Inside-Out – The Official Topshop Blog

From Kanye and Kim’s couple dressing to Hedi Slimane and Cathy Horyn’s very public fashion tiff, 2012 has been a year bursting at the seams with scorching style stories and fashion-forward tidbits. We’ve been considering the magical year gone by and thought we’d share our biggest (and favourite) fashion moments of 2012 with you. Read them and weep…

J.W. Anderson for Topshop

Okay, okay, we know we’re a little biased here but we have to say J.W. Anderson’s epic collaboration with yours truly really did go down incredibly well. From Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe wearing the sell-out knits, to a bouncing after-party at Madame Jo-Jos featuring sets from Jessie Ware and Disclosure, the JWAxTS collab has captured the hearts of fashion forward folk and style icons alike. Just last week we stole a peek at the second drop for Topshop and we have to say, it’s even better! Prepare yourself for the fashion collaboration of 2013.

The Cathy Horyn V Hedi Slimane Debacle

Fashion got its claws out last season when designer Hedi Slimane stepped back into the spotlight with his debut collection at Yves Saint Laurent and caused a little fashion ruckus. The celebrated New York Times critic Cathy Horyn was famously banned from the show but regardless of having no ticket, Horyn went ahead and reviewed Slimane’s debut show for YSL from images online and offered a resounding lukewarm opinion —much did the rest of the fashion critic world. Slimane didn’t take the news too lightly and fed back with a cheeky response from his Twitter page calling Horyn a “schoolyard bully and standup comedian.” The Telegraph’s Lisa Armstrong and The Business of Fashion’s Imran Ahmed also shared their sixpence and Twitter went mad for it. Let’s hope 2013, doesn’t have quite so many fashion feuds.

Cameron Silver’s DECADES

If you didn’t have this on your Christmas List, now is the time to jot it down for the next present-giving occasion. Vintage boutique founder Cameron Silver brought his fabulous and unique eye to fashion history in 2012 with the launch of his amazing book, DECADES. We reviewed it here and just can’t stop referring to it for all our style questions. Did we mention the photography?! Ah-mazing.

Michele Obama’s Wardrobe

Seriously, can this woman do no wrong? Mrs President just keeps bringing the much-needed helping of fashion to the White House and making politics all the more aesthetically pleasing.

Kate Bosworth’s Sings Winter Wonderland

Yes, another moment from yours truly, but come on! Did you see Miss Bosworth work that bespoke dress and how cute was her singing? We have to say Kate’s turn as a Michelle-Pfeiffer-inspired cabaret star had us dreaming of the perfect red dress all Christmas.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Matching Fashion

Whether you love them or hate them, you’ve got to appreciate the time and effort that goes into this star-studded couple’s wardrobe choices. Whether it’s matching sports gear, duplicate all-white wear for a seat at Givenchy or their die-hard love for leather trousers, these two love looking good together. And rumour has it there’s a baby on the way, will they do three-way matching? We hope so!

Angelina Jolie’s Right Leg at the Oscars

It came, it saw, it conquered Twitter. What more is there to say?

Anna Piaggi’s Passing

The year wasn’t without it’s moments of sadness and for us it was saying goodbye to fashion icon Anna Piaggi. The Italian fashion writer who had scribed for the likes of Vogue and Vanity magazine plied her trade on the ever so chic Olivetti Valentine typewriter but was even better known for her exuberant and eclectic style. Piaggi was the epitome of maximalist dressing, pattern clashing and make up a la Louise Gray. She even made coloured hair cool before the likes of Tavi and Charlotte Free. Piaggi, we salute you!

Do you agree or disagree? What have been your top fashion moments in 2012?

How time flies! And so, another year approaches and we’re left feeling like we didn’t even register the last one. Although 2013 won’t include as many bank holidays, jubilees boat parades or a summer of sport quite like this one, it still has a heavy helping of festivals, exhibitions and movie releases that we’re sure will more than make up for it! To ensure you don’t miss out, we’ve scoured our sources and come up with a list of the events that you don’t want to miss. So snap up your tickets, place your reservations and get prepared for another year of fun!

