Devoting some posts to the few men who read this blog so bear with me. Or if you’re loved up, then do pass it on.
Walking into Topman isn’t a pretty sight. If the faux nu-rave window display complete with propped up neon tubes highlighting the poorly styled mannequins, clad in neon-super-tight-cutting-off-circulation-to-the-downstairs-area skinny jeans and various logo-ed t-shirts that are supposed to shout out in a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ (don’t you find that people throw this phrase around way too often….suddenly everything is a bit cheeky….well, it’s not…) manner that ‘Yeah, Rave is Great!’ but actually singles the wearer out as an absolute idiot.
Then the store itself. Unfortunately, whereas going to Topshop for a girl is fantastico in terms of the array of wares on sale and nifty features like a nail bar, hairdressers, cafe for one to shop in (bar Saturdays…Topshop will always be hellish on a Saturday….), going to Topman can be a bit of a chore. For a start, there’s only one floor so that same array of wares isn’t really going to be on offer for guys and narrowmindedly, they don’t cater to all tastes either.
Another thing is that Topshop partakes in regular collaborations with designers all the time to bring about interesting diffusion lines. Preen, Marios Schwab, Christopher Kane, Emma Cook are just some of the names they have worked with (and fund in their New Generation programme). Topman have only just started to dip their toes by funding the MAN fashion show, showcasing fresh menswear designers at London Fashion Week and now they have gone and done something that I think will bring them up to speed with their sister store.
As part of a series of ongoing projects that invites a selection of designers to interpret their vision of a certain garment, the first of these projects is ‘The White Shirt’. I think most people reach a certain age when they think ‘Actually, back to basics doesn’t mean I’m a boring old fart’ and certainly with a white shirt I’m interested in how designers can push the limit with it. Like the revamp that the white shirt got from the CDFA winner designers at Gap, guys don’t miss out here with Topman”s take on the white shirt.
Ute Ploier has done a biker style shirt with ribbed cuffs and hem with shoulder detailing:
Deryck Walker has added elasticated embellishment to the sleeves and the back:
Carola Euler has incorporated a detachable collar as well as a thin tie so that you can wear it in various ways:
Siv Stoldal’s geometric print mixes up the texture by adding sheen to the squares:
Richard Nicoll who has love affairs with the white shirt for his womenswear collection went all out on this Western-styled shirt, with square buttons, a bib front and also a star stitched on the back. I did think the star was a bit over-kill but when everything is in stark white cotton, all is forgiven.
The Topman Design team have also had a go at the white shirt by applying a trompe d’oeil effect of a creased, worn shirt:
I’d be interested to see how these series of projects develop and with what other designers they will work with, on what other garments. For this reason alone, I hope The White Shirt is a sell-out hit. I may even contribute by buying the Ute Ploier for myself. Go, on, make Topman a better place – they hit the stores and online on August 24th and the shirts are ¬£50 a pop.
is it me or does the Deryck Walker elasticated sleeves and back make that shirt look like a nurse’s uniform?
that Carola Euler detachable collar is gorgeous and genius
the first pic, Ute Ploier’s biker style shirt looks amazing…it must be the shoulder detailing that is grabbing my eye.
I’ve seen the carola euler show in berlin. it was fantastic. it was about time that the whirt shirt got a new twist. still have to convince my bf though 😉
Dearest Ms.Bubble,
Thanks muchly for blogging man-orientatedly! I simply must agree with you concerning the gaping division betwixt Topshop and Topman regarding choice. I’m a self-confessed Topman SALE addict but it’s a rare occasion on which I venture to splurge an extortionate sum on flimsy quality clothes.
I was equally excited and pleasantly surprised when I heard of the MAN scheme. I must admit I do enjoy a good stark white shirt, my favourite here being S.Stoldal’s metallic sheen geometric number.
More mannish posts please!
Hello Suzi!
This is unrelated but….
I am moving to college and into an itsy bitsy dorm room where I have to share a reallllly small closet with my roomate. I probably have almost as much clothes as you do. I mean, I have A LOT of clothes. What advice do you have about what to bring? I am moving to a very warm climate. Any ideas? Thanks so much in advance. I truly enjoy reading your blog and often forward your musings to friends and family. You’re a wonderful writer with great fabululous creativity!
Sophia Rose
susie i love your style and you have great taste so i was wondering if you could give me some advice…
i am buying my first expensive designer bag and I would like it to be classic and timeless just in case i never decide to shell out that much in the university years to come. i was thinking ysl muse or balenciaga motorcycle, what are your thoughts?
thanks
great post susie! you got to repeat!
****
Su
The large star on the back is a bit too much for me, but I love the “matte” look of the rest of the white on white shirts!
i love the Deryck Walker one!!! i can so see myself borrowing it from my guy if i can convince him to get it. and if (a big IF) it makes it to the topman here in malaysia.
Great post! Thanks for keeping a lookout on menswear. It’s great to see more people getting interested.
Being in London, what are your thoughts on REISS?
wow whats it like to be linked on Vogue’s style blog?!!i love this post and i dont mean to gush but really… you dont even work in a fashion place! its amazing how you keep up with research in your remainder time.
the post was great. i really appreciate it. time to go shopping !
Great post Susie,everything you said about Topman is spot on, I love the shirts, the one of Carola Euler is gorgeous, but I have the impression that my hubby wouldn’t be caugh dead in any of this, I just want to see his face when i show him this post, particulary that Deryck Walker shirt.
these shirts are beautiful. I especially love the shoulder details on the 1st & the built in tie on the 3rd
I hate to echo everyone else (mainly because I’m a contrary little bastard) but that carola euler shirt is wonderful.
the only thing I am worried about is the boxy American Psycho cut even evident in these press images, which topman seems to excel at.
the ute ploier looks like it could be worn alone as a lightweight jacket, maybe layered over another white shirt for ultimate impact.
as for dicky nic (née richard nicoll) Рwhy oh why everything he does at the moment has to be ruined by those appliqué stars is beyond me. at least the stitching looks loose enough to unpick.
love,
Alex.
I believe the Deryck Walker shirt is genius.
You should see his other designs.
Nice collection. Good one . Like IT .