Fashion Correspondent – Katie Powell
Style, storytelling and surprises are just some of the things you might expect from London Fashion Week and Joshua Kane’s AW17 show on Friday 17th February 2017 did not disappoint.
Set at The London Palladium in Soho, the venue proved to be a highly inventive choice in showcasing the new Men’s and Women’s collections. The title of the collection was ‘Journey’ and the backdrop of a train platform proved a clever concept, with the models moving on to the stage as if they were wending their way through the platform, before they walked along the runways set in the middle of the stalls. This meant that, in effect, the whole audience became the ‘front row’ and what we were watching became a true piece of theatre.
A string quartet set the scene with stirring music, which heightened the emotion and drama of the surroundings. Then in beautiful symmetry, the models would glide on at angles to each other, creating lovely silhouettes and providing a stunning visual impact.
Each outfit provided a small snapshot of the character underneath, with some of the models even holding props; a silky burgundy trench coat hinted at luxury, a smart tweed suit and an umbrella evoked practicality and refinement. The clothes were tailored, structured and quintessentially British and could have featured in an episode of Downton Abbey.
Yet they also exuded a timeless quality and looked incredibly elegant, polished and achingly cool.Although the collection had a period feel, it felt strikingly modern and chic too. Indeed, on more than one occasion, I could be found discussing which outfits would beperfect for work or formal events with my friends.
Statement shearling jackets, trench coats, bow ties, waistcoats and capes were in abundance, along with some beautiful patterned and velvet suits in hues of soft grey, charcoal, black, cream, caramel, burgundy and shimmering pale pink. It was a production that celebrated a gorgeous palette of colours and textures, leaving a lasting impression on the imagination.
It was a rivetingand inspiring spectacle and Joshua Kane fully deserved the rapturous applausehe received from the crowds, as the last model left the stage. It could have been a daunting prospect to put on a show in front of a 2,286 seat theatre but it was executed with such flair and aplomb.
Finally, amoving performance from two dancers at the Central School of Ballet brought the show to an end and under a flurry of snowflakes, we were all sent off to journey into the night.
To browse the collection, please visit: http://joshuakanestore.com/
Photos By Sandra Vijandi and Joshua Kanes Press.