Battle on the high street as Moss and Allen ranges hit stores

by Staff, Brand Republic 30-Apr-07, 09:00

LONDON - A high-street fashion battle will erupt this week as clothing collections from supermodel Kate Moss, for Top Shop, and singer Lily Allen, for New Look, hit the stores.

The publicity surrounding 33-year -old Kate Moss's collection for Top Shop has the tabloids and fashionistas in a frenzy.

Huge queues are expected outside Top Shop today on London's Oxford Street with Moss reported to be attending the launch, with speculaltion that she will briefly pose as a mannequin in the shop window to promote the range.

Extra security will be on hand to control queues and ensure the same disaster does not hit Top Shop as befell Primark, when a riot erupted as its new store opened its doors for the first time. The doors collapsed and security guards and police struggled with the crowds who were there to snap up cheap clothes, including £4 pairs of jeans.

Topshop is taking steps to limit purchases to five per customer at the four-hour launch event for Moss's clothing line, for which she was reportedly paid £3m.

The store will close early on Oxford Street store at 5.30pm and reopen at 8pm and remain open until midnight for a first look at the Moss collection, which comprises 50 designs in all ranging from a £12 vest top to £150 for a cropped leather jacket as well as waistcoats, skinny jeans and hot pants.

The collection will be rolled out in another 21 countries, including the US where Top Shop has signed a deal with Barney's.

At rival New Look, 21-year-old Lily Allen, the singer who had a big success last year with her first album 'Still, Alright', will be launching her collection of signature ballgowns-and-trainers look that has spawned many imitators.

The daughter of actor Keith Allen will be offering something different to the stick-thin Moss, with a range the singer describes as "super-girly".

Allen said: "All my dresses are super-girly but that doesn't mean you have to be size zero. The more curves the better. Fashion is for everyone, not just a load of super-skinny models."

While New Look will not be expecting such a splash, Allen's style and clothes are likely to have wider appeal among the young market. Allen is 12 years younger than Moss.

The range of clothes are similarly priced with items for on offer for less than £20. Her range includes Suede Smile peep-toe shoes for £30, a blue graffiti sun dress for £22, blue jewel-pattern shift dress for £30 and Loz diamond patterned trainers for £12.