By Chevaun Jackson
Kate Moss is known for changing the face of the modeling industry in the early 1990s with her slim frame and smaller stature. But there has been nothing meek about her collection with Top Shop, a British retailer known for its trendy, moderately-priced apparel. However, her upcoming collection—her 14th—set for release in New York today will be her final. Like the previous collection, the final one honors Top Shop’s vintage and classic reputation while Kate infuses her own unique take on vintage bohemian dressing. Expect lots of bohemian prints ranging from floral to paisley to stars, sequined pieces, little tweedy capes, some feathers, and vintage-inspired dresses.
Along with dreaming up some killer new pieces including dramatic capes and a feathered bolero, the collection also brings back ten of Moss’s most iconic pieces, like the pansy-printed dress and black dobby dress. Dresses, including the return of the tea-dress, are not only in floral print but are of delicate chiffons and cottons. Knitwear, a sure staple for the autumn/winter collection, is casual yet feminine. Luxurious nightwear and underwear remains flirtatious yet soft. There is also an air of 70s fun throughout the collection with the add-ons to many pieces as well as the accessories. Kate’s passion for dressing up and her attention to detail can be seen with the use of fringe, faux fur, feathers, rows of diamante, as well as sequins and beads—which are scattered over limited-edition dresses offering luxurious and unique eveningwear. Reflecting Kate’s love of vintage jewels, a series of statement cocktail rings using semi-precious stones, and delicate star and heart gold necklaces make an exciting debut for the collaboration.
Celebrating the inimitable success of the previous collections, the collaboration presents Kate Iconic. Ten of the most popular sell-out pieces since the debut in 2007 have been hand-picked to be sold once more. As part of the final mainline collection, there will be a promotion available on Topshop.com where users can see what Kate wears each day in the run up to the launch of her Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Additionally, the official Topshop YouTube channel will feature an exclusive Kate Moss video showcasing items from the new range.
Of the experience Kate Moss told The New York Times’ online T blog, “When we started the project we didn’t have an end in mind but I’m really proud of all 14 collections… I’ve learned a lot about the design and development process; experiences that I’d only ever seen informally through being a model.”
Celebs showing their support for Kate Moss’ Top Shop collection include: Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss (of course), Selma Blair, Mariah Carey, Kate Bosworth, Amanda Bynes, Nicole Richie, Fergie, Kelly Osbourne and Juliette Lewis.
While we are sad to see the end of this successful and fun venture, we hope it is not the last of Kate Moss the designer.