Kate’s designer scorns celebrities’ supermodel kids
ALREADY adored by society’s movers and shakers, fashion designer Christopher Kane consolidated his fashion credentials when the Duchess of Cambridge wore his blue satin coatdress to the Queen’s first annual garden party at Buckingham Palace last year.
But the award-winning Scottish couturier, whose clients include Michelle Obama, actress Cate Blanchett and fashionista Alexa Chung, is not afraid to ruffle feathers by hitting out at celebrity offspring models such as Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner.
‘The original supermodels didn’t need famous parents to become like rock stars because they were just so good at what they did naturally,’ he tells me.
‘We don’t have that now. The supermodels now are the ones with famous parents.’
At the age of only 16, Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia already models for top brands including Chanel, Burberry, Calvin Klein and Versace. Kendall Jenner, the 21-yearold daughter of Kris and halfsister of Kim Kardashian, walked for Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and Dolce & Gabbana when she made her fashion week catwalk debut at 18.
Kane adds: ‘I’m sure Cindy [Crawford] would tell you she worked her ***e off and Naomi [Campbell] would say the same. That’s more aspirational — to look at those women.’
Kane, 35, graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2006, launching his eponymous label that same year.
‘I came from a working class background and it’s good to see young girls who are aspirational, who are also going to university or school,’ adds Kane, who was born in Newarthill, North Lanarkshire, to an engineer and draughtsman father and housewife mother. ‘I’ve never had a celebrity model for me. I’ve had famous models work for me, like Diana Dondoe and Lara Stone — girls who are incredible without being famous beforehand.’
Despite holding nothing against Kaia and Kendall personally — he describes the former as ‘an incredible model’ — he makes it perfectly clear he’s not impressed by fame for fame’s sake.
‘Kaia’s a lifestyle brand now, she’s different. She’s not just a model,’ he says.
‘ If I’m really honest, I’d rather have real people.
‘ Real characters. Not celebrities’ kids.’