Words by Maggie Arandela-Romano
Joshua Kane, the master of romantic tailoring, presented his debut couture collection Bespoken Dream at The Mandrake Hotel in London—an intimate, immersive experience that marked a new chapter in the designer’s creative journey.
With sunlight pouring through the glass roof and guests just inches away from the runway, the show felt more like a living dream than a fashion event.
Inspired by mythology, symbolism, and love in its purest form, the collection told stories through ten distinct looks, plus a grand finale titled Aphrodite, modelled by none other than Charlotte Kane—Joshua’s wife and muse, currently expecting their first child.
Each piece was named after a historical or mythological figure, from Eros to Lady Godiva. Kane offered more than garments—he offered characters. The collection opened with Eros, the God of love, and continued with Phaunos, Venus, and The Lionheart, each embodying their essence through textures, silhouettes, and attitude.
Fabrics ranged from jacquards rich with baroque motifs to velvet suits embroidered with blooming roses and golden brocade fit for modern royalty. The designer’s signature sharp tailoring and theatrical flair were on full display—masculine silhouettes softened by high Edwardian collars, structured lapels clashed beautifully with flowing capes and floral embellishments.
“This collection came from my dreams, and I combined the things I love to bring the dream into reality,” Kane told me during the presentation.
And it showed. From the choice of materials to the narrative pacing of the show, every element felt deeply intentional.
But it was the final moment—Aphrodite—that drew a collective breath. Charlotte Kane walked with calm strength, wrapped in a rose-gold embroidered gown layered under a sculptural longline jacket. The look celebrated not only femininity but the personal transformation of the designer himself.
Kane described the show as “a love letter to the people and places that have shaped me,” dedicating the finale to Charlotte, calling her “my muse and the mother of our child-to-be.” This wasn’t just couture—it was a deeply personal performance.
The front row was as curated as the garments: Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, added regal gravitas; Rebeca Riofrio, Director of the Parliamentary Society, and stylist Leroy Dawkins brought fashion and advocacy together; Georgia Meachum championed representation and beauty, while Patrick Egbon-Marshall, CEO of Menace Model Agency, stood as a figure of progress in the industry.
Lady Anne Welsh, a known advocate for inclusion and chronic illness awareness, also graced the show—reflecting Kane’s commitment to embracing strength in all its forms.
Kane’s Bespoken Dream is more than a debut couture collection—it’s a turning point. The designer reclaims the idea that luxury doesn’t need a stadium, just honesty, skill, and story. Every stitch felt intentional, every exit had a narrative, and every guest left with the feeling they had witnessed something truly intimate.
From myth to motherhood, past to future, Joshua Kane’s first couture chapter closes on a note of hope—bold, baroque, and beautifully British.
