TOPSHOP and TOPMAN have landed. By Alisara Chirapongse

Finally, for those of us who have been forced to drool over their designs in various style bibles and pined for a piece of Kate Moss’ collection for far too long, the waiting is over. We can now enjoy a breath of “fresh wear,” as UK’s top street couture, TOPSHOP, and TOPMAN, have come to town.

Occupying a two-story corner of Central World, TOPSHOP lures you in with its bold and brightly lit interior, inviting you to splurge your paycheck on their Brit fashion.

The ground floor is occupied by the women’s collection and the extensive accessory section featuring shiny decorative pieces like long metallic necklaces (B590-1,290) and big buggy sunglasses (B1,100). For a purse person, TOPSHOP’s collection of faux leather bags are a steal (B2,550), or you could go for the clutches (B1,250) if you’re not into the bag-lady look. Metro Man-bags are also available, though they aren’t half as interesting.

Their shoe collection is a wee bit low—both in quantity and height. They’re mainly playing it safe with ballet flats (B1,790) and slippers (B1,590) that will pretty much go with anything in your wardrobe.

For their opening gambit, TOPSHOP has brought in three of their best-selling collections. Colour Clash takes you back to the 80s. With the current “it” model Agyness Deyn posing as inspiration, what you get is the New Rave colors of old neons and androgynous looks in the form of leggings (B890) and oversized t-shirts (B1,450). For the hippy chic crowd, go for Iris’ floaty fabrics and floral print dresses (B3,240) and blouses (B1,990). Also contained in this bohemian bracket is what made TOPSHOP such a talked about brand: Kate Moss’ latest collection. Surprisingly, you don’t get Kate’s rocker grunge look, but girly numbers like a floral see-through blouse (B2,590) and a hobo dress (B3,590). Finally, if you’re into Blair Waldorf’s Upper Eastside style (you do watch Gossip Girl, don’t you?), head to the corner of the first level for Modern Romantic, offering more formal fare like suede jackets (B2890-3590).

Upstairs is where men, or more accurately metro-men, will rejoice. TOPMAN’s collection might be a bit too stylish for the macho masses. Guys not familiar with collar-less shirts, skinny jeans or checkered vests might find these items a bit emasculating. 

What you will find is a broad collection of denims (B1,790-2,550), mostly skinnies and bootcuts, to match their vast collection of crazy-hued tees (B750-990). If you’re not feeling the Elmo and Space Invader prints, then they also offer the “Oxbridge” formal zone (Oxford-Cambridge, get it?). Wannabe preppies will love their academic collections of shirts (B1,450-1,990) and vests (B2,150) in much softer brown, blue and black color tones.

Boys who want to have fun can also indulge in their own accessories: purple skinny ties (B650), aviator shades (B1,100) and a shocking pink pair of briefs (B1,100).

Our tip to all top-shoppers: if you find something you like here, just buy it. The store rotates and refreshes its collection weekly. So chances are when you come back for that pair of jeans you had your eyes on they’ll already be in somebody else’s closet.

TOPSHOP & TOPMAN. 1-2/F Beacon Zone, Central World, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1660. BTS Siam. www.topshop.com, www.topman.com.