There is life yet for Chloe Sevigny's Opening Ceremony collection.
While on Topshop, we came across their new Post-War Precision collection (originally called the Valerie Collection, though we don't know why they changed the name). Topshop describes it as "1950s pin-up styling with a rockabilly twist", but between the checkered pieces, acid wash jean jacket and ditsy floral print dresses we thought "We Wish We Were Chloe Sevigny" would have been a more apt description.
Just take a gander at these high-wasted checked pants. Remind you of anything? We thought so. Similarily, this blouse by Topshop is almost an exact replica of one Chloe turned out for Opening Ceremony (although in the picture it's shown in floral, Chloe also made one in basic white), one of the more wearable pieces of the collection. And these tiny floral printed shorts are very reminiscent of Chloe's floral skirt. Topshop even went as far as a floral bustier, one of the more signature pieces from Chloe's collection (ps. we're still not sure who's buying these). [Editor's note: Natalie loves Chloe's floral bustier!]
The Topshop stuff is actually really cute (thankfully, they stayed away from midriff baring tops) but our reaction was overshadowed by the same sneaking suspicion we had when we tried the items on last March in Opening Ceremony, or maybe it was last April and at Urban Outfitters. Either way, we're wondering why, amidst less than positive reviews, the Sevigny collection has had such a strong influence on retailers.
Perhaps Chloe was on to something, but it's a shame her designs are being copied more often than worn.
--HAYLEY PHELAN
posted by guest
Jul 02, 2008 10:49AM
I think it's far more likely that this rockabilly-lite look is inspired by Amy Winehouse, who is a far greater celebrity in the UK than Sevs. The collection was obviously named after Wino's cover of "Valerie", and perhaps legal complications because of this forced their hand into changing it.