Models Line Up Backstage Before the Christopher Kane Spring Show

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Versus designer and one of the most promising young talents to come out of the London fashion scene in recent memory, Christopher Kane showed his spring 2011 collection this week. It was pure English—inspired by the Queen herself—with a twist:

Following an invitation to meet the Queen in Buckingham Palace last fall, he came upon a book by legendary dressmaker, Norman Hartnell depicting the Queen growing up in the Forties. Of course Kane’s mind works in mysterious ways when translating this influence to the catwalk. His imaginary Royal started off prim and proper, argyle sweater draped over the shoulder and drop waist dress in astonishing laser-cut leather that resembled lace, and in true Christopher Kane style, gradually became more depraved as time went on, eventually incorporating all manner of references from Japanese tattoos, Victorian pinups and schoolgirl pinafores.