Summer Stocks

CEBU, Philippines - Surf Luxe. Say hello to sportswear-inspired ensembles.

Contrasting colours and top-to-toe tonal dressing mix acid

brights with pastel shades. A grunge feel is can be found in

the high waisted tube skirts worn mid-calf length and racer

back vests in soft marl; whilst the classic biker jacket is given a high octane twist featuring bold prints. Jersey hooded sweats and ponchos in fine nylon offer a directional rainwear cover up. Grown-up joggers in soft silks and leggings are broken up with mesh panels and neat tailoring. The dress is short and body-con in shape worked in neoprene and dazzling engineered organza; embellishment comes in the form of zips while large spotted graphics create interesting juxtapositions. Cut outs along the neck line and on the back provide a figure hugging finish.

South Pacific. Print leads the way in South Pacific: a highbred of contrasting kaleidoscopic baroque borders, animal prints and high octane hibiscus florals are all brought together in a palette of brights. The prints create a stand out presence against a backdrop of deeps plums, worked on silks and patched together with mesh. Body-con cropped shapes contrast with relaxed t-shirt and shift shapes layered to provide a sporty profile. Pastle coloured denim is mixed with prints worn in a skinny capri length to dress down the look. Jackets are oversized and bomber in shape, reminiscent of rave gear. The bandeau and high-waisted hotpant are key shapes.

Spring Equinox. Warlocks and folk inspired fairly tales creep through in this softer summer trend. Incorporating festival stylings and anglicized spirits, Spring Equinox focuses on craft detailing. Lace inserts are patched on denim, fluorescent broderie anglaise detailing can be found on lace panelled mid length dresses and paint prints decorate stiff chiffon. Blanket inspired knitwear is made with spaced dyed wool, and comes as a chunky crew neck jumper and a thin-knit vest dress. Jersey tees are appliquéd and woven to add dimension and are cropped in shape. Celebrate summer solstice in heavily sequinned embellished denim in pinks and peaches which incorporate metallic shimmers.

Native. A meeting of all the world’s tribes, Native morphs all influences in conversational bold prints such as exaggerated Aztec and Native-American. Relaxed oversized tailoring, soft dresses and wider cut shorts are worked with contrasting neon piping and patch work. A looser fitting shirt offers a casual vibe to colour blocking, while an oversized boyfriend denim jacket provides western cowboy styling with fringe and aztec bead embellishment. Lightweight khaki parkas provide the ideal cover up for an evening by the camp fire. Inspired by indigenous Mexican brocade, multicoloured rags are woven into knits to create texture and dimension to dresses and blouses.

These are Topshop’s latest offerings for its Spring/Summer Collection 2012. Head on to its Cebu branch at Paseo Solana, G/F Ayala Center Cebu.  (FREEMAN)