The Topshop Unique Spring 2012 collection, revealed at London Fashion Week, included a slew of Cleopatra-esque styles.
Showcasing a mix of ancient Egypt-inspired looks -- we're talking everything from eye-catching hieroglyphic prints to gold, armor-like embellishments -- the line was a kitschy fusion of ancient inspiration with a modern and urban twist. As Topshop's show notes stated, the line was created to "[urbanise] the attire of the pharaohs by fusing ancient and modern together."
However, perhaps the designers behind the Topshop Unique Spring 2012 collection tried too hard, for, according to the Telegraph, the Egyptian references were paraded down the runway "to the point where it felt like it was being rammed down your throat."
Nonetheless, the bold styles and Egyptian motifs were still an interesting take on springtime fashion.
Hieroglyphic Fashion
Topshop Unique Spring 2012 Collection Travels to Ancient Egypt
Trend Themes
1. Hieroglyphic Prints - Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate hieroglyphic-inspired prints into their designs, adding a unique and eye-catching element to their collections.
2. Ancient-inspired Fashion - Potential for the fashion industry to explore other ancient civilizations and cultures for inspiration, creating modern and urban twists on historical styles.
3. Historical Kitsch - Emerging market for fashion that combines historical references with kitschy elements, appealing to consumers looking for quirky and unconventional styles.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands can leverage ancient Egyptian motifs and historical references in their designs, offering customers unique and innovative styles.
2. Textile Printing - Increased demand for textile printers capable of reproducing intricate hieroglyphic patterns and designs, enabling fashion brands to create hieroglyphic-inspired garments.
3. Retail - Retailers can tap into the trend of historical kitsch fashion by curating collections that feature clothing and accessories with unique and quirky historical references.