On the first day of Fashion Forward in Dubai, it was a full house for the Kage spring/summer 2017 presentation, which was a big feat in itself, with Kage being a fashion label that hasn’t been in the spotlight much in recent years.
The brand’s past collections have usually come just short of having a peppy, youthful feel, combining youthful prints and stylish silhouettes nicely but coming off more sophisticated and classic than complex or contemporary. So, it did come as a bit of a surprise, and slightly out of character, to see the sketch of a rainbow accompanying the Kage logo at the back wall of the hall. The first four looks shown were quite expected — basic separates in a blue and grey palette. But designs quickly started drawing more interest from the crowd, starting with a boyfriend-style, high-low blouse in pink.
Any normal person would see a disconnect between the clothing, and the blaring hip-hop soundtrack. Lyrics from Kanye's track Famous and the Weeknd's hit Starboy didn't immediately harmonise with the gingham prints, dropped-hem dresses and ruffles upon ruffles on shoulders and sleeves of the designs. But, these are the types of pieces — perhaps basic, but every bit wearable — that "the cool girl" will be wearing all summer, and this is exactly the kind of upbeat soundtrack that will play on repeat in her car.
Mid-collection, the rainbow reference started to make sense. A colourful striped fabric was used in much of the clothing, often containing a strip of silver glitter. It was these details, along with things like upturned cuffs and wide frilled hems, which gave a sort of modern-Peter Pan vibe to the designs. Though the references were perhaps unintentional, suddenly the story made sense.
Sure, the collection showed designs that were by and large basics, neither show-stopping nor entirely intricate — but, they’re certainly pieces that every girl will want to have in her wardrobe. Forget next season — we could start buying them now.
hlodi@thenational.ae