Ok, so there was some confusion about when it was going to launch, there was some major speeded up press hype (7 publications and counting) and some mistaken shop floor errors (a hoody was put out by mistake on the 9th when it was supposed to all launch on the 10th) but yes, the Christopher Kane for Topshop collection arrived for the most part today at the Oxford Street branch. Hardcore-er that I am, I set off at 7am, with a racking hangover to arrive at Borders across the road at 8am, as to give myself an hour to nurse said hangover with a big mug of tea and some slow flicking through the new issue of Wonderland. 8:45 rolled on and there was a mini group of other hardcore-ers outside. Doors opened, the girls in front of me literally ran but my legs felt like lead so I had to drag myself in like a mangy dog. Plenty for all though, no mad grabbing. Most of it had landed but having had an indepth convo with the SA, there is a pair of jeans and a dusky pink dress (the one I really wanted….) yet to arrive but should be all in by tomorrow. There was also a grey hoody decorated with neon and grey lace which was the one that was put out yesterday by mistake and of course was sold out.
As I was trying stuff on, I couldn’t help but notice the broad range of other Christopher Kane afficionados. Next to me, a seemingly very prim and proper waspy sort of girl with her mother saying things like ‘I’m really not all too keen on the blue. I’m absolutely loving the grey though. What do you think mummy?’ in a very posh, clipped English accent.
Across the other side, there were a bunch of gaggling teenage girls who were all trying the exact same dresses comparing with each other how they looked and because of that, highlighted their very different body types (tall and skinny, short and plump, medium with very wide hips). Loud shrieking laughter and exclaimations of ‘Oh my god, let’s all wear this to Boombox tomorrow!’ (reference to Hoxton’s infamous weekly party…)
It is very strange that Christopher Kane with one collection has left such a strong imprint that he is getting to household name status. We shall see next week whether an even stronger one will be stamped upon everyone.
On a more practical note, I can say that the finishing is pretty darn good and I’m very surprised he designed the body with the rings dangling off it, reminiscent of his graduate collection. A shame though that my skin reacted badly with the sheer material (darn those sensitive skin genes!) but I would have bought it other than that! I ended up with the black short dress with the yellow lace insert and the grey pleated dress. I may exchange it for the dusky pink one when it comes in. But for now, I’m all Kane-ed out.
There’s only one delivery so what is on the rails is all that they have so hurry on down if you too want to get in on the Kane action. Price are not cheap but a tenth of the usual ¬£1000 price tag is good enough for me given the design. The website shows an empty page under the Boutiques section which may mean the collection is going to go online soon. Some of you have asked if I can do some Little Miss UPS magic to get you the TS Kane dresses but unfortunately, with London Fashion Week coming up, I won’t be trekking it to Topshop anytime soon so lets hope you can get your mitts on it somehow.
On a sadder note, nobody was there looking for the Marios Schwab collection for Topshop which didn’t receive nearly enough press coverage and even I didn’t find out about it until much later. I was actually after a red tight jersey dress I had seen but it was just as well that no one was interested since it hasn’t arrived yet. Which just goes to show; hype creates a demand that might not have existed beforehand.
Background pics from i-D March 2007, ‘Reach for the Stars’, photographed by Emma Summerton here
Great article! Loved your concluding point …..hype does create a demand. While I can understand why the hype is there, I’m very reluctant to buy into it.
OMG…how’s a girl to choose between the blue/blk and grey dress? I’m v. jealous and would’ve taken one of each if i had the chance!
i think the grey dress is perfect.
That grey dress! Arrrrrg damn living in America. I wants it. The neon zipper is perfect! And I love your tights, susie!
Silly question – a US size 0/2 is a UK size _? I’m going to be checking the topshop boutique section obsessively, hoping to nab a dress or two.
Well, the smallest size the collection comes in is a UK8 but a US0/2 is supposed to equal a UK6 which a lot of shops here don’t do….
However, I find that though US0-2 is officially supposed to be a UK4-6…. I buy a US2 when I’m shopping over there and I’m in NO WAY a UK6…. more like a UKU/10 so you see, it can be very confusing unless you’re trying things on….. the Kane collection comes up a teensy bit smaller than normal Topshop sizing so go with the 8 since that is the smallest size they do.
sorry bubs, but for the first time…what are you wearing? that second look is straight up clivilles & cole.
Thanks susie! I keep checking the topshop boutique online. Nothing yet. And dimes, never malign susie! Susie is teh awesomeness.
I’m sorry to say susie, but these tight dresses.. I’m not sure suit you, might look good on slender tights, but one should take ones body in consideration.
shoppingnerd: i think susie is swell but this is the first time i ever thought one of her outfit was victim-ish.
don’t believe the hype bubs! this stuff looks so cheap. i might be projecting here but i would save up to buy an original instead of 6 not-so-cheap look-alikes.
btw, is boombox any good? cuz style.com has done a piece on it
Oh dear god…the day Style.com does a piece on Boombox, the day that that party is over…. it is fun though…. if you’re with the right people… I can get a little weary of the people who go there though…
And ppl….I didn’t really get that bodysuit… I’m well aware of the limitations of my body… I got the pleated grey dress which is quite loose-ish andthe black mini one which with the right tights does look a lot better…. the photos were really just to illustrate the collection…. of course I wouldn’t wear them like that in reality!
So you got them in the end, after all the kufuffle about the delivery. the Marios Schwab collection also managed to appeare on the shop floor the same day, one style has already sold out sizes (LBD with sheer shoulders).
PS.I Said hello to you on Friday in TS remember.
It’s hard enough to figure sizing when you buy online but now I’m a little worried about getting the wrong size if and when they put it up online. Susie are the dresses meant to be fitted or would they look good a little looser? esp in the dusty pink design?
ps: you look lovely in them so pay no mind to the flak.
“One should take ones body into consideration” – wear what you like and feel comfortable in, thats what I say – sod what other people may think if your happy!
I want to buy one of these dresses online (they are up now), I am a UK 10 sometimes 12 – so unsure which size to get!?
Does anyone have any idea when the blush pink Kane dress is arriving in Topshop Oxford Circus? as it stands the majority of the collection has been in store for a week now and there is still no sign of it and Topshop staff seem mytified when I enquire daily! NEED TO KNOW!!!
In overcast conditions the skylight is always blue (clear skies are needed for the pink light) and it is generally much darker, with night falling much more quickly.
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