TOPSHOP RULES BRITANNIA

We have just returned from watching the Meadham Kirchhoff Jubilee Spectacular at Topshop Oxford Circus and all we can say is WOW.

There's a mash-up of Wannabe and God Save the Queen ringing in our ears and somehow we're covered in glitter - Meadham Kirchhoff essentially just exploded all over the store! So what exactly happened?

Preparations have been underway all day for this event - partly inspired by the incredible Meadham Kirchhoff SS12 show, the store was decked out in pastel balloons while usherettes wearing specially designed MK tees shimmied about giving out sweet treats to the waiting crowds.

Meanwhile backstage, a special troupe of dancers were donning silky babydoll gowns in shades of lilac, mint, buttercup yellow, baby blue and petal pink. Special frou-frou wigs in clashing pastel shades, glittery deelyboppers, heaps of diamante jewels, elbow-length gloves and sparkling dancing shoes completed the typically OTT look!

The girls had their faces adorned with a veritable paintbox of colours and they were all given a finishing swirl of glitter spray - if there is one thing the Meadham boys love, it's some sparkle!

By 5pm, a huge crowd had gathered both inside and outside the store, waiting for the glimmering gold curtain to rise for the big reveal! Suddenly, the sound of the Spice Girls blasted out and the dancing girls tumbled down the escalators before bursting into a full-on rave on the shop floor. Designers Edward Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff looked on (both wearing glitter, of course) as the girls went wild.

For the grand finale, the gold curtain in the window dropped to reveal a stunning Britannia and her gang of beautiful burlesque girls - except instead of the traditional red, white and blues, they were all wearing the Meadham super pastels! The Jubilee burlesque girls all waved feather fans as Britannia rotated atop a glittering cake and the crowd went wild. An explosion of confetti signalled the end of proceedings and kick started the Diamond Jubilee weekend with a bang! 

If you missed any of the action, don't worry - you can see it all again on Topshop.com.

EDITED BY PIXIE GELDOF

 

 We're so excited that one of our long-time model muses and London style icon, Pixie Geldof, has taken over our Edited space this week. Edited is a special selection of products that is curated each week and available to shop online, as well as in our 286 Regent Street space, in our Oxford Circus flagship. Launching tomorrow, you'll be able to see the pieces which she personally selected as her favourites from our SS12 collections. Pixie has an amazing look and never fails to inspire us with her unique take on fashion - she's been through so many style incarnations!

Pixie is now branching out from modelling and has just released her debut single with her band Violet. We chatted to Pixie about her music and fashion choices, as well as getting a behind the scenes look at what happened when she wore her selected Topshop pieces for a shoot with British Vogue.

Hi Pixie! Can you tell us about your debut single? 

The song is called Y.O.U -  and Violet is kind of my musical alter ego. The name came from the song by Hole, which is my favourite.

My earliest fashion memory is…

The Spice Girls being epic!

Growing up I wanted to be a…

A marine biologist.

My all time favourite designers are…

Chanel, Prada and Moschino.

The highlight of my career so far has to be…

Meeting all the people I've been able to meet, some of whom are now my closest friends.

My style signature is…

90s meets the 70s I guess, but I love the 50s too. My best friend Ashley and I invented a way to describe it: 'funky-offish'. I hate the word funky but it's descriptive! Haha!

For SS12, I’d like to see the comeback of…

Pedal pushers!

The one piece I saw on the SS12 catwalks that I have to have is…

Everything from Prada.

If you looked inside my wardrobe you’d see...

A big mess and an overwhelming amount of black.

The style rule I live by is…

If you love it then who cares?

If I could go back to any era, I’d love to live in…

The 90s!

When I have a moment spare I love to…

Practice nail art or cook.

I love living in London because…

It's home.

Being shot for Vogue’s Topshop supplement was…

So much fun! Fran Burns from Vogue is one of my favourite people in the world and she styled it so it was a day of fun!

It certainly looks like Pixie and the team enjoyed themselves running around East London on the shoot, which you'll be able to see in the new edition of British Vogue. Watch the behind the scenes video below - and be sure to check Topshop.com tomorrow to see Pixie's 'picks' for Edited!

