Last week, Patrick Robinson previewed the Gap’s Fall/Winter collection for a room full of editors. Sticking to the brand’s tradition of well-made classics, Mr. Robinson presented a clean, precise, and very promising vision of what the mall favorite will be offering its male and female customer’s later this year.

It would be a stretch to say the collection was fashion-forward, but the modern spin on wide-leg jeans and faux shearling jackets (I’m still drooling over them) has me thinking that’s the direction their aiming towards.

With upcoming collaborations with Pierre Hardy and ThreeAsFour, could the Gap be trying to compete with the likes of a Topshop or H&M? That would be a yes, which made Topshop Unique’s runway presentation on Sunday that more interesting.

Everybody’s current favorite high street retailer seems to have been bitten by the same faux fur bug as the Gap. There were several over-sized  shearling pieces and white fur vests a la Kate Moss. PVC leggings, another one of Kate’s favorites, appeared in practically every model’s look. The sweaters came in the forms of chunky and super-comfortable as well as light knit tops and dresses that almost looked translucent.

It was all very cool, very eccentric and very British. Kind of like those Jodphurs that ended up at the Gap in the UK and only appreciated in fashion edits stateside.

Developing…