ART

Lichtenstein: A Retrospective
21^st February

The man who brought the Benday dot to the masses gets his much deserved retrospective. The seminal pop artist’s show has already stopped off in Chicago and Washington to grand reviews and now it’s headed to London’s Tate Modern. If ever there was an artist that was supremely cool, commercial and mightly talented it would be this guy. Feel like your inside a comic book and dream you could hang one on your bedroom wall.

FASHION

London Fashion Week
15^th – 19^th February

We may be biased but the NEWGEN talent this year is especially exceptional and we just can’t wait to see what will come from all the amazing young talent at London Fashion Week. Whether it’s Simone Rocha, Marques Almeida or, the designer close to our hearts,  J.W.Anderson,  we can bet there will be plenty to talk about and plenty to see!

FOOD

Shake Shack comes to London
Sometime mid 2013

One of our favourite places to eat in New York City is opening its doors in London. Resident of Manhattan’s Bryant Park Shake Shack is know for its mouthwatering burgers, fries and frozen custard that draw lines around the block. Trust us, with these sweet treats you’ll be joining the queue when it makes its way across the pond.

The Beagle Opens
March

The amazing gastronomic team behind Seafood Shack and Bonnie Gull (YUM!) are launching a bar/restaurant/coffee shop under the arches of Hoxton Station. Even more exciting is that it will be headed up by Chef James Ferguson from Rochelle Canteen. We predict smashing seasonal British cooking and delicious aperitifs.

FILM

The Great Gatsby
17^th May

Ok, so we’ve been harping on about it for ages but IT’S NEARLY HERE! Our much loved Baz Luhrmann (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, etc) is behind the much-hyped film that not only features our favourite Leo DiCaprio (don’t pretend you forgot about him) but has the pixie Carey Mulligan donned in Prada for the entire film. Did we mention it’s in 3D, also stars Isla Fisher and looks like it will be pure decadence. We just can’t wait any longer!

Carrie
15^th March

We’re usually tired of remakes but when it’s one of our favourite horror films of all time and starring our 2012 girl crush Chloe Moretz, we’re happy to revisit. We’re hoping for more fake blood, high school drama and awaiting with baited breathe Julianne Moore turn as Carrie’s psychotic mum, Margaret White.

MUSIC

Sigur Ros
7^th March

The ethereal ambient band from Iceland have been a constant on our Spotify playlist all year long and finally, the time has come when they’ll be hitting a London stage near you! We’ll be at the back, swaying in time and crying our eyes out.

Kraftwerk at the Tate
6^th February

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk have caused a ruckus with their 8 show performance at London’s Tate Modern Turbine Hall. The minimal German group will take over the iconic hall for 8 performances, each dedicated to a different album and there’s no doubt these guys will have something very special up their sleeves. The website crashed before the tickets even went live but if you’re one of the very lucky few who managed to get their hands on them you’re truly in for a treat!

CULTURE

David Bowie is…
March 23^rd – July 28^th

You thought the V&A couldn’t get any cooler. But with an exhibition dedicated to David Bowie’s style it has really surpassed all expectations. Whether it’s his Thin White Duke or Ziggy Stardust here’s a musician braver than Lady Gaga when it comes to dressing. We’re anticipating another three hours stint in these galleries glued to the above Kabuki stage costume!

The Book of Mormon
February 25^th

South Park meets Avenue Q meets Mormonism! The New York Post reported the audience sore from laughing so hard after seeing the Broadway production and the New York Times declared it a ‘miracle.’ Unsurprisingly tickets are selling like hot cakes and it’s predicted to be one of the only musical theatre productions you can actually take musical haters too!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Musical
May 18^th

Sam Mendes directs Roald Dahl’s iconic book. What more is there to say? If it’s even a patch on the epic Matilda, we’ll be there when the doors first open. But who will play the seminal role of Mr Wonka?

Are you attending any of the above events or are you looking forward to something else? Tell us what you’re excited about in 2013!

Fashion East’s Ashley Williams

The time has come to announce the winners of the UK’s 2 most sought after fashion competitions! NEWGEN sponsored by our very selves and Fashion East headed up by fashion fairy godmother Lulu Kennedy. Both are essential to supporting up-and-coming talent in Britain and have really helped London make its mark on the international style map.

