A peek at the Shop they call Top

It's a funny thing, press previews for collections going into high street stores seeing as the nature of the high street is that everything is so fast moving that what they predict will be hitting stores might not make it all the way, might drop at different times or something else might take its place.  However, in the case of Topshop, I guess a press preview of what is to come for AW08-9 seems to make sense in that it is a high street brand like no other, the mags need to shoot the stuff and for the New Yorkers awaiting their shiny new Broadway store to open on October 9th this year, this will be even more relevant for them as to what will be in store. 

Yesterday was the Arcadia AW08-9 press day which encompasses ALL Arcadia brands but in reality everyone was jostling around in the Topshop area inspecting everything and taking many a snap.  I sort of ended up feeling a little sorry for the Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Evans etc. areas which were more technically spacious but that neon TOPSHOP was alas too much of a draw.

So onto what we can expect.  First thing that hit me was the MANY MANY pieces, inspired by Miu Miu SS08.  For the Kirsten Dunst in Miu Miu ad lover, you shall be able to fully indulge in much tutu/harlequin/double skater skirted/top hat action.  There's just a bit of a time delay, that's all...

Black sequin alert!  On a frou frou skater skirt.  Well, the BLK SQN robot me has to say yes to that.   

There will be a few boob-focused bodices in tops/dresses...

See a bit of Prada AW08-9 in the sleeveless coats and texturised metallic knitwear?  It's both shiny and matt at the same time...

A bit of exaggerated knitwear that can be quite hard to find on the high street.  //  More 'Kirsten Dunst would so wear this' dresses...

Sheer is still about and it comes in loops on a top and really delicate and fine grey lace. 

Softer takes on the tuxedo in the form of a jacket with ribbed knitted sleeves and tuxedo jacket lapels on draped cotton top.  Yes to both. 

I love this print they have developed for a few pieces.  This tiered cape is one of those directional items that may not make it all the way but I hope so for the sake of my Little Women fantasies. 

The shoe section was where I started really inspecting things properly seeing as I seem to acquire Topshop shoes at a rate of about a pair a month....

Fringe pom poms , velcro straps and the mega platform will be abound.   

Chunky shoes encasing the ankle... 

Gold and black contrast effects and the descriptive theme of 'fierce' is still running through...

Heels are both chunky and spindly thin.  The ones on the right are quite possibly the highest Topshop shoes I've seen yet. 

The colour palette is fairly neutral throughout the shoes but these ones on the left pop a bit and it seems Topshop also heard my praise about cut-out platforms...

The standout accessories included this belt and this hardcase spherical bag, both real statement pieces.   

I know a few of you will be loving the bows and there are necktie options as well as the headband.  I sneakily tried on a sort of hat/headband amalgamation.... 

Jewellery wise, it seems I'm feeling the Topman stuff more than the Topshop stuff.... I was questioning whether they had tacked on the wrong label as I'm not sure how many guys out there would wear multistranded necklaces such as these....

Over at Topshop, the YSL influence kicked in and the key theme was 'multi-stranded and heavy'. 

In conclusion.... well... there is no clever/smart conclusion other than I know there'll be a few Topshop entries on my bank statement (and on your's?) but then again that's no big revelation...

Comments

[poppy lee]

wow thanks for all this!

i'm very very excited now and i'm loving some of the more directional stuff especially.

kind of a shame if harlequin is going to be everywhere though. i have a couple of skirts/dresses with this print and am awaiting the celeste stein tights too... hope there isn't total high street overload.

[horst]

boob-focused - hehe, i love that expression

and what i love too is short tuxedo jackets and the metal details on shoes... maybe that's what i would pick for a girl... a hint of trash combined with a very classical menswear inspired jacket...nice!

[FraeuleinM.]

I love the Kirstin Dunst satin dress. Fab!

[FraeuleinM.]

I love the Kirsten Dunst satin dress. Fab!

[selina]

gosh how blatant is the colourful harlequin dress! don't they ever get sued? i love the shirt with the black collar and that cape, yum! i tried to just skim over the pics though, don't want to get too attached and be dissapointed if they don't show up, but thanks for the eye candy!

[sammi]

AAh I'm so excited!!!

[meg]

yeah I agree the harlquin print is very very "borrowed" from miu miu. Love the headband/hat and quite a few other things. Love the YSL rip off necklaces the most though methinks. The stars and the last one. I would definately wear those. When is this stuff purpoted to hit shops susie?

