Topshop Unique

You're probably familiar with the fact that Topshop shows it's Unique line alongside the big guns at London fashion week, but the UK high street hero will now be joining the international pre-fall and resort seasonal drops, too. The Sydney store will be one of seven Topshop flagships world-wide to receive the trans-seasonal collection (stay tuned for Resort!).

The limited edition line-up falls back on the minimalist, considered aesthetic that we've come to know and love from Topshop Unique; featuring boxy-cut shell tops, chiffon-spliced blazers, bright slip dresses and sharp-edged accessories. Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, silk, gorgette and duchess satin ensure the fuss-free designs remain luxurious in the most modern of ways. As it's dropping into the George Street emporium next week, and with prices starting at $240 may we make a strong suggestion that Sydneysiders schedule an in-store visit sooner, rather than later?

Considering the front-row and the runway line-up, Unique Topshop's A/W '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 A/W piece our wardrobe needs most. See the best looks to hit the Topshop Unique Autumn Winter '13 runway now. Images courtesy of Topshop. 

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, cut-outs, metallics, voluminous outerwear.
• Colours: White, silver, dark blue, bright yellow, black, soft pink, grey.
• 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.

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 closet each season. For A/W 2012, expect a cool military vibe via utilitarian details and olive tones, slouchy leather, and structured balloon sleeves applenty! Click through to see it all.

Makeup artist Hannah Murray, using Topshop Beauty products, was inspired by Unique's military-inspired A/W '12 collection filled with burgundy, olive and navy tones when creating the makeup palette, which featured a strong eye. It was paired with a simple hairstyle which Sam McKnight described as, "how every girl wants to wear their hair." The look was all a bit more grown up than what we typically see from the brand. Come backstage and see the look now.

We're wrapping up our coverage of Mercedes-Benz London Fashion Week, which means one thing and one thing only; it's time to analyse the trends! London, whilst shorter than New York's marathon of a fashion week, didn't scrimp on fashion forward runway looks. The talented Christopher Bailey gave us a ladylike way of wearing tribal, Mulberry's sorbet shades got us excited for spliced sundresses and Mary Kontrantzou's riot of colour and print captivated our collective imaginations. Want to see the strongest catwalk trends to come out of LFW? Step right this way...

We have to admit that we got a little lost in the glitz and glamour that was the Emmys red carpet yesterday — meaning that we neglected our London Fashion Week duties. To absolve our runway-related guilt, we thought we'd give you a cheat sheet on all the catwalk action you may have missed. From Erdem's perfect pastel florals to sass & bide's neon hues, to the Swedish simplicity of Acne and Issa's island-ready designs, these are the shows you need to know about. Stay tuned, coz our reviews of Burberry and Temperley are in the pipeline, promise!