NEWGEN’S Simone Rocha

As part of NEWGEN,  the designers showing at Topshop’s London Fashion Week space for AW13 include recent collaborator J.W. Anderson along with London’s latest fashion darling Simone Rocha, daughter of designer John Rocha and editor’s favourite pick of the moment. There will also be presentations from Christopher Raeburn, J.Js Lee, denim duo Marques Almeida, milliner Nasir Mazhar, shoe designer and former assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood Sophia Webster, jolly knit trio Sister by Sibling and innovative knitwear designer Lucas Nascimiento.

NEWGEN Lucas Nascimiento

NEWGEN Sophia Webster

As part of the Fashion East initiative hand-picked by Lulu Kennedy is glittery tulles and tinsel designer Ryan Lo who got everyone excited last season with his disco princess presentation, East London’s cherished treasure Claire Barrow, a hand painted leather specialist who also premiered her first collection at last seasons Fashion East presentation. They are joined by just graduated Ashley Williams and her fresh Americana aesthetic. Williams, the youngest of the troupe caused a mini stir when her graduate collection was walked by models like her friend Alice Dellal and Pixie Geldof holding tiny puppies and wearing poppy motifs such as “Popsicles” and “Happy Ashley”.

FASHION EAST’s Ryan Lo

FASHION EAST’s Claire Barrow

Make sure you check back during London Fashion Week in February for all the backstage and front row action on London’s newest fashion prodigies!

We hope you’re all having a lovely Christmas Day! If you’re anything like us, we bet you can’t think of a better thing to do after Christmas lunch than snuggle up to a good old-fashioned movie, or three! So once all the turkey and stuffing has been eaten, join us by popping on your onesie, getting out the chocolates and get set to laugh and cry with your nearest and dearest! Here’s what us Topshop girls will be watching…

Elf

Will Ferrell dressed in an oversized elf costume, need we say more? Lets add in a disaster on an escalator, candy flavored spaghetti and a very angry dwarf and this film leaves us no choice but to feel festive. Funny, romantic and extremely cute, this is definitely one of our Christmas Day must-sees!

Love Actually

In the hectic month leading up to Christmas we see over a dozen loveable characters weave their way into eachothers hearts. With a love sick best man, an aging rocker and a school boy’s first crush, this film is packed with comedic and sentimental value that leaves us with hope that they’ll be someone waiting for us under the mistletoe!

The Grinch

Watching this film, we’re transported into a snowflake, where we find a Whoville full of whos, a cute dog called Max and lots of Christmas lights! With the help of the lovely Cindy Lou Who and plenty of laughs along the way, you can’t help but fall in love with the Holidays all over again as the ultimately loveable Grinch re-discovers what it really means to embrace the Christmas spirit.

The Snowman

Ever wish your snowman would come to life when you were little? This wordless animation is a childhood classic and if you haven’t seen it you definitely need to. As we watch a little boy and his snowman flying hand in hand to the beautiful soundtrack of ‘Walking in the Air,’ this film re-awakens the Christmas magic we all felt as children.

The Holiday

The gorgeous Jude Law in the same film as the Hilarious Jack Black, this is our dream come true! In this film two women discover that changing their address can change their lives and with the mending of broken hearts, stunning shots of the snowy British countryside and Cameron Diaz running rather impressively in heels down a country lane, this film is essential for every gal’s perfect Christmas.

Let us know what you’ve been up to today and what Christmas movies you love the most! We’d love to have some new ones to add to our list.

Every Christmas, Topshop towers gets a serious makeover! Our annual decorating competition between all the different departments is taken very seriously and certainly brings out our competitive sides.

As you can see, we get our super festive sides on and quite literally decorate the office from top to bottom! Spurred on by our judges, our Creative Director and Managing Director with the promise of amazing prizes, we all try and out-do each other with our DIY creations.

Being Topshop, it always gets pretty creative and as you walk through the different teams’ office areas and you could be anywhere from a Vegas Casino, a Ski Lodge in Austria, under the sea Christmas style or on the moon! Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas – we only wish we’d put as much effort into our trees at home.