Ps - if you are looking for more summer musical inspiration, check out what's currently on Pixie's playlist!

dumb blonde: by dolly parton

black coffee: by all saints

im a slave for you: by britney spears

cowboy junkies lament: by cowboy junkies

survivor: by destiny's child

it wasnt god who made honky tonk angels: by dolly parton, loretta lynn and tammy wynette

down by the water: by the drums

sing for the moment: by eminem

who knew: by eminem

violet: by hole

the last goodbye: by the kills

blackberry stone: by laura marling

complicated: by avril lavigne

fade into you: by mazzy star

into my arms: by nick cave

where did you sleep last night: by nirvana

crazy: by patsy cline

no one knows: by queens of the stone age

cherry bomb: by the runaways

dead end justice: by the runaways

viva forever: by the spice girls

D-I-V-O-R-C-E. by tammy wynette

kiss kiss: by holly valance

steal my sunshine: by LEN

the boy is mine: by brandy and monica

i touch myself: by divinyls

Y.O.U: by violet

run this town: by jay-z

freak like me: by sugababes

i want you: by violet

nightcall: by kavinsky and love foxx

MAKING MUSICAL WAVES WITH ALT-J

The recent good weather in the UK has meant we've been looking for new music to provide the soundtrack to days spent on the beach, in the park, and holiday nights. If you fancy something a little different, then look no further than new Topshop favourites alt-J (∆). This band may both a mathmatical symbol and its Mac keyboard shortcut, but that's just where the weirdness starts! The triangle symbol actually represents change, which is fitting for a band who make noises like you've never heard before.

Comprised of four friends who met at Leeds University, alt-J (∆) create a strange mixture of folk vocals, hip hop beats, harmonies and huge synth sounds. Even the band members Gwil Sainsbury (guitar/bass), Joe Newman (guitar/vocals), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards) and Thom Green (drums) admit that they don't really know what genre of music they fit into.

alt-J. They really love triangles!

Whatever it is, we are currently loving their debut album An Awesome Wave, which was released this week. Their strange songs just seem to fit with summertime - here at Topshop HQ we're playing alt-J (∆) on repeat and hoping we catch them at festivals this year. You can listen to the album for yourself below.

 

 

SAY 'YES' IN RICHARD NICOLL BRIDAL

The world of fashion woke up to some very exciting news this morning, as the first pictures of the Richard Nicoll for Topshop bridal collection were revealed! We're counting down the days until this collaboration (sweetly called 'Tie the Knot') arrives online and in store in late June. It's the sixth time Richard has worked with us, but the first time either of us have produced a bridal collection so it's an extremely exciting time!

As you would expect from one of the most elegant designers working right now, the dresses that Richard has created for Topshop are super contemporary and the antithesis of traditional frou-frou gowns. Beautiful lace shift dresses in blush pink and pure white compliment a floor length gown with a silk bodice, gentle peplum and sheer georgette underskirt. Every dress has a little bit of London cool - as Richard himself says, "these pieces are perfect as party dresses too if you're not the marrying kind."

To be honest, even the single girls in the office have been eyeing up the samples - you don't need to have a fiance to want to wear one of the Richard Nicoll Tie the Knot gowns! Keep your eyes peeled for their arrival very soon...

GOWNS FIT FOR A PRINCESS!

We don’t know about you but here at Topshop we love nothing more than getting dressed up! So as you can imagine, we could hardly contain our excitement when we heard that London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (better known as the V&A) were opening their refurbished Fashion Galleries with an exhibition dedicated to the ballgown!

Now we’ve never really worn a ballgown (not one with a big skirt anyhow) but can imagine how wonderful it must feel to step out into the night dressed like a princess! 'Ballgowns – British Glamour Since 1950’ features around 60 dresses worn for private parties, royal balls, state occasions and opening nights so be prepared to fall head over heel with a dress, or three!

Partly from the V&A’s incredible collection – think Zandra Rhodes and Hussein Chalyan – as well as dresses lent by designers such as Erdem and Jenny Packham, it’s set to be a real treat. While we can’t wait to see all of the dresses on show, we’re most excited to examine the selection of royal ballgowns on display – especially the one by couturier Norman Hartnell.

So if you’re in London or planning a visit, put a trip to the V&A at the top of your must-see list. It’s on until 6th January so don't miss out!

WHAT IS RECLAIM TO WEAR?

Keep your eyes peeled for a brand new collaboration with a difference coming soon to Topshop.com. Our design team have worked with Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci from Reclaim To Wear, who specialise in creating amazing garments using only left over fabrics from the fashion industry.

