An evening with Christopher Kane at the FFRoadShow

When the news broke a few weeks ago that Christopher Kane was going to give a talk at the Edinburgh Art Collage there was more than a few squeals from the students here at Heriot-Watt University. Not only is Kane from Scotland, Glasgow to be specific, but he is one of the most successful designers to emerge in the last 10 years. His business built entirely by himself and his sister Tammy (A graduate of Heriot Watt- Woop, woop!) is constantly expanding with the recent launch of his menswear line.

Excitedly awaiting Christopher Kane (myself centre, Tatti left, connie right)

Who was responsible for this exciting event I hear you ask, well it was thanks to the Fashion Fringe Road show which is taking a number of designers including Gareth Pugh, Mathew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Erdem to Universities all round the UK over the next month. The tickets were completely free as long as you were a student.

The Fashion Fringe is an award platform that helps emerging designers launch their labels in London through mentoring and financial support.

The Edinburgh Collage of Art was busy with students when we arrived and the event was held in one of their small lecture theatres creating a very intimate atmosphere, and when Christopher Kane entered the crowd showed their appreciation with rapturous applauding. My friend Sarah who is a ‘die-hard fan’ nearly fell of her seat and it took all her self control not to scream, or cry for that matter. The conversation was lead by founder of the FF Colin McDowell, before the audience got a chance to ask questions.

Kane was so endearing and very Glasgow (if you have been you will understand) He was so humble and very honest about his journey and those who have helped him along the way. He started by telling us about his education at CSM and the fond memories of that creative experience and loving everything about it, even the smell. He is right though all art schools have the same smell- the smell of years of blood, sweat and tears mixed with paint fumes.

He left Glasgow only eleven years ago making his acheivement even more impressive. It was interesting to hear him speak about the production side of the design business, something I think young designers forget about, he discussed how he learnt about budgeting and business plans and how even to this day each season is a struggle. There are only four people evolved in his design process, one of which is Tammy. I was interested to learn that they do not buy any fabric off the peg, every piece is designed, made and patented by them and everything is based in the UK including the manufacturing of all their garments.

He spoke a lot about Tammy and her talents as well as their close family bond, something he says is crucial to his productivity. Growing up surrounded by strong, encouraging women is something Kane says helped him achieve his dream.

Kane then went on to talk about his experiences working with Donatella Versace and his shock and bewilderment when first being asked to work for her. He spoke of her fondly and even revealed she can now speak ‘Scottish’ thanks to him...though he can still not speak any Italian. Kane’s main piece of advice from his experiences was that 'if you are driven, you can go places' which was very positive coming from an industry that is constantly reminding us as students how difficult it is to cut it in the business. This was also what he emphasised when talking about interns; they have to be good and work hard. The subject of interns was raised by a member of the audience and it is a very current subject as many believe interns are exploited, but Kane though agreeing they are used highlighted that it is invaluable experience.

Sarah living the dream!

Colin then asked the question that we were all thinking "Do you have a life?" After all Kane does produce ten collections a year. But he assures us he finds time for fun, telling us about his chill time in Paris and how he loves nothing more than reading a gossip magazine over some poached eggs-this is all he can cook. When asked about the future Kane was unspecific mainly due to that fact that he is very happy at the moment. He did say however that film and theatre was something he would love to explore if timings and work suited.

I think what came across in the interview was Kane’s quiet self confidence in his own work. Working with a tight group around him in a very private environment has allowed him to really develop his creativity and business. The sky truly is the limit for Kane, though he did confess that he needs to fully conquer his fear of flying first.

After the talk we stayed and were lucky enough to meet him on his way out, he was more than happy to chat and take pictures even asking us if his talk was ok, to which we gushed our approval.