On a frosty November night, one week shy of Thanksgiving, 100 guests gathered at London’s Alva Coachworks to witness Scottish designer Christopher Kane’s debut collection for self-portrait come to life. Cradling ruby red Negronis and Campari Spritzes, attendeesーincluding model Edie Campbell, designer Julia Restoin Roitfeld, actresses Laura Carmichael and Laura Haddock and journalist Katie Grandーentered the pastel-colored universe of Kane’s imagination before the daring live-shoot swallowed them whole. The immersive campaign, immortalized by photographer Larissa Hofmann, featured models Achol Ayor, Colin Jones and Hannah Motler donning Kane’s seductively kittenish collection between plates of delectable dishes and delighted guests. 

Girly, flirty, and thriving, Christopher Kane’s self-portrait residency is a cosmopolitan coquette’s dream. The line, comprising thirty looks drawn from Kane’s own original archives, marks the eccentric fashion house’s first residency program in a fusion of modern elegance with siren-coded silhouettes. Kane’s fiendishly flirty vision was teased a week prior to the event when Hofmann snapped photos of stylist Carine Roitfeld slipping on several standout pieces in her Parisian home.

Adhering to Kane’s characteristically colorful palettes, the range of clothing and accessories are decorated in pink, blue and yellow pastels. Sartorial delicacies manifest through crystal chainmail and winding lace ruffles, while bias-cut satin dresses sweep and stir in flourishes of dainty decorum. Refined knitwear is punctuated by lace cut-outs and crystal-embellished mini dresses hint at amorous allure. Lace socks and elaborately stitched tights serve as staples suited for the coquette, as crystal bolster necklaces and lace-handle handbags underscore the collection’s girlish charm. 

Self-portrait, the London fashion house founded in 2013 by designer Han Chong, has sprung up as a leading force in British contemporary wear. Its effeminate collections kneel at the altar of female allure, and their romanticism is betrayed by the lace accents and sumptuous florals that ornament each piece. Since 2019 the brand has been integrating responsibly sourced fibers into its collection, and even introduced recycled viscose in 2020. Their residency program functions as a sort of open-format lab, a collaborative space that encourages creatives to design their own one-of-a-kind collections straight from their London studio, the Harella House. Under the loft-like beams of polished wood, experimentation and innovation run unchecked, and artistic voices are amplified to highlight one’s individual genius. 

The Winner of the British Fashion Council’s New Designer of the Year award, Christopher Kane was catapulted into the spotlight after his 2007 graduate collection gained instant recognition. A blend of the provocative and the refined is his MO, and his namesake label has become synonymous with a bold creativity keen to toying with textures, colors and materials.

Self-Portrait Residency by Christopher Kane is now available to shop at self-portrait.com, London stores, and at selected partners including Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Luisa Via Roma, Selfridges, and Club21.