This is one of my favorite photos from the Ohne Titel Spring 2012 collection. Although it isn’t the standout look by any means (that was the red dress floating down the runway on Ajak Deng), it’s the one that resonated with me the most. I could easily see these pieces on Chicago women, especially that fantastic feathered belt. Accessories that draw on tribal elements can easily stray into costume territory, but these designers nailed the belt perfectly.
You can see in this photo from the back that the print blocking on the skirt has a very slimming effect as it draws the eye inwards. Constructing the garment in a knit allows the skirt to sexily hug the body but the knee-length keeps the look work appropriate. Basically this skirt is perfect in every possible way. This particular shade of blue is my absolute favorite color. It goes without saying I’m going to have my eye on this skirt come spring.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know by now that London’s biggest “high street” store TOPSHOP is opening its second American location here in the Windy City. Construction has been underway at the Michigan Avenue location at the corner of Pearson in the old Borders space. TOPSHOP is known for its fashion forward designs, celebrity following, and designer collaborations.
I was invited to preview TOPSHOP’s newest collections at their private industry preview event this past Wednesday at theWit hotel’s rooftop lounge overlooking the city. TOPSHOP is planned to open this fall in early September 2011 at 830 North Michigan Avenue. The sales floor will be 35,000 sq. ft. with a DJ booth and open ceiling.
TOPSHOP executive Karen, who is based in London but flew in for the event, graciously showed me every single piece in each of their four collections; Psychobilly; Thrift; Glamrock; and Bavaria. In addition the Chicago location will carry Unique, an in-house designer line that shows each year at London Fashion Week. TOPSHOP Chicago will also include their entire men’s line TOPMAN. Lingerie, maternity, footwear, cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories will each have their own display area in the space.
I chose one to photograph one piece of clothing from Psychobilly, Glamrock and Bavaria, which you can see below:
Mongolian lamb fur vest
Due to imitation and copying concerns each media outlet was only allowed to photograph three products. That is also why I chose not to post any photos of attendees inside since all of the products are easily visible. I respect the company’s desire to keep its designs secret in an industry where blatant copying is unfortunately all too common.
Special thank you to TOPSHOP for dropping off a surprise gift for me at my apartment building. I love my new snakeskin print clutch!
