Topshop Unique collections tend to fall into two categories - either they encapsulate a streety zeitgeist, or they're just clothes.
Today's was the latter but that isn't a complaint - there was plenty in it that felt exactly right for now, which is an accolade in its own right.
Inspired by sports and street culture, the collection had vintage references throughout, from the ribbed jersey that made up sundresses and tanks, to the sateen finish on bomber jackets appliquéd with glittering stardust swirls. Cycling shapes predominated, from zip-fronts to racer backs on shift dresses and sporty jackets (a cropped anorak with a deep and exaggerated hood was a favourite), feeding into a Mod aesthetic that ran through the collection, particularly in boxy leather jackets.
But it wasn't all retro. Flashes of modernity came in techy pleated miniskirts - red, white, silver - all of which Topshop's millions of customers would be hard pressed to turn down now, let alone next spring. And a waffle-ish fabric made up a spacey miniskirt in optical white that lifted the murky palette of mustard and claret into present day.
Ultimately this felt like an in-between collection. But that's quite a wise move right now, given the high street approximation of catwalk trends have looked fairly similar for a while. The collection had punch and character, but it was a bit of a placeholder. That's fine, because we can expect a more concentrated hit for next autumn. But for now, the message is vintage sportswear, so go forth and shop.
