Christopher Kane Womenswear S/S12

Following on from last years surreal and futuristic collection, Spring Summer 12 for Christopher Kane was all about a sportier but of course still elegant and sophisticated mood. With both Samantha Cameron and Anna Wintour in the audience, Kane's collection was eagerly anticipated and judging by their reaction, even Wintour looked like she raised a smile, it was one that satisfied. Held on the top floor of a City of London mall the show opened with a a series of sleeveless cable knits in white with contrasting black V-neck, set alongside structured white silk and cotton skirts featuring floral motifs in incredible subtle pastel colours.

At first it was a coral and cream combination that predominated throughout the early pieces, moving on into lighter hues of blue. Next up were dresses again following that structured feel, with cut away elements both at the back and the sides, allowing hints of a sexuality to come through in what at first glance seemed a quite sedate collection. The light blues moved into sunshine yellow, still with the floral motifs throughout. Full chest folds gave the thigh length dresses an origami element.

As the show progressed the colours and the shapes got bolder, a short sports skirt teamed with a cropped strapped top added a young feel and the prints became darker, still overlaid onto the soft off white and cream base. After a series of similar pieces in a china blue print all of a sudden things moved forwards, bringing in full floral prints in full colour. Maintaining the sophistication but adding in a very feminine mood, chiffon was layered over tops and blouses, with floral applique and geometric patterning appeared on a number of later garments.