LFW AW'12 Topshop Unique

What i love about the Topshop Unique show is that this high street brand (albeit the leader of the pack) is one of the most hotly anticipated shows of London Fashion Week. And man, did they hit it out of the park this time. Much has been said in the press about the positive influence of Kate Phelan on this years show, which has been praised by all and described as 'Topshop grown up'. It's a real credit to the whole design team that they have produced such a coveted, yet wearable collection. By the second outfit, i knew i was in trouble - i want the whole lot! My heart aches to think it won't launch in stores until September! 










It's also worth noting that this is the 10th Anniversary of the NewGen initiative, which Topshop is a sponsor of. The scheme nurtures up and coming designers and helps them find their feet through Fashion Week, with the likes of Christopher Kane, Richard Nicholl, Louise Goldin and Mark Fast benefiting from this awesome bursary.  Did you pick up one of the celebratory tees?

Topshop Secret Store Pop Up - Shhh!

It's not like you needed another reason to visit Topshop's flagship, right?! Well they have thought of one for you anyway! This pop up secret store is a first for the high street and of course it's Topshop leading the way once again, taking the shopping experience to another level. Others are sure to follow in their innovative footsteps... no pressure there then!


Nestled in the corner of the lower floor, is on first glance a quirky, colourful flower shop, bursting with blooms. But all is not what it seems, as a secret door opens into a Narnia like experience! Once inside, you are surrounded by a treasure trove of  exclusive, one-off pieces from the likes of Meadham Kirchhoff, Emma Cook, Michael Van Der Ham and Pamela Love (to name but a few)…as well as some to-die-for pieces from topshop’s Boutique range AND even archive pieces from previous Unique shows. My eyes were on cartoon springs the whole time, trying to take in all the goodies!


Check out the website to get a feel for the range, but to appreciate this concept in all its glory, you need to head to the store… like now! Seriously, it was so gorgeous I was snapping away for about an hour! As with all pop ups, it will eventually end, so you only have two weeks to get down there...


I just can't wait to see what they do next!
Not just any flower shop, but one curated by Meadham Kirchhoff no less!






Nasir Mazhar deco inspired hair combs




Nasir Mazhar - how amazing are these headpieces?






Hand-made silver raffia top by Tom Scott






Boutique baby yeah! This crochet dress is on my lust list.

TS Unique - i remember falling in love with this dress first time around...back in 2008!

Emma Cook's sheer, tattoo print underwear


these Michael Van Der Ham velvet wedges are a nod to his SS11 collection

LFW A/W 11 - Topshop Unique

With the Disney song 'Cruella De Vil' floating on the air waves, it was only natural that the first thing you spotted at the Topshop Unique show was...well, spots! The canine theme was carried throughout, with models sporting puppy ear hair do's and black button noses. Dalmatian spots were big and bold on white fur as well as small and delicate on jackets and accessories, with knitted doggy motifs sure to become commercial best sellers. 


But there was a lot more to this show than pooches! Thirties Americana was expressed through elegant silhouettes, faux fur stoles and printed silks conjuring an air of Hollywood glamour, all with a Topshop twist of course! Silky sailor suits, gangster pin stripes and the continuing trend for the midi length skirt completed a desirable and very wearable collection.
I loved the Art Deco style devore prints, a great homage to the New York skyline, with Miami also receiving a shout out through a canary yellow printed dress. Accessories included printed cuffed gloves, boxy bags and t-bar shoes with block heels, which promise a season of comfortable feet ahead! Once again I am already planning my September purchases before Summer has even started! 






This devore dress of the New York cityscape is firmly on my must have list!


Going to Miami? Then this dress is a must have! **Also suitable for other locations.

Check out the show video here, if only to catch a glimpse of the back of this gorgeous velvet dress!


All images via the fabulous Style.com