To the London fashionista, the place to go for the latest trends in style can be summed up in two syllables: Topshop.
Topshop is a London-based clothing and accessory store that was launched back in 1964 in northern England. Since then it has grown from its original location in the basement of another department store into an internationally known boutique. Its unique and individual style is due in part to the young designers that receive sponsorship from Topshop. The Kate Moss Collection, its latest line, was released in May 2007.
Topshop has both contributed to the creation of London Fashion Week and become a staple in the event’s runways.
“Topshop supports the young people, and the young people are the people that actually make fashion week. Topshop is the reason London Fashion Week actually exists,” says Todd Lynn, one of Topshop’s aspiring fashion designers, on the store’s Web site.
Senior Dewi Billano was able to experience firsthand the high street appeal and energy of the store while studying abroad in England during the summer. “I first heard about Topshop a couple years back when I read that Kate Moss was opening an upscale H&M-like store in London,” she said. “Then I had friends who studied abroad in London and they raved about it, so of course it was one of my first stops when I arrived in the UK.”
But what is it that distinguishes Topshop’s style from other fashion enterprises? “All their clothes are a little bit quirkier and edgier than your standard chain stores,” Billano said. “Even though tons of girls in London might have the same pieces from Topshop, you would probably see 50 different outfits out of the same 8 or 9 pieces. It's fun.”
Topshop, among other stores, is owned by Arcadia Group, a private British company and the second largest clothing retailer in England. British billionaire and chairman of Arcadia Group, Sir Philip Green, recently decided to bring Topshop to the United States.
“Their flagship store in Oxford Circus is crazy,” Billano said, “and always bustling with people. Everything in the store is organized by trend, which was very helpful. London style is pretty unique and much different from here at Vandy and the U.S. in general. I feel like I stand out a little bit every time I wear something from Topshop.”
The first American store will be located in Manhattan’s SoHo district with services similar to those in the London outlet,  such as a nail bar, tailor, hair salon and delivery service. The original opening was set to be this fall, but due to logistical and financial problems, the opening has been delayed to spring 2009. In the meantime, Barney’s New York will be selling Topshop items in its 19 department stores.
As of now, Green has mentioned no other plans for future American expansion beyond the SoHo store. But the arrivial of this one Topshop is key. “Women will benefit by getting to experience a completely fresh fashion sensibility than they're used to here,” Billano said. “Even though New York City is obviously a very stylish place, I think Topshop will throw a little flavor into the mix.”
