New Topshop designer collaborations to hit stores this month

Ann-Sofie Back, Jonathan Saunders, and Ashish are releasing their collections for the British retail chain Topshop from January 6.

Swedish designer Ann-Sofie Back, who has already designed for Topshop in the past, will kick off the collaboration season January 6 with a line of six horror movie-inspired pieces. "I looked at traditional American stereotypes such as horror movies," she said. "The sequined tops, dresses and sweats are slashed by Freddy Kruger himself."

Following on her heels will be British designer Jonathan Saunders, who will launch a capsule collection of body contouring pieces on January 20. According to Saunders, the items are "inspired by sportswear and workwear, as well as the bold and graphic shapes of the Memphis [design] movement. It's perfect for urban city dwellers."

Finally, on February 3, London-based fashion wild child Ashish - creator of much-discussed animal-print booties for Topshop - will release his range. "Studs and spikes were a big part of my mainline collection this season, and it felt right to carry that through in some way for my range for Topshop," he said. "I love the contrast between soft sweatshirt fabric and metal spikes - it's classic sportswear meets punk."

Other upcoming designer launches on the high street include Jil Sander's second range for Uniqlo (released January 7 in the UK, January 14 in the US, and January 20 in France), Sonia Rykiel's knitwear collection for H&M, which becomes available on February 20, and Jean Paul Gaultier's (March 7) as well as Zac Posen's (April 25) lines for Target.