If I could live next door to a Topshop, with a connecting door to my bedroom (though preferably one that locks from the inside to prevent nosy shoppers popping their head in just as I crawl out of bed in the morning), I would. To be honest, I own so many Topshop pieces that I might as well. My dressing room is essentially my own mini branch of Topshop. Mannequin and all. True story.
So just imagine how excited I am to be sitting here awaiting the live stream of the Topshop Unique Autumn Winter 12/13 show. Unlike other late running shows, Unique have very thoughtfully put up a little announcement that tells us that they are “running fashionably late”. This is doing nothing to settle the excitement that is butterflying around in my tummy like a particularly energetic butterfly on a spring day.
I owe a lot to Unique. Thanks to their Dalmatiantastic Autumn Winter 11/12 show, I am obsessed with the print. I think I own more Dalmatian print pieces than Cruella de Vil. So I can’t wait to see what is on offer this year.
Ooh, the lights are dimming. The music is swelling up. It’s time to find out...
Oh. My. Word. The first model marches out and I am captivated already. With a utility style coat, it looks a combination between the Home Front and a dapper 1940s gent. With simple fresh make up and perfectly clean, straight hair, I’m already on the edge of my seat! Though, admittedly, the possibility of getting my own hair that straight is minimal!
As the next looks stomp out onto the catwalk, it becomes evident that next year is all about the relaxed uniform. Burgundys, blacks and greys are dominant, punctuated with cheeky hints of lame, patent and checks. Aviator jackets, overalls and boxy layers; it’s Dad’s Army goes 21st century.
These practical looks evolve into something more sumptuous as the models showcase black velvet dungarees and jumpsuits. Now this is something I could get into! I blooming love velvet! The warfront feel shimmies away further into something that, somehow, resembles a Tudor/Mod hybrid. Leg o’ mutton sleeves accompany flowy blouses and shift dresses in silvers and whites whereas bright red square print polonecks with huge puffed sleeves pair up with black short shorts.
The erratic collection continues with metallic pleated kilt skirts, floral print chiffon wide leg trousers and burnt orange iridescent hotpants (which look a lot more chic than they sound!).
The black velvet trousers have me in awe. I simply cannot wait to get my mitts on those! Tapered at the ankle but flowing loose at the thigh, they will be perfect to hide my mega thighs. Catwalk looks to flatter the plumper woman? Hooray!
Unique end the show in spectacularly sexy style with textured minidresses in gold sequins and a white textured dress, complete with tantalising cut out back, that perfectly recalls 1960s London.
Overall, the show is one of many eras. From the blitz to the opulent Tudors and back to freespirited Mod living. The boxy layers in shades of grey and white create a utility feel which is perfectly offset against the lavish velvet and sequinned little numbers. At first glance, these styles- particularly the earlier ones- may not seem to merge fully with my wardrobe but it’s certainly not difficult to see how I can incorporate this style in my day to day life. It’s not even spring yet and I’m already hankering after these eclectic pieces!
Forget the summer. Just roll on autumn already!
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