its founder.
A pink dress by Kane trimmed with lace and
gaffer tape
Gaffer tape (also known as gaffer's tape, gaff tape or gaffa tape as well as spike tape for narrow, colored gaffer tape) is a heavy cotton cloth pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesive and tensile properties. It is widely used in theatre, p ...
was selected by the blogger
Susanna Lau
Susanna Lau (born 1983) (known as Susie Bubble) is a British journalist and blogger. She got her start as a fashion blogger.
Early life and education
Lau was born in the United Kingdom. Her family comes from Hong Kong.
Lau studied history at ...
to represent 2013 in the
Fashion Museum, Bath
The Fashion Museum (known before 2007 as the Museum of Costume) is housed in the Assembly Rooms in Bath, Somerset, England.
The collection was started by Doris Langley Moore, who gave her collection of costumes to the city of Bath in 1963. The ...
's
Dress of the Year
The Dress of the Year is an annual fashion award run by the Fashion Museum, Bath from 1963. Each year since 1963, the Museum has asked a fashion journalist to select a dress or outfit that best represents the most important new ideas in contempora ...
collection. It was accessorized with a
Nasir Mazhar
Nasir Mazhar is a British fashion designer. He is best recognised for his inventive approaches to sports caps and headwear. Lady Gaga has worn a few of Nasir Mazhar's hats.
Biography
Mazhar was born in East London and brought up in Leytonstone, Lo ...
hat and shoes by
Sophia Webster
Sophia Grace Webster (born 18 March 1985) is a British shoe and accessories designer who launched her eponymous footwear line in September 2012. She is renowned for a feminine, bold yet playful design approach which has led to distribution at o ...
.
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kane, Christopher
1982 births
Living people
Scottish fashion designers
High fashion brands
British fashion designers
People from North Lanarkshire
Alumni of Central Saint Martins
People educated at Taylor High School, New Stevenston