Musician Kate Holmes whips fashion into touch with new label Client
Aug 19 2011
By Carla Callaghan
MUSICIAN and fashion designer Kate Holmes tells ICScotland about her exciting label Client, what her thoughts are on fashion and how she aims to bring a sassy, 1940's, military-esque way of life to men and woman.
Playing keyboard for band, Client, Kate Holmes who is married to former Creation owner Alan McGee, has launched a fabulous clothing range also named Client which isn't just all beautiful clothes - it is a way of life.
The mum-of-one has a new and unique approach to her collection, by adapting uniforms into stylish, attractive and most of all good quality creations.
With fans such as Pixie Geldoff and Rhys Ifans, the collection is fast gaining a celebrity following for its military chic look.
Speaking to ICScotland, Kate explains what it is to be a 'Client',
She says: "I always wanted to turn my band Client into a brand - from day one I always saw the image and the music as equal in effect.. .Client wore Kraftwerk-esque uniforms on stage and for each album I though of a new uniform to wear - these uniforms formed the basis of Client the brand.
"To be a Client is to wear uniforms for work and play...to embrace the utilitarian ethic - to be austere but sexy as well- both for men and for women.
"I always envisioned a Client spy running down an alleyway in Berlin whilst listening to French Techno...I love the mystique of film noir and post war Europe...I fell in love with the 1940's and post war clothes...As well as having the basic collection of uniforms and T shirts I also have a "remade in great Britain" line which features postwar garments like trench coats, jumpers, skirts all updated and embroidered for a modern Client."
And there is no stopping 40-year-old Kate as she plans to sign up even more 'Clients' to her brand.
She says: "I would love to have a global brand. albeit small....I love to have an online shop as I have been getting orders from all over the world - which excites me as even though the orders might be only one from a certain territory it shows me that there are potential Clients all over the world.
"I see Client as appealing to anyone from 20 -45 and would love people to wear sexy and utilitarian clothes to work and then out afterwards...work hard play hard!" With a fabulous eye for design and intricate detail, Kate also talks about her favourite designer, Rei Kawakubu, founder of Commes de Garcons.
She says: "Rei Kawakubu is an inspiration as she cuts so beautifully and her clothes have a certain workmanship that I think is timeless.
"I love her use of basic colours and all her fabrics are quality wools and cottons - made in Japan.
"I try to emulate the same for my line - I don't want to sell clothes made of cheap fabric, likewise everything is produced here in the UK - it is more expensive but I think people are sick of the "pile it high sell it cheap" ethos...even more in a recession it is important to produce in the UK and create more jobs in manufacturing."
Talking us through her best selling piece (ICScotland love the Stalin Secretary dress), Kate explains: "This is the original Client onstage uniform dress - a classic cut with a silk slash of a slit in bright red. (see dress by clicking here)
"It is a dress I would have worn myself if I had been a secretary in the 1940's - it is demure but incredibly sexy. I have made these for barristers, politicians and singers."
Talking about family life with the aptly named 'King of Pop' and daughter Charlie, Kate says: "I think as long as you are 100 per cent a mum when you are at home you can be go away without feeling guilty - Alan and I always juggle our travelling so one of us is always at home..so far it seems to have worked out ok"
And what do Alan and Charlie think of the Client collection?
Kate replies: "Alan loves the uniforms (as I hope all men do!) I want women to want to wear them as they are Strict and prim and men to want to rip them off as they are sexy - Charlie thinks all the clothes are "hideous" and an "embarrassment" and would rather I wore clothes from H&M!."
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