We spoke to Orsola and Filippo, along with the Topshop design team and Stephen Mongan, Head of Sourcing and Technical Services, about the project. The Topshop RTW crew also gave us some handy tips on how to DIY your own reclaimed fashion pieces.

What is Reclaim To Wear?

[Orsola and Filippo] We set up Reclaim To Wear as a way of using up all the beautiful fabrics left over from designer collections. With all the environmental challenges we are facing, the fashion industry is looking for design solutions for the future. Sometimes, to be really innovative, you have to take the best from the past and bring it to the future.

Why has Topshop worked with Reclaim to Wear?

[Stephen] We met the RTW pioneers Orsolo and Filippo at a Sri Lankan design festival a few years ago and were really inspired by the way they work - turning fabric that is considered to be 'waste' into amazing, unique pieces of clothing.

What were the design inspirations behind the collection?

[Topshop Design Team] We had a New York style, clean aesthetic in mind. We took ideas from the fact that we were working with a jersey factory, then got inspired by laces and meshes we found in the basement. A lot of the looks were a happy accident - we had to forget the traditional design process and got very excited by what emerged as the final pieces.

What did you learn from working the RTW way?

[Topshop Design Team] It was really fun! Using only what we had available to us meant that we suddenly considered fabric combinations that had never occured to us before. Mixing up fabric and colour on even a basic shape can create a very directional piece.

What are the key pieces of the collection and how would you style them?

There's a t-shirt dress that is a great example of how the upcycling process determined the final product. It has a bright red panel across the chest because otherwise the dress would be too sheer - but the splash of colour looks amazing! We'd wear it with a favourite pair of 16 hole black Doc Martens.

Why is the Topshop Reclaim to Wear project so important?

[Topshop Design Team] We have a responsibility to respect the impact we have on the world, so this project is our way of helping out.

If you're feeling inspired by the idea of Reclaim To Wear, then check back in a few weeks when the collection lands on Topshop.com - plus we've got step by step instructions on how to create your own DIY designs - like the studded collar tee below. This is upcycling - Topshop style!

TIME TO PRACTISE YOUR CHARLESTON

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most beloved books of all time - it's a particular favourite at Topshop HQ too. The combination of mystery, heartbreak and 1920s decadance is just impossible to beat. So it's understandable that we got a little bit over excited when the trailer for Baz Luhrmann's new film adaptation went online yesterday.  Baz has produced some seriously inspirational movies (Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge) and has a very distinctive and vibrant visual style. He's enlisted Leonardo Dicaprio, Tobey Maguire and style icon Carey Mulligan to help him bring the story of The Great Gatsby to life (in dazzling 3D, no less!)

As well as the amazing story, we have got huge anticipation for Carey's costumes - the few shots we have seen seem to indicate she makes the perfect flapper girl, swathed in silks, pearls and diamonds.

She looks angelic in shades of lilac and dazzling crystal dresses, plus stunning hair accessories and regal jewellery. Now, we just want to be a 20s 'bright young thing'.

Carey plays Daisy Buchanan while Leonardo Dicaprio takes on the role of the elusive Jay Gatsby - we think they make a very beautiful couple! Throw in the sensational parties, fireworks and quotes that make your heart stop ("I wish I could have done everything on earth with you") and The Great Gatsby might just be our film of the year. The parties, the fashion, the romance, the vintage glamour - the only downside we can see to this new film is that we have to wait all the way until Christmas to see it.

CATCH UP WITH THE GIRLS AT TOPSHOP HQ

We like to find out more about all the different girls who work at Topshop, and this month we got the chance to chat to Sarah Beamand, who is a Personal Shopper at our Manchester Arndale store. She told us all about how she got her job, her fashion inspiration and her secrets to sublime holiday style.

How did you become a Personal Shopper at Topshop? 

I studied Fine Art Textiles at University but have always been passionate about fashion, so when I graduated I applied for a position as a Topshop Style Advisor and progressed to a Personal Shopper role as the service has developed.

What do you love about your job?

I love the personal service I can offer my clients; I have the unique opportunity of making people feel good through the clothes they wear.

How would you describe your style?

I am heavily influenced by vintage styles particularly the 70s; I love mixing fabrics and textures to create a new look. I also love to dress up and don’t really do casual – you would never see me in jeans and a tee!

Who are your fashion icons?

I think Chloe Sevigny always looks great and has a unique style, I also love icons such as Bianca Jagger and Ali MacGraw.

Which is your current favorite Topshop collection and why?

