The Grad Paves a Way

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Yes, I’m aware that I bang on about Topshop A LOT and yes, it might start to grate people.  I promise they don’t pay me!  You can’t fake genuine excitement though and when I heard about their newest collaboration, I was GENUINLY EGG-CITED (when I’m really excited, I replace the ex with an egg…).  Simone Shailes, a fresh 2008 CSM MA grad who has won a few awards has collaborated with Topshop to reproduce her graduate collection… as opposed to designing a whole new collection, thus watering down any of her design…

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The loopy knits and shiny brass belts which I experienced firsthand at the Fashion156 shoot will be available to buy from this Thursday onwards and yes, the price is steep for Topshop (¬£250 for the knits)… the point is that that the price is justified for a) such glorious knits and b) original designs from graduates that unlike established designers, don’t tend do infiltrate down to the high street in a copycat way and c) it’s often not possible for the public to buy from graduates directly.

It’s the concept itself that for me has opened up possibilities for me of how the designer x high street collaboration can develop.  Many people commented that H&M should now start looking to younger designers to collaborate with and its country of origin Sweden would provide MORE than enough to start with.  Here in the UK, Topshop has always led the way with their collaborations but I think this collection by Simone Shailes (congrats to her by the by as she has started working with Phoebe Philo at Celine!) marks something of a first.  Nobody else might be interested except for me but I’ll keep harping on about graduate collections and how much I’d love to wear them, until you guys tell me to shove it up the bum.  For grads out there, recognition by the public could be their’s in an instant and that ‘slow’ route in fashion might soon be a thing of the past… 

Bagsy me the cream loopy cape…

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(Photography by Neil Francis Dawson. Styling by Nelma Kalonji)

Now I’m in the process of sending imaginary graduate wishlists to high street retailers (Topshop being the first port of call…) asking them if they’d consider reproducing their graduate collections…from Antwerp, RCA, Brighton, CSM, La Cambre… the list might be a mile long once I’m done…

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**EDIT** Just to let you know that I’ve been informed the collection is dropping tomorrow in-store and online and that there is now a waiting list for pieces…. please call Alana at the Oxford Circus branch to reserve pieces 0845 121 1144.

46 comments

  1. such a great idea! i cant imagine how awesome this must be for a grad. that “open front” sweater is fantastic.

  2. What a great talent. I love the one you had on in that first picture.
    I think shops should do more collabos with graduate talent. I’ve been able to see a lot of great work from the graduates of my own school and would love to be able to buy their work.

  4. damn if i was back in london i would so take advantage of this stuff for myself. what do you think susie? a lot of the stuff seems like a guy could wear it as well. I think Steve is going to have to try it.

  7. The blue one you are modeling in that photo is definitely my favourite.

  9. blue wrap and cream cape are fine works of art! 250 is a bit much for my budget at the moment though. sigh..

  13. Ooooooooohhh! Can’t beat crazy knitwear, especially if it’s from trusty Topshop, though ¬£250 may be a leeeetle bit out of my price range… maybe I can afford the belt? By the way, just saw your Link Warning at the side and would love to swap links 🙂
    xxxxx
    http://cous-cousinmykeyboard.blogspot.com/

  15. Amazing, amazing, amazing, so exciting for the design talent out there! Keep on supporting those grads Susie, your support of independent and relatively unknown designers is what makes you and your blog sooo great 😉

  17. I am such a fan of knits ~ the turtleneck with the three horizontal bands across the front is fabulous! Is the blue you’re wearing a cape? Lovely!!
    I always spend more money than I should on something that will keep me warm. It’s such excellent justification!

  18. good for her. i think that’s great that topshop supports young and up & coming talent. its about time real talent is recognized instead of celebrity clothing line after celebrity clothing line!

  22. Kudos to Topshop for giving that opportunity to her!! I think it’s great that a respected and established store is re-creating a graduate collection… I’d love them to do this more and also see other stores doing this too (like how you mentioned H&M).

  24. Collaborations like htis make me wish it wasn’t so expensive. I actually remember seeing that Fashion156 shoot and thinking “OMG that sweater…”.

  25. I can understand why you’re banging on about topshop. That’s some hot stuff. Not many mainstream shops will do stuff like that. Well done topshop!

  26. Hey there,
    I am writing to tell you that I recently tagged you on my blog http://b1brittany.blogspot.com/, and I hope you can carry on the list. Sorry if you have been tagged before but I tagged you because I love your blog.
    If you don’t want to do the quirky thing then what you can do instead, is do a different list such as fears or destinations.
    😀
    Brittanyx

  27. Yep, I can see you in that ‘loopy’ jacket! I am so thrilled to hear that they are going to reproduce her graduate collection- a rariety so who lucky she is.
    I did visit Brick Rd, Camden and Greenwich by the way, just ran out of time to post about it all!
    LM
    x

  29. This is great, I’d seriously consider saving up for that blue knit you’re wearing if it comes out in stores. That brass belt is calling my name too! I’m coming for you my love! 😀

  30. I CANNOT WAIT for these to hit the stores. I think I would even buy one for myself – you reckon a guy could wear the cream roll neck, with straps across the chest? Heck I don’t care…I’m getting myself one!!

  31. you look so great in that photo! =) those knits are gorgeous and it’s so edgy paired with brass belts…
    it’d be great to see more graduates’ collections have a greater influence on the retail scene. more ingenious designs…and if it helps them break into the fashion scene, all the better.

  32. I think it’s an amazing thing that TopShop is taking these graduate designers and their ranges straight into their store!
    Gives everyone who’s doing design courses a little more hope that the industry out there isn’t so harsh and are willing to give newbies a go!
    Her designs is amazing too, very expensive for topshop but looks like you get what your pay for in bulk of material!
    Great post!
    You should check out http://www.fashbashsoundclash.blogspot.com!
    Nicky

  33. Woo another guy willing to give these ago. When will they be out Susie? so I can start saving my pennys (or i should say cent).

  34. This is such a great idea, I think it’s fantastic that they are giving graduates a chance.
    Although the clothes are expensive you are right, I would much rather pay for an original design from a graduate than some watered down poor quality version from a big name.

  35. I’m really like the innovative knitwear that I’m seeing lately. Wasn’t there someone dabbling in knitwear at the Gen Art show?

  36. I’ve been excited about this for awhile but i’m super annoyed because a few months back I saw one of these jumpers advertised in Vogue and it said that jumper would be ¬£35!???! Riciculous mis-print and it got me so excited 🙁

  37. This is really wonderful – more so than the pieces the fact that TopShop is giving a real chance for new designers to get their name out there.
    Even though because they collection is primarily composed of knits it doesn’t seem like there will be any issues with quality, I wonder whether the material will be up to par….

  41. Hey guys! Just to let you know that I’ve been informed the collection is dropping tomorrow and that there is now a waiting list for pieces…. please call Alana at the Oxford Circus branch to reserve pieces…!
    0845 121 1144

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