The Style Collective: Topshop

Seems there may be a silver lining to these recessionary times. Recognizing that even the most fashion savvy collectors are more likely to be scanning the racks at H&M versus a high end boutique, big name designers are eagerly pursuing collaborations with fashion forward (and budget-friendly) outposts to stay connected to their clientele.

Here are a few of the most exciting collaborations in the works:

Mark Fast for TopShop

Propelled into the spotlight after sending plus sized models down the runway at his Spring 2010 LFW show, Mark Fast has firmly secured his spot as fashion’s IT boy. Lucky for us, he’s signed up to bring his gorgeously intricate body con dresses to TopShop sometime in the near future. Now if I could just get my hands on a pair of those Mark Fast for Christian Louboutin booties featured in his spring show. High/Low dressing at its best! Stay tuned for an in store date. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Mark's recent collections)

Designer Mark Fast

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Drum roll please. Jimmy Choo is bringing their sexy shoes and luxe accessories to an H&M near you. Creative chief Tamara Mellon is even including a capsule collection of clothing to round out this much anticipated line. Priced from $49 to $249, this is discount luxury at its finest. As you can see from the images below, the collection is hot and is sure to sell out quickly. In stores on November 12.

Creative chief Tamara Mellon

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

Just a few weeks following the Jimmy Choo launch, Sonia Rykiel (aka Queen of Knits) will be unveiling her co-branded collection of lingerie, iconic knitwear and accessories. This highly anticipated collaboration is sure to embody the signature femininity and Parisian chic that Rykiel is so revered for. In stores on December 5. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Sonia's recent collections)

Designer Sonia Rykiel

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

Following in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui, Parisian designer Jean Paul Gautier is next in line to star in Target’s Designer Collaboration series. Citing ‘The American Woman’ as muse, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target is expected to bring the edge and glamour we’ve come to expect from Gaultier’s design vision. In stores and online March 7- April 11. (images of the actual line have not yet been released but here are some shots from Jean Paul's recent collections)

Designer Jean Paul Gaultier

The story, a Gothic bride expectantly waiting for her groom at the church... and a groom who met his demise before he could get to her. In the end she is left all alone with her sorrow and wedding cake.

Here is a fashion shoot I recently shot and styled with a very talent makeup artist, and gorgeous Russian model Olyessia.

We found a Protestant church and an eerie graveyard to shoot in. It was a shoot with lots of creative collaboration. A little morbid yes, but I got to embrace my love of black clothes and loads of drama.

Wedding dress stylist’s own (I knew I would find another life for my wedding dress), vintage gloves, necklaces from Topshop, Forever 21, Dorothy Perkins and Ms. Selfridges