It's going to be an extensive post, so get cozy.
I've got a problem with Topshop.
Don't get me wrong, I love the brand. It's at the forefront of fashion and provides affordable on-trend clothes. BUT, when it comes to the Topshop Unique collections at London Fashion Week, I'm never wowed. LFW is the platform of all platforms to showcase true, edgy, British fashion and for the last few seasons I feel as if Topshop have fallen flat.
Don't get me wrong, there are some stand out looks and interesting designs but it lacks anything unique, the very word in it's title.
Topshop have most definitely gone in a completely new direction with this collection. It feels as if they're starting again. Reminiscent of what we'd see on the Burberry catwalk, the clothes are much more refined and demure. It'll be interesting to see how these pieces are translated into every day wear.
INSPIRATION | watching the LiveStream we got to go backstage and speak to all those involved with the creation of the collection. Topshop's Creative Director explained that the collection is heavily based on "British models" and their "effortless style and individual spirit". Rosie, the Casting Director went onto add that the models were selected on the basis of "well-bred, refined looks" with the appearance of being "fresh out of an expensive boarding school". Another quote based the collection around a "wild girl from the Scottish high lands now living in the city."
The collection began with a neutral shades, beige always a classic colour for AW. I love the first look above, it's such a classic look that I think the collection was aiming to reflect. It's a pretty plain colour palette but there's something fresh about it. I love the contrast of the thick knit with the lighter fabric of the pinafore. Fur is also an enormous part of the Topshop Unique collection. Whether it's fur cuffs or full on faux fur coats. Roll necks are back, tucked into A line skirts or high waisted cigarette trousers, placing emphasis on the waist.
Where we are used to seeing it during SS collections, powder blue implemented into AW gave the collection a breath of fresh air, adding to that icy-country morning walk feel. Shown in both a suede suit and a more relaxed high neck knitted dress, contrasted with a printed shirt and/or a camel coat to bring out the colour.
Botanical prints were a massive portion of what made up this collection. Instead of the stereotypical heavy floral prints, these were refreshing. Despite it being a winter collection, there was a lot of leg on show, with thigh splits and knee high boot combinations which isn't all that practical in a British winter... Brogues also making a return, as well as boots and shoes with block heels.
Forget 50 Shades of Grey, it's all about green. I love the use of green within this collection, it gives it an earthy, natural feel. Botanical embellishments as well as prints added texture into the looks. We've also got the classic trench coat provided in a leather/plastic look [cough Burberry did it first] as well as the same material in a little mini skirt. The third look seems to incorporate everything the collection stands for, you've got a contrast in texture with faux fur and the leather skirt as well as the printed shirt.
The AW15 collection also provided us with some unique evening wear pieces. Fluffy cuffed sleeves to the satin cut-out back dress in the first look is also seen in a pink/orange tinted combination in the third look above. Topshop definitely focused a lot of attention on clashing textures. The dress in the middle is pretty much a rip off of past Burberry SS collections, but it looked rad as hell in black. I like the unbuttoned neck adding a more laid back, edgy vibe.
Overall, I love the concept and that Topshop did actually reflect the idea in the collection. There are some pieces in there that I can't wait to style during AW15 but overall, it's nothing ground breaking. They're dominating the High Street world. Don't get me wrong, I understand it's a totally new look for Topshop, but I want to see them setting the president, laying down some of their own rules and representing that idiosyncratic Brit style. As a brand, Topshop are bold and I just never get that vibe in their Unique collections. I'm in no way disappointed, I just feel as if the Topshop Unique collections can give a lot more than they are.
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