Monochrome spotted faux fur and models sporting cute painted black noses and puppy ear hair; on first take, TopShop Unique’s Autumn/Winter 2011 show was as dotty and adorable as a room full of dalmatians. But TopShop’s in-house design team delivered more than just cartoon clothes.

Taking the American Jazz Age as it’s inspiration, Unique showed a collection of modern tailoring that evoked the glamour of Thirties Speakeasies and Industrial age New York. Knee high socks, tea-dresses and Mary-Jane shoes were fit for giddy chorus girls letting loose on table tops. While the sleek luxury of down-sized luggage bags and wide-legged suits paid homage to the Goldge Age of the motor car. Decadent and chic, clothes Cruella Deville would have killed for.

Words Boudicca Fox-Leonard

Tags: Cruella Deville, Topshop, topshop unique

Though fashion’s fanfare is currently en route to Paris for the SS/11 collections, the nip in the air means we’re focused on what to wear for warmth right now. And judging by their winter campaign – shot by Josh Olins and styled by Kate Phelan – Topshop could have the answer.

This series of soft and autumnal images stars Ajak Deng (she of Prada catwalk fame) and Gwen Loos in an abundance of cable knits, shearling capes, camel hues and leather (or pleather). We’re coveting the hooded scarves and heavy-duty satchels – but love that the campaign is full of ideas that don’t cost a thing. Just add a turn-up here and a belted skirt there, layer like crazy and you’ll be bang on trend.

www.topshop.com

Words: Catherine Hudson

Tags: Ajak Deng, Catherine Hudson, Gwen Loos, prada, Topshop