[Queen Michelle]

Oh my gosh! These look amazing! But I bet only a teeny fraction end up being produced. LOVING the exaggerated knitwear, the 'boob' tops, the sheer black and white thingy and the tiered capelet...mmmm!

[Polina]

You have such an amazing blog ! Love your website ! Amazing style on this post ))

[Sabrina]

Susie, this post is drool worthy! I was surprised to find so many pieces I like! I love the sleeveless coats, crazy knitwear and so many shoes! I think those YSL-inspired star necklaces will be very popular indeed.

[enc]

Lots of fun stuff here—layers, sequins, knits, shoes, etc. I love the yellow hat on you.

[stephanie]

No fair no fair no fair! So many things I want :( I need to take a trip overseas to shop

[Rowena (RosiePop)]

Oh yum. I bought the nude/peach Christopher Kane 'boob' top and love the idea - so more - bonus! The shoes look great too. Mmmmm.

[Gwen]

GREAT post; thank you! I strongly heart those "boob-focused bodices in tops/dresses". Can't wait for them to come out and try them on!

[Rhiannon]

Thanks for posting these! I think I like the necklaces most . . . maybe the bowtie one and the YSL star one and that last one is my favorite favorite.

[The Fashion Assistant and her Camera]

hmmm didn't know there was a press day for Topshop yesterday.

[Winnie]

Will probably give Harlequin a miss, but wow that bag is a must!! It sure doesn't look cheap though....

[headmistress]

gosh, gosh, gosh, can't wait for the shoes, esp. those super high ones!

[Natty]

Loving the knitwear, shoes and the little hat thingy you tried on - if i was there that would of accidently ended up in my bag (oops did I say that out loud??). I am hoping some of this is put into production but guessing the items I love wont be.

[deexdeexdreamer]

ooh! Don't shoot me if I confess I was never that into the harlequin trend, but some sheer boobiness and doily-esque tea dresses do the trick for me- now this i would line up for ridiculously early (Next? bah humbug)..

[belle]

geez, the shoes make me breathe heavy. i'm digging the necklaces too.

[ms. spinach]

must... have... tiny yellow hat!

[Juliet]

Wow, the shiny textureised mettallic knitwear...how is that done? was it like a foil paint on the knitwear or was it the yarn?

[Helen]

I can't believe this is Topshop! I lvoe teh tuxedo draped cotton top and the silver knitwear. I keep wondering if i can find a silver paint that will stay put and a chunky jumper from the charity shop

[Stephie]

I want close to 90% of what you posted. Let me see now... that collared tiered cape! huge purple bowed headband! gold/black booties on the left! looped sheer collar b/w top! frou frou sequinned skater skirt! sheer bodice dress/skirt...

but top of my lust-have list is that puffy knitted top that screams vampire chic of the old..

[Gemma]

:-( We were told no photos!

Did you see the shoes at Evans? Makes me love my wide feet! x

[lady coveted]

oh wow... amazing stuff. don't you have a skirt that matches that checkered bustier?

[giancinephile]

Those multi-stranded necklaces don't look like menswear to me.

They are menswear though if you are Karl Lagerfeld. haha :)

[giancinephile]

The shoes with pom poms are rather very charming...

[jessie]

oh my gosh, i love everything you posted. when are these clothes hitting stores??

[shesdressingup]

I love the sleeveless jacket, and my boyf will love the topman jewellery. Though he spends more time breaking his necklaces than wearing them I think!

[susie_bubble]

Glad ppl liked the post...
Gemma: Oh well... if they ask me to take down the pics I will but I was told it was ok.... the Evans shoes were pretty...

The clothes/accessories/shoes will probably hit stores around August/September time but it won't be all at once of course so it will be through the winter months...

[Arsheen]

wishing it was AW 08/09 already! sigh....

[Bianca]

Susie, do you think these topshop clothes will be sold online, or only in topshop stores??
Love from the topshop-less australia!

[Bianca]

Susie, do you think these topshop clothes will be sold online, or only in topshop stores??
Love from the topshop-less australia!

[jordan]

thanks for sharing the beautiful things with us.

[nike dunks]

the blouse is wonderful, the shoes, wow, so amazing.