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LONDON, United Kingdom — Topshop Unique is the behemoth British retailer's premium line, so it makes sense the design team (led by creative director Kate Phelan) should look towards the flirty, polished glamour that defines London's 'it girl' look.
They had it in spades for Autumn 2017, a 'see now, buy now' collection that played with themes of the 'digital explorer' to justify the rainbow colour card they applied to a layered silhouette. Often that was a play on utility vs femininity, where a knitted anorak or a half-zip track top might be thrown over a Bambi and floral print blouse and a pair of strappy, slouchy cargo pants.
Call it elevated festival dressing, as elsewhere sparkle, stripes, and checks took over in a decade-spanning plethora of bias cut tops and pastel dresses swirling in sequins or stars. Thankfully, their garish pizzazz was tempered when glimpsed from under a baggy knit, soft trench coats, and plenty of teddy fur.
