Who knew there would be not one but two collections this season, specifically themed around 101 Dalmatians (though there were quite a few with a Cruella de Vil attitude towards fur but that's another matter…). Well, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac focused on the Disney cartoon for his small passage of Dalmatians' lovin in his A/W 11-10 collection but it was Topshop Unique's expansion on the theme beyond cartoonish antics that really caught my imagination. It wasn't of course just about the Pongo/Perdita spots that invaded the first portion of the show. Instead the Topshop Unique show seemed to riff off the author of 101 Dalmations (written in 1956) Dodie Smith and her time and her London playwright days in the 1930s. Or else it was riffing off the setting of 101 Dalmations, the Disney film which although was meant to be contemporarily set to 1961 as some mod-ish elements were spotted in the collection. Or the Topshop peeps imagined a whole set of decades-spanning wardrobe for the life of Cruella de Vil, one that took them through dresses adorned with Art Deco themes, sailor suits, pretty blouses and pleated skirts, gloves and boxy bags, all in a way that feels put together and neat. In my head, I was thinking of Cruella in her youth, in her flirty thirties attire and then descending into her decadent fur-lovin' ways (of course, it was all faux in this Topshop collection). This was probably just me though running away with imaginary lives of cartoon characters (I am one of those saddos who likes consuming fan fiction).
Let's just cut to the chase and say that this collection was a pretty heightened and cheeky take on this season's pre-occupation with redefining elegance and notions of chic. I didn't know it at the time of course but after seeing all the Paris shows, it seems to me that weirdly enough Topshop Unique tapped into that prevalent theme in their own irreverant way by dissecting the character of Cruella de Vil, her obsession with the look of luxury via furs, dramatic cigarette waving and above all creating clothes Bon Chic, enough to say things like "Oh you DO make me laugh Anita-DAAAAAH-ling!" whilst wearing them. All of that whilst managing to stay true to Topshop's spirit – cute shoes, cute-prints, interesting deets (such as the Miami/New York Art Deco wordplay and the circular cut-outs) and a make-up look that people will feasibly copy (I bet you I'll spot puppy painted noses and twin ribboned buns in reality this year…). It's been intriguing to see the balance between this Topshop design team's will to push their customer towards something not of the Topshop norm and appeasing their customer base at same time over the past few seasons and once again, they've tipped it in favour of their own design vision, something more than welcome in the high street trend-ticking landscape.
Oh and if you're after the literal placements of Disney's 101 Dalmatians then look no further than these pieces from Jean Charles de Castelbajac's JCDC A/W 11-12 line…
ohh, love it! soo fun!
x
I am delighted that you have chosen Polish poster for the Disney film 🙂
Topshop always does the best prints – I think I love the chunky heels best!
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The Jean Charles de Castlebajac pieces are beautiful! I can definitely see you sporting one of those looks Susie!
Love love love ;))
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I love this print!
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Loving the Jean Charles de Castelbajac pieces, particularly that tunic. Wondering if I could get away with it at work! =D
Xxxc
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lovely! =)
I was just reading a chapter in Luella’s book (which has been such an enjoyable read) titled ‘Ironic’ obviously she put its so wonderfully in her own words but this collection reminded me of all what she was trying to demonstrate, and that the most exciting collections are those that want to rebel and go against the norm, and what a cute collection! I like the way Tophop unique always stand out in is its own unique way x
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I am one for having one or two items at most as a bold print. I don’t know, I think that gives it more emphasis. Loving that bag 🙂 x
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I so hope those Topshop boots go into production. The dalmation and the silver ones are AMAZING!
I love reading your posts! : ) & I think these Dalmatian items are a fun way to lift up a boring outfit! : )
Have a Good Day!
David
VirtuallyStunning.blogspot.com
Hii, I folling your blog. I’m brazilian and I realy like your fashion blog. I will go for England in July for study english. So, sorry I don’t speak english very well. I have a fashion blog too, and I want to know if you could to look my blog.
I wait your answer, kisses.
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Loove the model’s hair do’s soo cute!
Loooove the 7th picture, loove the blouse, and loove the doggy belt the model is wearing <333
and I love the 12th picture, Looove the red/wine rectangular bag <333
Loove the sheer printed blouse in picture 13th
and wow @ the last 3 pics, of the disney dalmation print, that's a wow, and a whoaa. O.o lol I loove the bag though. 😀
I’m surprised to say I really like Topshop’s collection! I’m not a fan of animal prints in general. I love the contrast sleeves, the flowy pleated dress, and the circle overlay pieces. The literal dalmatian prints make me laugh! Very few women could do that look, I think!
xx shabby
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Susie, I have just been looking at the JC de Castelbajac site and I am completely bowled over by the SS 11 collection. Where has this designer been all my life? every fashion show these days is described as “exciting”, but this is one case where I think the epithet is truly deserved. Such humour and imagination! The Topshop collection looks (unfairly perhaps) reserved in comparison.
http://jc-de-castelbajac.com/images/SS_11/big/29.jpg
http://jc-de-castelbajac.com/images/SS_11/big/24.jpg
And how can my soul rest now that I’ve seen these Bambi shoes with the ears?! AW 10 http://jc-de-castelbajac.com/images/AW_10/big/18.jpg
Thanks for the introduction!
Lyrebirdgully: It’s weird how I’m supposedly introducing JCDC when for me JCDC is pretty much a solid established designer… you should check out his archive pieces too…he’s been designing since the 70s and has done some amazing work!
OMG….I am sooo in love with this print!!!
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i’m not usually so emotional about trends, fashion is fun and silly styles each season i can laugh off but i fucking HATE this dalmatian thing.
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