Inside-Out – The Official Topshop Blog

If we listen very, very carefully, we can just about hear the waves lapping on a sandy beach, palm trees swaying and hula girls shimmying in grass skirts… this can mean only one thing. Up-and-coming young designer Maarten Van Der Horst must be on his way to Topshop HQ! This rising talent has caused quite the sensation with his trademark Hawaiian printed designs, so we're very excited for the arrival of his Topshop collection at the end of next week.

Before we get to see the finished article, we thought that we’d introduce the man of the moment and give you the Maarten Van Der Horst lowdown. He’s quite the character – having graduated from Central Saint Martins, Maarten was swiftly signed up by Lulu Kennedy to be part of the Fashion East stable of young talent. After showing at London Fashion Week for the past two seasons, the world has been introduced to his crazy-cool, colourful work, which was initially inspired by the iconic Hawaiian shirt. He's also become something of an adopted Londoner, except that he refuses to conform to the capital's addiction to everything grey and black; a lot of his work is inspired by drag queens, tourists and transvestites!

With big fans in the form of Susie Bubble, Lulu Kennedy and the entire team at Topshop HQ, it's safe to say that there are high expectations for his collection. It launches at the end of next week so be sure to back on our blog for an exclusive interview with the man himself! Here's a snap of Susie we spotted over on her blog loooking amazing in one of Maarten's shirts.