Topshop A/W 2011 Lookbook

Even though we’re only July, the kind of weather we’re currently experiencing here in Belgium gives us the more reason to have a little sneak peek at what’s coming next season. We kick off with an A/W preview of Topshop, which has devided their collection into 4 different themes: Glamrock, Psychobilly, Bavaria and Thrift.

PSYCHOBILLY
“Psychobilly is an updated and feminine take on the rebellious dressing of the teddyboys of the 1960s. Modern twists elevate sleek tailoring and clean shapes; slim cigarette trousers in an opulent sapphire jacquard are the essential ankle skimming length and a simple t-shirt shape comes in panels of monochrome silk. Be prepared for the unexpected as hybrid garments become key; a royal blue wool crombie has soft black leather sleeves whilst the classic sweatshirt is luxurious with faux fur sleeves. Prints are bold with polka dots and window pane checks splashed across chiffons and silks whilst colour blocking features in ‘dad’ sweaters with the occasional punky motif. A much more hourglass silhouette takes over from that of the boyish with semi body-con dresses celebrating the waist and skirts predominantly in pencil or mid-calf length.”

THRIFT
“Mixing elements of the laid-back 60s with a neater finish from the 40s post-war Britain, Thrift is an eclectic dressing-up box of girly vintage-inspired pieces. Dresses are ladylike in pretty florals and ditsy prints, appearing in a classic tea dress or drop waist shift shape and look newest in mid-calf length. Again, skirts are longer in length, are sometimes pleated or with side slits and look prim when worn with feminine peter pan blouses buttoned to the neck. Pretty detailing such as petal cut-outs around the neckline, lace inserts and contrasting panelling create interest whilst elegant beading on dainty pouch handbags finishes off the look. Colour is important; tapered trousers come in jade or tangerine and bright prints appear throughout, whilst the overall silhouette is soft and feminine.”

GLAMROCK
“Glamrock draws inspiration from the 1970s, dismissing any grunge from the decade for an all-out glamorous and rockstar look. Faux fur is key to this trend and the bigger and brighter the better; an oversized shaggy coat made from goat hair comes in a fluoro pink, a sleek faux-fur stole in deep amethyst has extravagant pompoms and a mini skirt is made from amber-coloured feathers.
Casual garments are given luxe treatment; a simple black parka is indulgent with a thick glossy black faux fur lining, skinny jeans are given a hi-tech coating and boxy silk shirts are elevated with all-over beading. Footwear and accessories are flamboyant with stack-heeled ankle boots covered in silver glitter and oxblood velvet clutch bags with gold jacquard panels. Emeralds and magentas interspersed with shimmering gold and silvers make up a jewellery-box colour palette.”

 BAVARIA
“With rich folkloric inspiration being key, Bavaria is a modern and distinctly luxurious take on keeping warm this winter. Outerwear is functional whilst indulgent; a khaki parka has faux fur sleeves and a gilet is extra long and made from patchwork sheepskin. Cable and aran knits are chunky and oversized to defend against the cold, and a usually floaty smock dress or blouse comes in a cosy heavy velvet. Handcrafted touches add texture and appear throughout with detailed embroidery on yokes and opulent beadwork on accessories.”

Pictures courtesy of Topshop.