Belief – I love the combination of prints and the festival vibe of the trend.

What’s your favorite Topshop Make Up product?

Lipstick in Sartorial, it’s a great colour for summer.

Where’s your favorite place to go shopping in Manchester?

The Northern Quarter of the city is really inspiring, it’s full of vintage stores, independent boutiques and great little cafes and bars. If I’m in the mood for a bit more high-end luxury then Spinning Fields is the place to go.

What would your best night out involve?

Dinner and cocktails in Australasia with my fiancé then on to Oast house and to meet the girls then winding down the night in the Northern Quarter.

Where will you be holidaying this summer?

The French Alps. 

5 items you never travel without?

Tom Ford sunglasses, a good book, sunscreen, latest Topshop bikini and chiffon kaftan.

What is your ultimate summer holiday outfit?

Anything soft, floaty and made of silk.

What would your dream holiday be/where?

Traveling round Sri Lanka with my best friend.

Back at work, why should someone book a personal shopping appointment with you?

Because I am passionate about my job and will make any new client feel relaxed and enjoy the shopping experience.

What’s great about the personal shopping service?

A Topshop Personal Shopping client gets to see so many amazing products and the appointment will be tailored to suit their exact needs.

The Topshop Personal Shopping service is completely free of charge. Whether you need help finding the right outfit for a big event, want to revamp your wardrobe or just want a sneak peak at new pieces, simply call or email to make an appointment at one of our Personal Shopping stores.

 

LET'S TALK DENIM FOR SS12

Every girl should own a truly great pair of jeans, as well as a piece of denim that will make heads turn! Good jeans are the one item that will never let you down, while a single standout denim piece can transform your entire look. We know finding a piece you can’t live without may be easier said than done, so from 5-6pm GMT (9-10am PST), we'll be live on our blog to give you the the low-down on Topshop denim. From which of our jeans will work best for your shape to what to wear with your candy coloured jeans, we can't wait to get the conversation started. Come along with your questions at the ready!

If you've not seen our SS12 denim shop, be sure to take a look. From candy coloured jeans to embellished denim jackets, we have every denim piece a girl could possibly want for the season ahead.

OUR FANTASY BIKE RIDES

A little birdie tells us that the sun is due to arrive in London this week! After weeks of truly miserable weather, we can't wait to get out and about in the city making the most of the sunshine. Everyone knows one of the best ways to see London is by bicycle, so we've been dreaming about where we could go on our favourite two-wheeled method of transport.

We would hop on our gorgeous aqua Bobbin Birdie (apparently it's the bike Florence Welch can be seen riding round town on) wearing a summer dress and cats eye sunglasses, before heading off to one of these lovely locations...

Richmond Park - this huge expanse of beautiful green countryside is the ideal place to relax on a summer's day. We'll be packing a picnic and catching some rays in our favourite cut off shorts and sandals, while trying to spot the deer that live in the 900 acres of parkland.

Staying in central London, the Southbank is great for cycling along and people-watching at the same time. When we are riding our bikes in town it helps to keep our outfit pretty but practical - jeans are essential plus a cute backpack is the easiest and coolest bike accessory.

Victoria Park is often used to stage big concerts, but we prefer it just before twilight when and it's nice and quiet. A cropped cardigan will keep the evening chill at bay as we cycle into the sunset! Now all we need is a classic Bobbin or Raleigh model (complete with wicker basket, of course) and a cycling buddy to fulfil our bicycle dreams. Here comes the sun - we hope!

MEET OUR PERSONAL SHOPPERS

You know what's really annoying? When life gets too busy to allow enough time for shopping! Even though we try not to let anything get in the way of our fashion habit, sometimes a quick lunchtime dash to Topshop Oxford Circus just isn't enough time to create a whole new new look. This is where our amazingly dressed team of Personal Shoppers come in! We're excited to be hosting a special in store event very soon, which will give you the chance to meet these brilliant girls.

If you've ever wanted one-on-one style advice, our complimentary Personal Shopping service is for you! Our Personal Shoppers know the Topshop collections inside-out and have brilliant styling suggestions to help you make each piece your own. These girls can help you with whatever styling troubles you're having - from creating a look for a special occasion to helping you plan your festival looks or an entire new season wardrobe ! What's more, they know exactly when must-have items are coming in, so you never miss out.

