The biggest models at Topshop Unique were noticeably absent from the catwalk. Instead, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn – who both stalked the runway last season – sat on the front row, alongside Kendall Jenner. They weren't the only famous faces, either: Pixie Geldof, Daisy Lowe and Ellie Goulding also joined the throng at Tate Britain, Topshop's venue of choice for the season. So far, so Instagram-worthy.
As for the clothes? The idea was to provide the Topshop customer with a clutch of luxury basics rather than a trend-led collection, with some English countryside and 1990s It-Girl references to help them along the way.
On the coat front, that meant texture ruled, be it the oversized faux fur coats or satin jackets with enormous ostrich collars and cuffs. Then there were heritage tweed jackets and pleated skirts, some great cord trousers (also worn by Kendall), vinyl separates and relaxed tea dresses with dandelion and thistle prints, all worn with leather hunting boots.
Once it hit cocktail hour – with one eye firmly on the Christmas party season – there were embroidered black velvet pieces, gathered bandeau frocks and more ostrich feathers to ramp up the glamour. They called to mind the heady days of Helena, Christy and Naomi on the runway, the epitome of Nineties party dressing. And they're just the ticket for the pretty, famous faces on the front row.
