Fashion's always had a secret thing for the circus. How else to explain the bi-annual tent spectacle where girls preform death-defying feats from dangerous heights? Or its love affair with the incredible suit-shrinking man, Thom Browne? But this season truly gave meaning to bringing in the clowns. There were surreal fairy princesses in glittering Venetian animal masks at Erin Featherston, while Swedish label Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair turned out a comically constructed collection of Charlie-Chaplin-worthy cropped trousers, unfinished collars, and teeny top hats. But none seem more primed for the center ring than Pepper and Pistol. Following collections inspired by the North Pole and 20,0000 Leagues Under the Sea, the concept-heavy line found itself clowning around, inspired by —you guessed it—the circus. There's a spangly tunic, lots of bows, and a pair of waddle-riffic clown pants. But, if you get over your childhood fears, its also pretty sophisticated. In fact, after checking out the look book, we're even thinking of packing it up and running away to the circus. And uh, by the circus, we really just mean the Topshop opening.
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