LFW show report - Topshop

Walking into the Topshop Show Space, was like being in a scene from Star Trek. A futuristic setting was the backdrop for a wearable yet contemporary collection from the high street's most famous retailer. Spring Summer 2013 at Unique brings us to time and a place where lines are clean and the palette is muted with light grey and white, whilst not ignoring black or pops of colour.

Supermodel Jordan Dunn opened the show in a white dress with chiffon white panels, further illustrating that translucency is a key feature of a lot of collections for next season. Moreover, monochrome remains with us; jumpsuits and wide leg trousers with a three quarter length jacket re-invent this trend for 2013.

Unique didn't push any boundaries with this collection, but it's the wearability of it that makes it so appealing. The collection did not seem to be as edgy as previous ones, perhaps attracting a wider audience to some of its more tailored pieces such as an oversize white shirt dress and an eye catching monochrome floral print piece which I see as looks for every season and not just the warmer ones.

With all the monochrome being featured, I did begin to wonder where colour would appear. A boyfriend jacket in yellow and a bright blue blazer were just enough to illuminate a very simple but clever selection of must have items.

But the overriding trend from the entire show was undoubtedly Topshop Unique's sophisticated use of metallics. A simple look of silver metallic trousers paired with a plain white t-shirt set the tone for some beautiful looks. A white chiffon dress with shimmering detail oozed femininity and was nicely complemented with silver strappy shoes. This look then graduated into glistening silver dresses with chiffon cut outs, which made my inner magpie wake up! These looks were a turning point in the show for me, and aided my understanding of the inspiration behind it, to create easy to wear looks with a polite nod to the fun of fashion.

There is no question in my mind that Kate Phelan knows the Topshop Unique customer all to well and sees clearly, their needs and wants. Without isolating anyone, her collection is the perfect balance of colour, symmetry and fabric, something which, not every designer seems to get. Shows should be visually appealing and this one certainly delivered on that.