Topman gets over shadowed by its big sister Topshop pretty much 100% of the time, when it comes to it, Topshop seems miles ahead with its designs, direction, trends and variety. You may remember the post on Topshop's a/w collections here. When I think of Topman on the whole I think of check shirts, cartoon t-shirts, pumps and not to great materials but for once I think Topman is taking big steps in the right directions with its 3 a/w collections.
Heritage trend (currently doesn't have a name):
Currently un-named this trend is hands down the finest trend I have seen Topman come up with (do they have a new Creative Director because this is way above what I was seeing in the shops last winter?) First off, I love the styling and the photographs for this, well thought and it's good to see that they are not just re-hashing the same old crap every winter just because their core customer is either blokey blokes who want " I Love Beer" t-shirt or students who just want baseball t-shirt and ironic boxer shorts. This trend influences seem to be Englishness with a touch of 80's rebellion against the over-the-top Club Kids like The Smiths (Not directly but I'm thinking the flowers, button down shirts and loafers). Top picks from this trend are all the heavy wool trousers, double breasted cardigan tucked in, fitted Pea coat and bulky Penny loafers.
"Wilderness" trend:
This trend is par for the course in turns of Topman's winter trends but with more of a grown up feel with a mixture of old American workwear ( I'm thinking "of Mice and Men"). Lots of cosy knits, clashing patterns and tailored jackets all thrown together but not working against each other. Not my favourite trend but here's my top pics: check blazer worn with oversized grey cardigan underneath and grey heavy wool trousers.
"Ziggy" trend:
This one slightly reminds me of some of Paul Smith's stuff from a couple of seasons ago, with the blazers, narrow jeans, bulky boots and leopard print, but in a good way. This seems a bit more interesting and considered than the usual "rock" inspired stuff. Buckets picks here are the purple velour jumper, red and navy paint blob shirt and the leopard print t-shirt.
So what do you make of these? Are they having a good effort at this Winter's trend, which is your favourite trend and which pieces can you see yourself wearing?
I always find that the Topman campaigns are always much better than what I find in-store. Maybe this has to do with my local store, as I never find some of the more "edgy" pieces there (therefore I buy online). Instead there are walls and walls of plain t-shirts and vests.
ReplyDeleteI love Topman Ltd even more though.
These are all awesome, in my opinion! I personally especially love the last trend. I love the bold patterns that are towned down with sweaters worn over them..love the jeans too...however, not crazy about the material on the sweaters/sweatshirts.
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Nice post. We should link up...http://snappylifestyle.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletecheers
I like the first collection (although why have they started calling their collections 'trends'?) although I'm waiting for the Topman Design collection to hit the shops. Anyone know when that will be?
ReplyDeletemichael - sorry thats my fault, i work for Topshop and thats what we trend to call them when they come into store. so we get a few trends at once and its easier to say "which trend is that in" than collection. Topman Design a/w collection hits the big store and online mid September
ReplyDeletedeniel alec - yeah i know, it sucks, might be the size of your store or what city it's in but either way it isn't good enough! LTD is much better i agree
LIA - im actually really into the fabric on that one, for the main reason being that it's experimental for topman instead of using normal cotton, creating a different texture. i wouldn't usually thing that when thinking of velour though.
Thanks for the info Mat - I'm coveting the light grey donegal tweed coat from the runway show.
ReplyDeletei love them all!
ReplyDeleteI am in complete agreement with about Topman being overshadowed by Topshop, and with Topman being more advanced when it comes to trends. I've always loved androgynous fashion and could easily see myself adoption some of these looks. The knitted sweaters, cardigans, chunky scarves, loafers and lace-up boots are all items that I need in my wardrobe - thanks to this campaign.
ReplyDeleteThe photos have a dark but subtle tone - not in a goth sense, but in an 'dark autumn feel' sense, which combined with the overall simplicity of the backgrounds and poses, helps to enhance the appeal of the clothes. Not sure if that made sense but hey, I'm diggin' it.
I know, the loafers for on my list, or some kind of variation. its dapper winter for the english boys. i know what you mean, but to sum up, it's a bloody good effort from an affordable highstreet brand and is a damn sight better than usual for topman, to YEY for staff discount.
ReplyDeletei wish there was a topman in canada :(
ReplyDelete