BUT AFTER TIME HAS WORN AWAY THE SHOCK...

I did a post here back in February; http://whothefuckismickjagger.blogspot.com/2011/02/if-she-doesnt-scare-you-no-evil-thing.html. This was when I saw the Topshop Unique fall 2011 show for the first time. Now that it has actually somewhat 'officially' reached fall 2011 - this event being marked by the horrific English weather and the current showing of fashion week for S/S 2012 - it seems that dalmatian print is finally allowed to be worn. The Topshop Unique fall 2011 collection has been unleashed onto the website and is now available to buy in the official Flagship London Oxford Circus store. Not over-priced for an official designers' collection, which it is, you'd expect more (the garments and accessories range from a mere £50 to £300). However, for those who still want to pull off the eye catching trend but aren't sure about paying too much, Topshop are also selling dalmatian print products from their own brand, which are the usual Topshop prices.

A very 1930's collection, not only featuring faux fur and dalmatian print, but also evening gowns, silk jumpsuits and Art Deco design shirts. The whole collection reminds me of a rich and elegant upper class New Yorker, who wears fur, dabbles with men she shouldn't and smokes from a cigarette holder - stereotypically - Cruella De Ville.

The reason that this collection has been a main focus and obsession of mine ever since I laid eyes on it is because 101 Dalmatians was my favourite Disney movie from a young age. Cruella De Ville as a character was my first introduction to fashion. (No, I didn't think everyone was out to kill puppies), but I had developed an opinion of the fashion industry from watching this film that it was fast paced, eccentric, unpredictable and glamorous. I have always thought that the movie is somewhat different from the other Disney films... a more artistic approach and a more adult story line. Which you can instantly perceive from the opening credits - London portrayed through a black & white colour scheme, black & white spots everywhere and a fast jazz musical theme playing in the background.

Ever since I have been interested in the fashion industry, which has been since I was about 14 years old, I had not once seen a collection inspired by the villainous character which is Disney's interpretation of a fashion mastermind, and I always expected to. I had not seen any dalmatian print atall. Up until now. Which is why, naturally, I was so excited about the Topshop Unique collection. Of course, I am not going to be splashing myself in head to toe dalmatian print, so I think I'll be buying the 'Angie' boots which are £75 (and not actually part of the Unique collection). If I could afford it, I would buy it all, just so I can dress up like Cruella De Ville for the rest of my life and pretend I am an elegant 1930's crazy old woman.

Items above from top clockwise; Tassel bag - £25. Swing coat - £95. Angie boots - £75. Waterfall shirt from the Unique collection - £155. Knitted jumper - £60. All items are available on the Topshop website.