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.
-
Feldspar's furniture is designed to make you smile
Feldspar's furniture debut includes a dining table, side tables, a bench, a floor lamp and the possibility of a cheval mirror, all made in their workshop in Devon
-
Broken up into six pavilions, this brutalist Mexican house is embedded in the landscape
Sordo Madaleno’s brutalist Mexican house, Rancho del Bosque, is divided up into a series of pavilions to preserve the character of its hillside site, combining concrete, curves and far-reaching views
-
Etihad Airways’ A321LR redefines the single-aisle experience
Abu Dhabi’s flagship carrier brings wide-body sensibility to its new generation Airbus aircraft, a rethink of what short and medium-haul travel can feel like
-
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