Topshop Unique spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for LFW

In another move towards the digitisation of fashion week, Topshop Unique showcased its SS17 collection on Sunday afternoon via live stream from the Topshop Show Space. Ironically for a show using such progressive technology, the collection itself fell somewhere between The Breakfast Club and The Clash’s London’s Calling. As someone who’s barely scraped the surface of naughties’ fashion, I can’t say I’m complaining.

A number of key themes played out on the catwalk, beginning with the combination of closely tailored pieces with the grossly oversized. High-waisted trousers were paired with boxy baseball-style jackets that enveloped the wearer, who had the choice of two extremes: monochrome tones or zebra print.

Oversized cuffs finished long sleeves on dresses and baggy combat trousers in a dark olive and navy made an unexpected return.

The jacket prints were a sign of what was to come; zebra print was another key component to the collection, appearing in dress, pencil skirt and silk shirt form. Even the staple of LFW SS17 – a shirt worn under a slip dress – received this treatment.

In a similar vein, flashes of fuchsia were evident in a striking stiletto or trench coat over a dark outfit – a marked contrast to the black and white pieces elsewhere on the catwalk. Topshop Unique appeared to be saying that loud fabrics should be kept to a minimum – but if you are going to do it, go bold.

PVC and turtlenecks (although, sadly, not together) also made a welcome return. Halter neck dresses got a makeover with chunky turtle neck collars and PVC peg trousers, pencil skirts and bodies were worn as statement pieces. Proof, if we needed it, that 80s silhouettes have joined the ranks of timeless pieces, this collection looks set to be a SS17 favourite.

Katie Dean