Spot Check: Christopher Kane for Topshop

Christopher Kane for Topshop launched near the end of last month but between being slightly burnt out and getting sick recently, I only had the chance to check out the collection today. I honestly thought that much would be sold out, but I guess the prices are a little steeper than your average designer collaboration. I think I saw every piece of the collection in stock! From the super iconic gator print tee and dress to the oh so unpractical mesh underwear-like bottoms to the coveted mesh leggings. They also had the shoes in stock upstairs too!

As for quality, things are better made than I anticipated. I did not always like the look of some of the plastic rhinestones as they looked a little bit too plastic on some applications but they looked quite nice on the black corset top. Another thing I did not realize was that what I thought were cut out holes in some of the pieces are actually tiny mirrors inserted via embroidery and they look quite nice in person. The mesh pieces are actually on "power mesh" so it is a very sturdy material that can support all the applique/hardware detailing. The grommets on closer inspection are actually the fronts of hammered on snaps making for more secure treatment and if one falls out (which I doubt) there will not be holes left in your clothes.
As for the gator tee, the printed material felt softer and thinner than I thought but the arm openings are not finished and left raw edge for some reason, unlike the dress that has ribbed fabric finishing the armholes.

If this collection appealed to you I suggest you go check it out in person as it's all there!

Christopher Kane for Topshop: Top 5 + Contest

BLACK EYELET LACE DRESS $310, CROC T-SHIRT DRESS $125

Are you excited for the Christopher Kane for Topshop collection that is launching tomorrow, September 18th. The collection includes plenty of gromets, sheer fabrics and sexy cut out details. Here are 5 of my fave looks. I especially think the Croc T-Shirt dress is fun as it's reminiscent of Kane's Baboon Print Tee that retails for at least 3 times the price. To see a full lookbook click here.

BLACK MESH EYELET LEGGINGS $160, NAVY BUST CUP DRESS $260

BLACK MESH SANDAL $260

Also in case you're interested, Topshop is giving away 14 Christopher Kane for Topshop leather eyelet pouch bags via Facebook and Twitter this week. For full details please visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135779447442&index=1

Trends: Manish Loafer

Fall 2009 at Ports 1961, Giles

Fall 2009 at Comme des Garçons, Christopher Kane

In contrast to the sky high platform shoes of the runways, some designers decided to give women a few more practical options. A take on masculine footwear including styles like lace up brogues & loafers were seen at a multitude of designers. I personally love the look, it's so classy! Especially the versions shown at Ports 1961 and Giles! Look for black shine leather and classic detailing.

Here are a few places to get the look now:
Melissa has a yellow rubber version for $70
Jeffrey Campbell has a feminine 2 tone version on sale for $79.95
Topshop has a fun pink or silver version of Brogues available for $125.
Repetto has a great metallic version for $295
Church's has a similar one to Ports 1961 for $470
Marc Jacob's has a gold and canvas version for $785

Christopher Kane - Runway Review

Christopher Kane has been a young designer to watch the past few seasons. Ever since Donatella Versace used him as a consulant, I have wondered what tricks this boy has up his sleeve, if he would be one to rise or like a bright firecracker fame that would soon die out.

To be truthful, I was not a fan of his last collection but still curious as to where Kane would grow and develop his identity doing. Citing unlikely inspiration from Planet of the Apes, The Flintstones, Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C., and Dian Fossey and her gorillas it's hard to imagine what this collection would be.

This time around though, he built on the use of Pailettes (Giant Sequins) from the previous collections, but now in leather and organza building layers of cartoon like scales with great effect, delighting my eyes with texture, movement and layers. I loved loved loved this look. Kane stuck to a mostly safe color palatte of nudes, silver, black and ivory but injected acid green, lemon yellow, red and oranges to keep things lively. I could live without the bright leopard prints and the marabou came off looking trashy. While the ape motiffs are almost comical fortunately the insiration wasn't always so literal and limited to only a few pieces.

Overall I could see some of these frothy frocks looking great on fashion forward gamine-like young celebs but not for everyone, as the layers add bulk. But the offerings seem more commercialy viable than ever before. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this young designer.