The best thing is that our Personal Shopping service is completely free of charge - meaning you get to chill out while the Topshop team do all the research and find the perfect products for your wardrobe! If you think this sounds amazing then make sure you come along to our event on 21st and 22nd May in all of our stores with the Personal Shopping service both in the UK and US. You'll have the chance to meet the team and find out more about what they could do for you. Find out more by joing our Facebook event and come along with your friends! We guarantee a whole lot of stylish fun...

DOING OUR NAILS LIKE REAL WAH GIRLS

Here at Topshop, we're slightly obsessed with getting our nails 'did' in time for the weekend! Everyone in the office has a different favourite manicure - ranging from classic retro red to the craziest, glittery, multi-coloured nail art. Of course, when we want something really special, we know there is only one place to go: the WAH Nails salon inside Topshop Oxford Circus. Founded by the amazing Sharmadean Reid, WAH is the word when you want nails with serious wow! 

Sharmadean has been pioneering amazing nail art since she set up WAH Nails in 2009 - starting a huge trend for out-there designs including their signature leopard print, drippy, earthquake, eyeball and strawberry motifs in a rainbow of colours. Lots of beauty bloggers and manicure fans have been getting inspired by the WAH classics, so now Sharmadean has made it even easier to DIY the Wah girls' way!

We've been flicking through The WAH Nails Book Of Nail Art, which features 25 designs and step-by-step instructions on how to achieve them.

It may be worth clearing a lot of time in your diary because this little book is highly addictive - you'll want to try out every single one of the nail design tutorials! We love this drippy black and pink style.

Maybe we'll even be ready to attempt something like this amazing Union Jack nail art by the time the Jubilee comes around - this is patriotism, WAH nails style.

WATCH OUT FOR MOONRISE KINGDOM

We love Wes Anderson here at Topshop - he's the director behind films like The Royal Tenenbaums and Fantastic Mr Fox (both of which we loved, for different reasons!). He's got a very distinctive visual style and we always leave his movies feeling really inspired, which is why we are counting the days until his latest film, Moonrise Kingdom is released.

Apparently it tells the tale of a summer in 1965, when two 12-year old sweethearts fall in love, make a pact and run away from their small town in New England. Even the poster looks adorable...

Moonrise Kingdom features so many of of favourite actors - including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and one of our ultimate style icons, Tilda Swinton  (who looks amazing in some of the promo shots!)

The 'grown-ups' in Moonrise Kingdom embark on a mission to find the runaway lovebirds and judging by the trailer, it looks like everyone gets into scrapes along the way. Every single shot of this movie has the Wes Anderson trademark stamped all over it - from the vintage colour scheme, to quirky details and of course, gorgeous 60s fashion. Moonrise Kingdom comes out on 25th May, after it premieres at Cannes Film Festival. We can't wait!

TOPSHOP'S GREAT ESCAPE!

Is there anything better than a trip to the British seaside on a sunny Saturday? Well maybe there is, if that trip also involves fish and chips, fairground rides on the pier plus lots of brilliant live music. This weekend Topshop ran away to Brighton for The Great Escape 2012 - Europe's equivalent of the South x South West music showcase. Hundreds of new bands arrived in town, ready to put on a weekend of amazing gigs - there was definitely too many to see, so here are a few of our favourite acts from the festival!

College

Hands up who loves the Drive movie soundtrack? Yep - us too, along with the what seemed to be the whole of Brighton, who crammed into a tiny venue to watch College perform the amazing song A Real Hero. Unfortunately Ryan Gosling wasn't in the crowd...

Violet

Model and style icon Pixie Geldof's band Violet is named after a track made famous by her heroine, Courtney Love, but it's only the music, and not Mrs Cobain's rock n'roll craziness that inspires Pixie! She looked beautiful as she took to the stage in a silver jacquard pencil skirt, plain white tee and with Lana Del Rey style pointed red nails. Pixie sings songs about love and heartbreak with an impressively strong voice - fans of Lana, Alanis Morisette and of course, Hole, should listen up.

Grimes

We adore Grimes at Topshop Towers and her packed-out show at The Great Escape was a definite highlight of the festival. We danced and sang along to her hits Genesis and Oblivion - she looked cute bopping around with her trademark pink fringe.

Aiden Grimshaw

Yes, the very same Aiden Grimshaw who crashed out of X-Factor has returned without any of the typical talent show pretensions - he's got an emotional, powerful voice that works perfectly with impressive electro songs. Anyone who enjoys Hurts should definitely check out his new material - Mr Grimshaw has a lot of talent (and very nice hair.)

