Show report: Christopher Kane S/S'12

When Kanye West takes a break from designing his debut to make your show, you know you're in the presence of something special. Christopher Kane attracted the big guns on day four of London Fashion Week

Christopher Kane Spring Summer 2012 London Fashion Week
Christopher Kane Spring Summer 2012 London Fashion Week
(Image credit: Imaxtree)

When Kanye West takes a break from designing his debut to make your show, you know you're in the presence of something special. Christopher Kane attracted the big guns on day four of London Fashion Week

When Kanye West takes a break from designing his debut to make your show, you know you're in the presence of something a little bit special.

Christopher Kane has been London Fashion Week’s star pupil since graduating from Central St Martins in 2006 and his collection for Spring Summer 2012 looks set to keep him in this lofty spot.

The wave motif from the AW'11 collection has evolved into plastic patterned shift dresses, and the bright colours of his earlier work (who can forget the neon years…) have matured into sky-blue florals and shimmery pastels.

These girlie prints were contrasted beautifully with structured shapes and sharp tailoring.

We saw shift dresses in cool grey cotton and soft leathers, along with cigarette pants, tailored shorts and mini skirts with neat box jackets.

Sex is still very much present, but the man who brought us body-con has moved on. Think maxis with high necks, slashed from the clavicle to just above the bra line, or the low-key allure of preppy cricket vests over short shorts.

Christopher Kane Spring Summer 2012 London Fashion Week

Fresh make-up and neat, simple hair completed the look made for a supremely wearable and appealing aesthetic for SS12. What’s more, Kane is even allowing us to wear flats.

Rubber-soled sandals and sporty plimsolls reigned supreme - helping the models no end during their sprints off catwalk and around the stores of One New Change to get backstage.

As well as Kanye (plus entourage, natch), Kane’s ‘frow’ included Yasmin Le Bon, Erin O'Connor, Laura Bailey, Anna Wintour and the always-fabulous Anna Dello Russo.

See all the looks from Christopher Kane’s SS’12 show here