Topshop Unique A/W 2014

Given that the democratisation of fashion is Topshop's chief brand pillar, it's presentation within the Tate Modern's colossal Turbine Hall - each overlooking balcony crammed to the brim with members of the public - was a tactful touch. Moving away from the exclusivity of guest list-only sets, this week Tate-goers can take in the Richard Hamilton retrospective followed by a fashion show, simply by peering into the Topshop-sponsored show space; so you can imagine the turnout for its runway line Unique. After all, Topshop's inclusive philosophy speaks directly to every woman, while also encouraging individuality, and that's what we got on the runway. This season's message started prim - think polite oversized mohair coats, work-appropriate grey tailoring and an almost dainty off-the-shoulder black corset dress - before flexing a raging rebellious streak. Indeed, LL Cool J would like his velveteen puffer back please, not to mention a standout red, brown and pink patchwork fur coat, and stocking tops that were beaded to resemble 3D tattoos. Still, Topshop's real feat is the volume of infectious energy it inspires - all you had to do was look up into the gallery in this case. There was nothing this audience wouldn't try once: quilted puffer shorts, mustard snakeskin, lemon leather, a Big Bird muffler or frostbitten florals. The only thing off-limits in this instance was getting too close to star patron Kate Moss holding court in the front row.
Photography: Jason-Lloyd Evans
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Meet Studio Zewde, the Harlem practice that's creating landscapes 'rooted in cultural narratives, ecology and memory'
Ahead of a string of prestigious project openings, we check in with firm founder Sara Zewde
-
A whopping 92% of this slick London office fit-out came from reused materials
Could PLP Architecture's new workspace provide a new model for circularity?
-
How will future car interiors take shape? London studio NewTerritory has a vision for automotive design
Design studio NewTerritory has set up a new automotive division to explore the future of car interiors. We interrogate the team
-
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Murakami London pop-up, a colourful cartoon wonderland with one-of-a-kind café
Wallpaper* takes a tour of the Louis Vuitton x Murakami pop-up in London’s Soho, which celebrates the launch of a new ‘re-edition’ accessories collection spanning the greatest hits from the Japanese artist’s long-running collaboration with the house
-
Get to know Issey Miyake’s innovative A-POC ABLE line as it arrives in the UK
As A-POC ABLE Issey Miyake launches in London this week, designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae gives Wallpaper* the lowdown on the experimental Issey Miyake offshoot
-
Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
-
London Fashion Week S/S 2023: Ahluwalia to Martine Rose
Though slimmed-down, London Fashion Week nonetheless provided the moments of creative expression the city is known for – from Ahluwalia’s ode to Africa to Martine Rose’s much-anticipated runway return
-
Discover these fashion brands at London Craft Week
During London Craft Week, fashion brands including Smythson, Bally and Serapian are hosting events across the capital
-
Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
-
V&A spotlights the sartorial and social significance of the kimono
For the latest endeavour of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores the evolution of the iconic Japanese garment
-
Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's