Runway Bonanza Part 2: Christopher Kane

Each time Christopher Kane comes out with a new collection, I'm more convinced he's a mega genius. The best high-concept collections are those that are pure theatrics or high art on the runway but that actually contain wearable pieces if you look hard enough, and this is what Kane is so good at. His Spring 2010 collection's running theme was gingham, and although there were certainly dresses that would be difficult for the average person pull off no matter how they styled it, they were always followed by a variation on the theme that was extremely wearable. Example:


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

You get what he's doing: the shape and print is little-girl cutesy but the bra cups and sheer panel are not. The idea is smart, but only a handful of too-cool-for-you-and-conveniently-rich girls will buy it. That look was followed by this one:


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

You don't even have to imagine these pieces with other things to be able to see it in your own life: you could wear it as shown on the runway and look great. The cardigan is an easy sell, as is the bustier top, but the skirt is the real winner. Here's a closer look.


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

You don't have a skirt like that in your closet yet, but it's easy to imagine it there! The panel over the hips and down on the sides coupled with the pleated panels create a new version of a trumpet skirt: it's both inventive and highly flattering.

All the knits in this collection should be favorites in stores. They are just special enough to warrant busting out the credit card, but they're not so trendy that you won't get a couple seasons out of them. This was one of my favorites:


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

The back is even better:


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

If exposing that much skin to the elements in the winter months doesn't seem rational, Kane showed a similar sweater over a tailored oxford that also looked great.

Continuing with his girlish theme, Kane's eveningwear choices were ice dancer inspired. I know, it sounds like something only waifish teen could pull off successfully, but somehow Kane made it more universal.


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

It's not unlikely that the slits in the skirt will be half that length when this dress hits stores. Even without that minor change, it's easy to picture a 30+ woman in it. Kane ties the skater sequins in with the gingham quite nicely with this look:


Photo from Style.com (click the image to visit the source).

100% wearable but still quietly subversive. And the skirt is a shoo-in for a day-to-night look. Mr. Kane, you're my hero.