Karin Park

Karin was a surprise discovery at The Great Escape, but that is exactly what it is all about - finding new music! This incredible Norweigan looks like she's set to make major waves on the music scene! Working alongside her brother, Karin sings dramatic, dark melodies over heavy drums and strange electro sounds, with hints of both Bjork and Robyn (who we also love!). She's a stylish creature with a lot to say and an amazing voice - if she's playing at a festival you are at this summer, be sure not to miss her. 

Thanks Brighton, it was a blast and we'll see you for The Great Escape 2013!

CHINA LOVES TOPSHOP TOO!

Topshop has hit Shenzhen, China! Yes, we’ve opened up a pop-up shop at the King Glory Plaza until the end of August. We we’re super excited see the snaps from opening night – we couldn’t wait to take a look at how China’s chicest girls would style up our SS12 pieces – and thought you may like to see too. 

If you happen to be in, or going to Shenzhen, you’ll find Topshop open from 10am to 10pm at the King Glory Plaza, 1st Floor, 2028 Renmin South Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China 86-0755-82611100.

IN CHLOE’S SHOES

Chloe at the press launch of CJG wearing the Misha wedge from her debut SS12 collection.

There’s been a lot of excitement about the launch of Chloe Green’s debut shoe collection here at Topshop HQ! Whenever we see her around the office, she’s always in a pair of killer heels we wish were ours. Christian Louboutin, Guiseppe Zanotti, and Charlotte Olympia – you name the designer and she’s probably got a pair of their shoes. With a 200 strong shoe collection, Chloe certainly knows what’s out there, what works and what shoes girls want to wear. For as long as Chloe can remember, she’s been obsessed with shoes; growing up she used to parade around the house in her mum’s so creating a collection of her own seemed like a natural place to start as a designer. Made up of eight pairs of green-soled styles that any girl who appreciates a good heel are sure to want in their wardrobe, we think you’ll be as happy as we are that you can finally get your hands on a pair of Chloe’s shoes. Chloe's debut CJG collection launches on 17^th May in our London Oxford Circus store and on Topshop.com. In the meantime, enjoy the inside scoop as we chat to Chloe below.

Can you remember the first pair of shoes you really fell in love with?

When I was younger I fell in love with a pair of my mum's Gucci shoes. They were black with a platform and gold buckles, I found a way to make them fit and refused to take them off!

What is it about shoes that you love?

I love how shoes can make an outfit and your legs look longer. Wearing something simple with a fabulous pair shoes is a fail-safe outfit. Girls just can't have enough shoes!

What are your favourite shoes ever?

I don’t really have a favourite but if I had to pick it would be my Jimmy Choo biker boots, my daffodil crystallised Christian Louboutins and my Giuseppe Zanotti wedges.

Which shoe designers do you admire the most?

I think Charlotte Olympia is amazing and love how you can spot her shoes from a mile away, Christian Louboutin (who doesn't love him?) Guiseppe Zanotti and Azzedine Alaia.

What inspired you to create your own shoe collection?

I have the biggest love for shoes and thought it was the best place for me to start. There were so many ideas and things I really wanted and couldn't find. My girlfriends and I sat down and spoke about shoes, what we wanted, needed and everything kind of started from there.

What kind of girl are you designing for?

I’m not aiming for a one particular girl. All girls who like to go out and party, or love a high wedge for summer will totally get this collection.

Who would you love to see wearing your shoes?

ANYONE! The best feeling will be to see someone I don't knowing rocking the Green Sole. It will be the best feeling.

How did you go about the design process?

I sat down and started brainstorming ideas and designs with a small team. I changed my office into one big mood board and went through magazines and boxes of fabric swatches, vintage trims, studs etc to find inspiration and pinned up anything I loved! I then sat down with a designer and watched all my ideas turn into actual shoes.

What’s been the best part of designing your collection?

Seeing a shoe on a piece of paper that I designed to then waiting to have it in hand as a first sample has to be the best feeling.

Do you have a favourite style from your collection?

I love the Misha wedge. I can see myself living in that all summer!

Do you always wear heels?

No not always, I basically live in my biker boots in the day.

How many shoes do you think you own?

Maybe over 200…

What can we expect to see next from CJG?

There will definitely be an AW12 collection and I might explore other product areas - I haven't decided just yet which direction I want to go in.

To keep up-to-date with the launch of Chloe's first shoe collection, make sure you're following her on Twitter.