Fir and I attended the Topshop A/W 2011 Fashion Showcase last Friday. The party was held outside Ion Orchard, taking up one side of the mall's exterior. Curious onlookers peered over the barricades trying to get a glimpse of the party grounds. Within the party grounds was a bevy of good-looking and well dressed fashion mavens who served as great people-watching subjects.
The organisers of the party had thoughtfully prepared condiments and booze for their guests, keeping them cool and calm before the show. Fir and I helped ourselves to some refreshing alcohol ice cream and then proceeded to squeeze our way through the throngs of people who had flocked around the runway. What I overheard in the bathroom earlier, was a model exclaiming, 'Did they really invite 600 people?' And it sure felt like it, as Fir and I were sandwiched on both sides. Luckily, we managed to find a spot where we had a decent view of the runway. I secretly congratulated myself for wearing 4 inch heels which gave me some viewing advantage. Of course, I still had to raise my camera over the heads of the audience so I could get some pictures. The brazen things I do for a good shot.
The showcase started with a preview of Topman's A/W 2011 collection. The men's range featured heritage inspired pieces, such as tweed, herringbone and folkloric patterned knits. The injection of functional details for the outerwear and key statement jackets prevented the entire collection from looking too old and tacky. The result was a collection that had an air of class but did not diverge too far from Topman's main target segment - young men.
Topshop's collection was next and it featured several key pieces from Topshop Unique's line. There was a return to the 1930's, 40's and 60's, with Topshop Unique focusing on the 1930's American glamour with boucle pieces and Dalmatian inspired prints. It was playful, bordering on cute as the models strutted down the runway in jumpsuits and sweaters with Dalmations printed on them. The American glamour was found in more of the evening wear pieces.
These were two of my favorite pieces - a silver dress with cutouts at the waist and a long black dress with faux fur trimming on the sleeve. It reminded me of Cruella Deville in 101 Dalmations, albeit a prettier version of what she would wear.
The main line featured retro pieces from the 1940s and 1960s, kooky looking knitted-wear and playful vintage prints. To enforce the retro trend were calf-length skirts paired with Peter Pan blouses and stockings.
Kudos to the models for looking so cool under layers and layers of wool sweaters. It was a very warm and humid evening, and I can vouch for that as I was sweating like a pig. I was amazed that the models still looked so pristine after the show.
After the showcase, the guests were given first dips - the privilege to view Topshop's new collection before everyone else. To sweeten the deal, Topshop gave all attendees a 20% discount. Most guests made a beeline for the store, and the models were stationed enroute. The models themselves enjoyed a lot attention as everyone stopped to take photos with them. The male models were a hit with the ladies. This one below exclaimed, 'I've become famous! These girls won't let me go!' before being dragged away by his fellow model.
Once again, it was another great party organised by Topshop. They had the food, the models, the great DJ spinning and even staff stationed around the party with their iPads, tweeting in real time. We could really use more parties like this.
♥,
Fal
