For the Topman Design Aw14 show, the British giant took a dramatic turn to the darkside, with a surprise ending final walk that truly lived up to the ‘most anticipated’ hype Topman’s name carries; beneath an actual indoor rain storm that raised the bar in catwalk presentation. Slicked down models paraded a fine collection of refined tailoring, statement outerwear and of course, the knitwear that portrayed a vaguely futuristic and very gentlemanly alternative to the popular ‘street goth’ look .With a strong focus on texture and proportions Topman’s foray to the darkside is a more than welcome one, a well executed collection for the dapper London goth. An almost exclusively black and navy palette interspersed with vibrant red/oranges and pale blues, Topman mixed it up with continually clashing fabrics that kept a subversive edge running throughout; a translucent almost fetishistic PVC cape over wool trousers, a cropped double breasted jacket with ‘leather’ collar and lapels, fitted maritime knits and leather panelling, and heavy cables knits wet/patent look trousers. The collection also represented an about face in the typical silhouette one tends to associates with Topman; skinnies and oversized tops. Rockstar worthy Slimane-esque ultra skinny (and ultra shiny) trousers are still here, but alongside loosely elegant trousers, sleekly structured and cropped peacoats, and sublimely billowing Dracula worthy coats.
Images: style