September 20, 2016 |
Christopher Kane’s models marched left, left right left at the Tate Britain. Inspired by the make-do-and mend movement, the displaced generation of the Second World War, Kane decided to prepare a resourceful army of his own. They began in fur, or as Kane called it “road kill.” Straight to the point. There was an urgency. A controlled chaos. Their armour came in the form of mineral stone embellishments, and religious icons that clinked as they walked, protecting them with mysticism. Embellished croc shoes too. Who’d have thought? Multi-tiered tulle tutus and rainbows printed onto coats gave a sense of hope. Ladies who have made something fresh from their cast offs on this journey of redemption, like pilgrims picking up embellishments on their journey, inspired by Kane’s memories of Carfin Grotto, the Scottish version of Lourdes. We too were given a little prayer; “O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful… In thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.” And, just like a prayer Christopher Kane took us there.
Photographs by Jason Lloyd-Evans
