Yes, I know I’m a little slow to react. Yes, every blog under the sun by now has their piece to say on the Kate Moss for Topshop collection. Yes, I’m going to be covering the launch in greater depth on video similar to the V&R for H&M video come 1st May. But anyhow, yes, let’s have a wee look at the collection now and yes, I do indeed have something to say.
It’s Kate Moss through and through. I’m not concerned how much of a ‘hand’ she put into the design of the collection because in my eyes, the clothes have achieved what they were supposed to. They evoke Kate Moss. They are ‘so Kate Moss’. The trouble is for me, and for a few others (Philip Green, boss of Topshop, certainly won’t be concerned because I believe we are in a minority) is that…well…to be honest, I never wanted to evoke Kate Moss and she has never been an inspiration for me. I like her style fine. She pulls everything together very well. But she has never really rocked my socks off in a way that she does for so many. Her name is so often dropped in best dressed lists, style icons that the Kate Moss broken record playing, for me has made me slightly blase about it all. I’m not doubtful. I’m just indifferent. However, fantastic news if you are looking to channel a particular incarnation of Kate Moss.
There’s ‘vaguely hippy/summery’ Moss.
The ‘flirty/slightly slutty’ Moss.
There’s ‘sexy boyish’ Moss.
There’s ‘classic off-duty’ Moss.
There’s ‘fashion forward/edged up’ Moss.
If I had to choose one incarnation, I think I’d go for the last but only because judging from the pictures, those are the pieces that work for me and stand out in terms of original design. Sadly, for me, the rest of it is too much like what Topshop have been churning out season after season in their normal lines. As Ms Moss has said, she is fully aware that Topshop have been evoking her style in their design and now she is just finally putting the official stamp on it all. I’m sure for many people, the official stamp is enough to induce them to go queuing and snatching on May 1st. I’d be interested to see to what extent the clamor and excitement will be.