(As i have moved my blog, all posts will redirect to Wordpress after a few seconds now, so don't be alarmed!!)
I've become a bit distainful when it comes to Topshop. Their aesthetic seemed to revolve around being stupidly stick thin, and wearing almost see through lace designed for your granny. I'm not blaming them entirely for this, as designer trends trickle down to the high street; that's the way it works. But as a major store, with considerable influence on young women and men, I feel that the proliferation of clothing designed with stick thin models in mind is never going to translate in an empowering way to the majority of young men and women.
For a while, I was was a Topshop disciple. I loved the patterns they used in their dresses and tops, not to mention their penchant for wide fitting crop tops, leotards and Breton stripes. But after seeing more of the same lace/pattern/stretch, I diverted my clothing attention to outlets such as Ebay and ASOS in a bid for customizable, and adaptable individuality.
I think If you are less confident about showing a bit of skin, then A/W collections are always a blessing in disguise, especially when knit, capes and fur are in. Not that i'm adversed in dresseing or the weather, but frankly, I just don't feel comfortable in the micro clothing that the high street seems to proffer. I prefer to, if i can and the heat permits, wear something a bit less 'fashion' and more...I don't know...interesting...
So this leads me to Topshop's AW/10 lookbook, and a sense of renewed vim and vigour for describing the brand. I'm INCREDIBLY happy to see that capes are still making a splash onto the high street. It means that I can buy one with out having to search the aforementioned online outlets, thus negating the opportunity to try on. It also means that competition will be induced for more variety, trimmings, materials and (most importantly) PRICES!! Last winter I opted for a navy blue, toggle adorned ASOS cape, which has seen me through the year nicely.
However, I want something a bit less Paddington bear, and something more sophisticated in an unusual colour, maybe a bit more Catherine Baba c. A/W 09...
I can't begin to imagine how much this piece is, but i love it in combination with the 1920's turban style hat. Definitely going to be making one of those come winter, and if you want to too,
here is a link to a Guardian tutorial.
Back to Topshop, their tartan and camel capes might sedate my lust for the Baba one for now...
It's interesting to see the appearance of Raquel Allegra style dresses here as well. I would have though that the technique required to make them would have ruled them out of the high street.
The appearance of sheepskin is definitely more welcome than their most recent usage of the fabric. back in 2008, they produce a black sheepskin and leather gilet and coat; both were just a bit foul. its good to see that they are sticking to a more natural colour for this collection.
I'm pretty surprised to see an interpretation of a crystal bra, as it seems like another really delicate piece to mass produce.
A few other pieces caught my eye such as this fur coat with toggles, cable knit socks and CHAIN TIGHTS!!!
All in all, this is a really nice A/W collection, and i hope that the majority of it does end up going into production. Considering i'm already ear marking pieces, it would be really helpful if it does...
(All Topshop photos from their Facebook page)
