Designer Fashion and the High Street

Meadham Kirchhoff designing 80 piece Topshop collection

Prepare to be swept away in a whirlwind of rainbow colours and glitter as Meadham Kirchhoff have unveiled their latest collection for Topshop featuring 80 bright and whimsical pieces consisting of not just separates but accessories, jewellery and shoes. Understated it is not. ‘We wanted to do them proud,’ says Kate Phelan, Creative Director of Topshop. ‘There was no watering down, it’s pure and authentic. We wanted to do something that’s a reflection of Ben and Ed’s incredible passion and talent. Theres nothing else like it.’

The brand previously collaborated with the high street retailer back in 2010 which was elegant and quirky and distinctly Meadham Kirchhoff’s aesthetic. Although it was a considerably smaller collection than their latest one.

Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop

This latest collection for Topshop feels something of a ‘greatest hits’ from previous seasons with the monster jumpers and Mongolian fur a la Autumn Winter 12, the black and white lace from Autumn Winter 2013 and the girly girl frills and pastel colours from Spring Summer 2012 coming to mind.

The collection has been dubbed ‘The Cherry’s’ and is inspired by a fictional girl band consisting of four members;  Cherry Cherie, Cherry Satanika, Cherry Pikka and Cherry Blossom, each with their own style and represent a particular MK genre. Although there is a dark side with designers Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff saying ‘The overall aesthetic was influenced by Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids, Kembra Pfahler and glam rock.’ Personally I can’t help but notice that the collection has many comparisons to Tokyo’s Harajuku Lolitas with lace edging and frilled PVC all done in sugary pastels and fancy fabrics.

With Meadham Kirchhoff being one of my personal favourite London Fashion Week shows I’ve noticed that they have somewhat flown slightly under the radar with their theatrical garments and shows. This partnership could change this. Topshop’s two recent collaborations with JW Anderson and Christopher Kane resulted in both brands receiving huge investments from luxury french companies. Could Meadham Kirchhoff be the next designers to join the ranks?