Topshop's newest collection hi performance

CEBU, Philippines - Hi Performance continues this summer's athletic-influenced utilitywear into the autumn, with a focus on panelling, clashing textures and high tech fabrics. Sheer items are designed to be worn layered over and under other pieces, whilst panels of aertex, mesh, lace, jersey and leather sit side by side. Modern finishes use the technology of sportswear; seams are fused, whilst edges are bonded and laser cut for precision. Prints are key to this look, and are at once tribal and technical; a car tyre print adorns a loose-fitting chiffon trouser, and a spirograph print dress in soft greens and greys is asymmetric and features sheer mesh panels. Colors include tans, browns and neutrals; an American tan body features brown suede aertex panels and has a “mix and match” feel. Sporty tees are cropped and heavily treated, or asymmetric with mesh panels. Finer details include rucksack influences and elastic cording, velcro and neoprene touches. Footwear includes a flat boot with heavy buckles, and a luxe high-top trainer.

Out of the wild

The “Out of the Wild” warrior girl invites you to take a trip into a post-apocalyptic world, where fashion survivors battle the elements in fur, bondage-style strapping, disheveled fabrics and patchwork. Ragged chamois-style leathers have unfinished hems, crochet pieces are tattered and cobwebby, and fake furs appear pelted and pulled apart. Textured knitwear and mixed materials are central to this trend, with pieces that appear knotted, laddered, or adorned with feathers and fur. Casualwear has a waxed, worn finish, and knits feature primitive animalistic jacquards. Pretty touches run through this trend, with diamante sparkles decorating nude mesh leggings and cardigans. Softer elements combine with tougher pieces and feature photo-real prints drawn from nature; a leaf skeleton print decorates a pleated chiffon maxi skirt, whilst crude animal markings feature on tights. The overall silhouette is long, draped and dramatic, with raggedy sheer skirts cut on the bias, and jersey dresses that have been given the origami treatment. Key accessories include trapper hats and chunky tassled scarves. Footwear includes a chunky boot with multiple straps.

Dark nouveau

Topshop invites you to return to the dark ages, mixing inspiration from the sinister fairytales of the Art Nouveau movement with Beardsley's illustrations for Oscar Wilde and the Banshees created by Neville Page for Avatar. Chainmail pieces and embellishments are key; jersey tops and dresses feature dramatic chain draping, whilst cobweb knits are heavily embellished. There is a tough medieval feel through-out, appearing in fierce studded corsets and cage-like skirts with harness detailing. Leather is a key fabric, and is often decorated with hand-crafted, heavily-encrusted studwork. Footwear has strapping and harnessing touches. A black chiffon top has structured leather strapping and silver buckles, whilst a black lace shirt features leather panels. The silhouette is sexy, structured and short.

The outsiders

The Outsiders takes the best of Britain's heritage pieces and deconstructs them to create a modern feel. Traditional fabrics are put into new and unexpected shapes; worsted, plaid, tweed and dense melton are given a twist in cut or detailing. A naval influence keeps the look fresh, mixing military insignia, badges of honour and sea cadet flourishes. Elements of hunting, shooting and fishing pervade this trend; the jodphur and the equestrian style jacket are key, and prints take inspiration from birdwatching. Barbour jackets are reworked, parkas have fake fur collars and trims, and the pea coat is updated with a kick flare silhouette. Aran and Guernsey knits are over-sized and have a boyfriend feel. Outerwear is key: a khaki cape has sheepskin detailing and unfinished edging, a tough olive leather coat is lined with sheepskin, and a navy wool cape with toggles has a checked lining. Waxed fabric appears on bags, straps and coats, and wader-style boots have garter-strap details. Additional details include thermal leggings and chunky socks. 

Topshop is located at Level 1, Ayala Center Cebu. (THE FREEMAN)