>> IN PRODUCTION —Topshop is known for cultivating collaborations with edgy, up-and-coming designers, but come Nov. 20, they're taking it a step further — they've put into production the knit-tastic graduate collection of Simone Shailes, who just started at Celine under Phoebe Philo.  Since graduate collections don't tend to influence the trickle-down or even get put into production in the first place, this concept could be golden — especially in this case, when loopy knits and metal plate belts are involved. [Style Bubble, Dazed Digital]

>> IN PRODUCTION —A turn at the Topshop press day reveals Louis Vuitton-like heels, fringed boleros, Rodarte-inspired loose knits, and Obedient Daughters-influenced floral blazers will all be in stock for Spring 2009.  The store's main themes are set to be Hope and Glory, Memphis, Nouveau Sport, and Voodoo — for a peek at how those are interpreted into wares, click through. [Style Bubble]

>> Ever the enfant terrible grown up, Alexander McQueen has already used his new McQ partnership with Target to thumb his nose at Topshop.  Now that the collaboration has gone public, the invitation for the McQ pressday, which read, "Chopshop, Higher Street Fashion," makes for an obvious dig, since McQueen is taking his British business elsewhere.

Speaking of the McQ-Target deal, a few more details have come to light.  The initiative that McQueen is kick-starting for Target, Designer Collaborations, involves established designers picking a muse to work from; Lee chose Leila Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit, to inspire his collection of studded sleeveless shirtdresses, zipper cardigans, tuxedo blazers, gray denim studded jackets, skinny jeans, and mermaid tattoo-printed strapless dresses.
*image: source

>> Last week, Philip Green credited Topshop's record profits to Kate Moss's "Kate effect" — "we have been good for her and she has been good for us" — and she proved him right.  Her holiday Topshop collection, which launched today, is already selling out: The panther dress she wore to Vivienne Westwood sold out on Topshop.com within an hour, and the triangle dress she wore out last month is mostly gone, too.

Now that she's had eight successful lines, maybe Sir Philip will let Kate do a men's range for Topshop like she wants?  He hasn't ruled out the possibility, but has neglected to grant her wish so far: "She's asked me to do a men's range. She said: 'Come on.' And I said: 'Let's stick to what we're doing.'"

Regardless of how Topshop goes, Kate's still got her modeling — she was apparently in Puerto Rico last week with three other models, including Angela Lindvall, shooting with Ryan McGinley for Stella McCartney's Spring 2009 campaign, making it her second stint in a row for the brand.
*image: source

>> IN PRODUCTION —Who is D.I.P.?  A completely anonymous design team — but they are the newest up-and-comers tapped by Topshop to produce an eight-piece collection of slashed-back or ink-spattered dresses and cobweb-detailed tops, set to debut Oct. 21. [Vogue UK]

>> INSIDER WIRE — Just as suspected, the opening of the first American Topshop flagship in Soho has been pushed back from October to mid-March.  Sir Philip Green, Topshop's owner, says it has nothing to do with the state of the economy, but rather "the complexity of this project." I wonder how long it will take them to change the big "Opening Fall 2008" sign out front? [WWD]

>> INSIDER WIRE —You don't have to complain about the unattractive exchange rate anymore — in one place, at least. Topshop.com launched their US site today, which means no more paying in pounds to have that dress shipped from far, far away. And while you're there, don't forget to check out the new Kate Moss for Topshop stock that just arrived — there's a cool black fringe jacket, does it have your name all over it? [FabSugar UK, Topshop]

>> INSIDER WIRE —Those of you who are counting down the days until Topshop opens stateside, you're going to have to wait a little longer. Instead of opening the Manhattan flagship mid-October as promised, they've pushed the date back to November. But here's something to get excited about: Topshop.com is launching a dollar version of the site on Sept. 9 to coincide with the debut of Kate Moss's Fall 2008 collection — finally! [WWD]

>> IN PRODUCTION —Kate Moss's Fall 2008 collection for Topshop will include printed chiffon, intricate embroidery, mohair knits, dropped waist dresses, and this sheer sequined tank (approx. $46) when it all drops Sept. 9. [NY Mag, Topshop]