In 2006, Kane graduated from Central St. Martins with a debut collection that garnered rave reviews, a shoutout from Donatella Versace and the highly coveted Harrods Design Award.
Above: A look from the designer's graduation show
A few months later, Kane received the Young Designer of the Year Award at the Scottish Fashion Awards and launched a capsule collection for Topshop. In early 2007, the designer showed his second collection during London Fashion Week—with the help of no one less than Manolo Blahnik, who created shoes for the runway. However, 2008 was the year of Kane’s first real commercial success—his spring collection sold out in one day on Net-A-Porter.com.
Above: A look from Chrisopher Kane's Spring Summer 2010 collection
In 2009, Kane presented his first collection for Versus, the sister line of Versace. This partnership has been long in the works, with Donatella being one of the designer’s biggest cheerleaders since she praised him at his first show.
Above: Christopher Kane and Donatella Versace in Milan last year
A look from the Christopher Kane for Versace Versus Autumn Winter 2010 runway
In 2010, JBrand came knocking with the opportunity for Kane to create his own line of denim pieces. His neon flares and jean jackets were an instant hit, prompting JBrand to continue the collaboration through this year. In 2011, he won awards from the British Fashion Council and Vogue’s Designer Fund—the latter prize alone put around $300,000 in his pocket to grow his label.
Above: The designer and one of his biggest fans Alexa Chung at the British Fashion Council Awards in 2011
In 2012, celebrities like actress Shailene Woodley and Kate Middleton all donning Kane’s designs. Could the princess have piqued PPR’s interest? Whatever the case may have been, PPR’s investment in Kane is sure to take him to the next level. Look out for much more in 2013.
Above: Kate Middleton in a custom coat by Christopher Kane at the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony in London
Actress Shailene Woodley wearing a gown by the designer to the 2012 Met Ball
A look from Christopher Kane's Spring Summer 2013 collection
© DUJOUR MEDIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED