Topshop Unique

Considering the front-row and the runway lineup, Unique Topshop's Fall '13 show is where the cool girls hang out. With the Tate Modern as its backdrop and Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, and Demi Lovato as front-row fixtures, the stage was primed for covet-worthy wares to take their rightful place on the catwalk. And so be it: Cara Delevingne opened in a midriff-baring sweater top and lacquered A-line skirt. Most notable, though, was the integration (and application) of sequin and sparkle as an embellishment altogether ungirlie. High shine was key, but the assumed glitziness was subdued by way of sharp tailoring, luxe fur add-ons, and masculine outerwear counterparts. Even the most feminine dusty-pink sequined skirt seemed like fair game for the tougher downtown girl. Of course, after seeing Jourdan Dunn close out the show in a deep-burgundy-hued sequin jumpsuit, we're pretty sure that's the one Fall piece our wardrobe needs most. See the best looks to hit the Unique Topshop Fall '13 runway now.

Topshop debuted a collection of sexy, sheer proportions in London for Spring 2013. The collection opened with a sheath dress of white mesh with strategically placed geometric pieces of white fabric, creating an artful interplay between transparent and opaque, setting the tone for the rest of the collection. Leather cut-out cropped tops were layered under white coats, hints of skin were hidden behind printed, slightly see-through dresses, and voluminous caftan-like pieces in dramatic black and white florals were finished off with plunging necklines. Meanwhile, structured blazers, coats, and sweaters provided a strong sense of contrast to the diaphanous pieces layered beneath them. The clothes flowed and shimmered under the runway lights, ultimately showcasing a collection of feminine and body-conscious pieces that are already making us yearn for the warm days of Summer.

• Trends: Sheer, cutouts, metallics, voluminous outerwear.
• Colors: White, silver, dark blue, bright yellow, black, soft pink, gray.
• Key Piece: The beige coat layered over a striped top and white sheer skirt provided perfect oversized, borrowed from the boys appeal.
• Who Should Wear It: Girls looking for sexy updates on classic pieces, like Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung.

Additional reporting by Robert Khederian.

Going to a Topshop Unique show is like attending some fabulous tented party. Not only are all the cool kids there — Elle Fanning, Poppy Delevingne, Leigh Lezark, Derek Blasberg, Harley Viera-Newton, Pixie Geldof — but there are also glasses of champagne and mini strawberry tartlets being served to you as you come in.

Not that Topshop needs gimmicks in order to woo anyone. The brand has already built a solid reputation in the UK and abroad — and not just because of its snappy stores and chic ready to wear line. The brand has been incremental in the rise of London's up-and-coming designers via its sponsorship program NewGen, and one needs look no further than Erdem, Christopher Kane, and Mary Katrantzou — all former recipients — to see what a little help from Topshop can do. Judging by that, it seems this season's batch of NewGen designers Michael van deer Ham, JW Anderson, and Simone Rocha are off to a pretty good start.

And so, it shouldn't be surprising that Topshop Unique's collection is right on point for Spring 2013. Picking up where Fall 2012's military-utility themes left off, creative director Kate Phelan and team created pieces that felt modern and minimal, with just the right amount of sophisticated slouch. Sheer fabrics such as organza, devouré, and printed georgette offered revealing hints of skin on loosely tailored silhouettes and boxy pieces, while a color palette of cream, rosé, black, white, and pale canary yellow kept everything feeling clean and crisp. "Cool, easy, relaxed," Phelan explained to us backstage after the show. "The whole idea was to just not let the collection get too hard or stiff, but to keep it soft, to keep it easy, to keep it very slouchy and very real."

The Autumn/Winter Topshop Unique show was held earlier today at the Old Billingsgate Market in the City of London. With the sunshine peering through the windows (for a change), the backdrop was beautiful, and finally, there was ample space both behind the scenes and inside the actual venue to move around, mingle, and munch on the delectable treats that were offered preshow. Anna Wintour, Alexandra Shulman, Olivia Palermo, Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof, Poppy Delevigne, and Leigh Lezark all sat in the front row to watch in anticipation.

For this military-inspired collection filled with burgundy, olive, navy, chunky knits, leather, and velvet pieces (my favorite being the leather overalls), the look this season for the clothing, accessories, and beauty was all a bit more grown-up than what we typically see from the brand. Check out all of the exciting looks from backstage in my slideshow here!

Source: Getty

Topshop is one of the most anticipated collections from London Fashion Week, as the trendy retailer with plenty of under $100 options often fills our closets each season. For Fall 2012, expect a cool military vibe via utilitarian details and olive tones, slouchy leather, and the structured balloon sleeve that made a big splash in New York to hit a minidress near you.