New Year’s Eve may be many months away, but we already know what we’ll be wearing. And, once you hear who Topshop are collaborating with then you will too. In early November (read: just in time for party season), Halpern will follow in the footsteps of Marques’Almeida, Mary Katrantzou and Christopher Kane and create a limited-edition collection for Toppers.
In just two years since graduating from Central Saint Martins, 30-year-old Michael Halpern’s eponymous label’s ascent has been quick. He’s gone from hotly tipped grad to winning the British Emerging Talent (womenswear category) at The Fashion awards to dressing Amal Clooney for the Met Gala. His glittering, sequined jumpsuits and mini dresses have been lauded for kickstarting the KiraKira+ trend and his Studio 54 luxe look has led the way for the 80s revival aesthetic that’s trickled through fashion since his first runway show, just three seasons ago. No wonder, Topshop are dubbing him as ‘2018’s most-celebrated designer’
‘We are thrilled to collaborate with Michael; especially at such an exciting time in his career’. Says Anthony Cuthbertson, global design director of Topshop Topman, ‘Our capsule embodies the disco spirit and signature feminine silhouettes he is renowned for; we can’t wait to bring the world of Halpern to Topshop with styles that will no doubt kick-start the partywear season for our customers’.
With prices starting at £35, the 28-piece collection is set to be more affordable than Halpern’s own line, which starts at £790 for an embellished t-shirt. ‘I think it’s fabulous that as a younger brand we’re able to work with Topshop, making the type of clothing we do for the main Halpern collection in an accessible way so more people can really feel the glamour’. Michael Halpern explains, ‘I want the whole world to feel as glam as possible, and this type of collaboration is a fantastic way to accomplish that’.
This news comes a day after ASOS announce a similarly exciting partnership with 29-year-old LaQuan Smith. For anyone paying attention to Beyonce, Rihanna and Cardi B’s wardrobes, US designer Smith will be a familiar name. Like Halpern, his calling card is glitz and glamour, something that became starkly apparent with the crystal-encrusted blazer and body he designed for Beyonce for her On The Run II tour.
He told ASOS Magazine, ‘Confidence and being unapologetic in who you are. It’s always about accentuating the body and this concept collection will reinforce that in an affordable and attainable way’,
The takeaway? Yet another reason to be excited for Christmas