Topshop's show stoppers

 We're half way through the shows in the Topshop show space area, and the talent is pouring in. Starting off the set yesterday was Topshop Unique, commencing with Jordan Dunn in a shear white longsleeved dress, whilst the setting of the Topshop space was discovered. Featuring a futuristic space ship setting including a minimalist white oval catwalk,  and consecutive white LED lights appearing in sync. Something that struck me about the collection this year was the maturity and growth, and extreme wearability for a wide range of ages. The simple colour palette of white to greys, buttercup yellows, pale pinks and navy blues gave a simplicity to the pieces, but when matched with the subtle patterns of  stripes, block shapes and checks, it gave variety and interest to the collection. The range of shapes was another interesting aspect, with baggy and oversized jumpers matched with short bodycon skirts, or tight skirts and bra-like tops paired with an oversized coat. Overall a fresh, mature collection from Topshop Unique, heralded by new creative director Kate Phelan, British Vogue fashion director. Maybe its time for a more mature look for the youth buyers of Topshop? 

Followed by Mary Katrantzou, who's decisive collection featured an impressive use of print and shape, with ankle length skirts, shirt collars, open sleeves and fitted trousers. Katranzou also used some repetitive layering, of tops layered over trousers of the same print, similarly done with tops and skirts. Later on, the show displayed a more relaxed sense of shape with floating skirts and dresses giving a sense of freedom. Yet the focus of the collection was, of course, the use of that incredible digital print, which coloured the garments from head to toe. These impressive pieces were more like works of art, digitally generated and sculptured by computer generated technology, onto the catwalk. This revolutionary artist has created perfection once again, with her SS13 collection becoming one of my unexpected favourites, well done Katrantzou.

Day two of Topshop's show space epic three days and we begin with Peter Pilotto, putting his statement on the catwalk with a printed floor instead of the usual lit-up white effect. Pilotto seemed to be another exploring prints, but in this collection, there seemed to be a lot of colour and print clashing, resulting in another experimental and explorational collection. A favourite piece for me was a printed jumpsuit, with a block shaped open pattern towards the upper part of the garment, and black and white ruffles opening at the waist. Another clever collection from one of Britain's finest, full of wonderfully clashing prints and colours for SS 2013.

Michael Van Der Dan was the next into the limelight, who again seemed one for mixed print and colour, adding younger girl femininity, matching his RTW show with white alice headbands and petite shoes with different coloured fur on the heels. His use and image of deconstruction and then re-constructing the garments to work with different materials comes through, and is successfully re-worked. 

Louise Gray's show was no exception from her previous works, full of vibrant colours, fun accessories and exciting new brogues. This alternative show consisted of a variety of exploratory ideas, patterns, textures and colours, all mixed up and produced in the SS 2013 collection named, Trust me . As wacky and creative as this collection was, it somehow works in a way that in Topshop will sell! The overstated dramatic use of colour is so overwhelming its almost not enough. Another great run for Louise Gray. 

The final Designer of the day was J.W Anderson, keeping his understated style, opening the show with ruffles and Doc Martin-like shoes. Although I am not one for the understated and in a lot of cases not agreeing with the statement less is more, J.W.A's collection proved to very wearable yet stylish, putting his stamp all over the collection.

All of this, and we still have Meadham Kirchhoff tomorrow. 2pm sharp Topshop fans, you won't want to miss this.