Christopher Kane’s legacy was already shaping up to be one of Christal embellishments (and provocative slogans), so it seemed fitting when Self-Portrait, renowned for its glitz and glamour, announced he would step into the role of Creative Director as part of its “Residency” initiative. The brand pulls back the curtain on Kane’s creations as it teases the highly-anticipated collection, which launches at 8 pm tonight.
In September, The London-based fashion house, led by creative director Han Chong, announced it was opening the doors of its studios to creatives from all disciplines in a new “Residency” initiative with designer Christopher Kane the first to take part.
Today, the collaboration finally hits rails and online stores, revealing Kane’s interpretation of Self-Portrait. Two looks from the collection will be revealed in a campaign starring Kane’s longtime supporter Carine Roitfeld, shot at her home in Paris by Larissa Hofmann. The full campaign featuring a wider cast will be released from next week.
Kane’s Residency collection reinterprets key concepts from his SS07 debut collection. Think striking textures – crystal chainmail, soft lace ruffles and fluid satins.
Kane said: “It has been a joy to work with Han on the brand’s first self-portrait Residency. The entire process has been an extraordinary experience, made possible by Han and his wonderful teams.
“I am delighted to have reincarnated my archival collections for this inaugural project, and who better to unveil our new collection than Carine Roitfeld; a big champion since my first collections, and a true fashion icon. I will be forever grateful for her continued support.”
Christopher Kane
This Residency initiative “aims to encourage best-in-class craftsmanship and design by providing self-portrait’s infrastructure, platforms, resources, teams, and distribution network to spotlight and promote external creatives, offering them the freedom to dream and create”, the brand said.
The line-up of creatives will evolve continuously and will cover all creative disciplines. Christopher Kane is a renowned designer from Scotland, and a former mainstay of London Fashion Week, who first launched his own label with sister Tammy in 2006. Last year the pair bought back the brand in a rescue plan.
Self-portrait Residency by Christopher Kane will be available to shop from 8 pm at self-portrait.com, London stores in Mayfair and Chelsea and a network of third-party partners including Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Selfridges and Club21.
