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August 6, 2007 10:30 am
A burgeoning rock star in the fashion world, Christopher Kane sent out a moody Fall collection that was as dark and dramatic as a Bauhaus song. Music is a huge source of inspiration for the Londoner, who is the featured designer for this year’s Swarovski Fashion Rocks for the Prince’s Trust 2007, a charity concert featuring top musical artists performing in Kane’s designs. (Buy your tickets for the October 18 event, to be held at Royal Albert Hall, at www.fashionrocks.co.uk.) Kane’s the first up-and-comer to participate, and will be joining such established names such as Armani, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. We talked to the man—whose neon-bright dresses inspired a nu-rave moment last spring—about the music that influences him the most.
What were you listening to while creating your Fall 2007 collection?
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A wide variety of music—from Ray LaMontagne to old gospel. I felt really strongly about Windmills of Your Mind [by Dusty Springfield] and Lindstrom [Norwegian modern disco artist]. It caught the mood. I never really listen to a whole album. I prefer to use shuffle.
Who are some of your musical style icons?
Cher in her early period. She looked fab with her strong face and Bob Mackie outfits. Dolly Parton looks amazing in her own strange way. I’ve always been drawn to American beauty pageants, and I guess she is like a grown-up version. Her outfits always shock me.
Who do you think is the best-dressed musician of the past 50 years?
Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith still rock out. I love their nonchalant attitudes toward fashion and life in general. They always look hot without trying.
You’ve said you would love to see Beth Ditto wearing your clothes at the Swarovski Fashion Rocks event. What’s the appeal for you?
Her integrity, her voice, her image—everything she stands for. She doesn’t care what people think of her, and that’s very refreshing. She completely lets go when performing, and it shows how much she loves what she does.
Any other musicians you’d like to see wearing your clothes?
Madonna would look amazing in the black Elvira Swarovski crystal dress. I could easily see Chan Marshall in my black cardi dress with diamond buttons. I was happy for Eve to wear something from my Spring/Summer collection in her video [for Shake Your Tambourine]. She looks hot.
You designed dresses for Kylie Minogue early in your career. How did that happen?
I had just finished my B.A. course, and her stylist asked me to make her a few dresses. She performed on the Saturday-morning music show CD: UK in one. I was so shocked to see it on TV! I had made it in my bedroom only a few days before.
Last five songs you listened to?
I Feel It All by Feist, Jealous Girls by The Gossip, Pogo by Digitalism, Digital Stimulation by Units, and Heartbeats by The Knife.
—Shelly Ridenour
Photo: Marcio Madeira
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