Topshop Unique SS2010; Graffiti print, destroyed denim, and slouchy knits

Topshop’s Unique line is now in it’s eighteenth season and for Spring/Summer 2010, you might swear by your own eyes that the U.K. based clothing chain jumped ship to Southern California. With it’s surf and turf inspired looks (think coral reefs, boardwalk graffiti and biker chic), the collection gathers on-the-rise street trends but takes them to another level with unexpected materials like neoprene rubber and faux stingray skin.

There’s a real kick-back feel to the collection, with many of the pieces having an over-sized, almost masculine quality to them but balanced with ocean blues, coral pinks, and sandy yellows. Slouchy knit tees and cropped neoprene tops are paired with slashed sports coats, graffiti print pants, or athletic jodhpurs. The biker motif is kept present with exposed metal zippers, shoulder padded biker jackets and  high-waisted rubber shorts peeking from  cut-off denim shorts.

Topshop Unique SS2010; Biker chic

The denim in the collection is given the destroyed and dirtied treatment, with recycled scraps of dark denim and oddball patches sewn here and there for a vintage-gone-diy-project appeal. The dresses and skirts come in a variety of lengths. Some designed with a graffiti print draped around solid black or white, others in geometric patterns that look air-brushed on, and if it’s not a print giving the boost, it’s probably “shark-fin frills” to give some movement and texture.

The swim wear was either  simple (solid bandeau and bikini) or complex (parti-colored layers with cutouts and criss-crossing) but had a definite scuba quality to them. To top off the clothing, the collection was styled with strappy, wooden wedge heels and sporty bags and backpacks. The overall look was slightly disheveled but instantly flirty with the barbie pink lipstick and neon framed shades.

To checkout the podcast of the Unique show at London Fashion Week click here. You can also view the entire collection here.

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