Ever since Jane Shepherdson abdicated her CEO throne and Kate Moss took to designing crop-tops, Topshop has been treading on thin ice. Once a student favourite for its cheap and chic basics, whimsical slogan tshirts and ingenious staying-in-or-going-out solutions, Topshop has become accountable for a growing list of complaints from shoppers.
Take a trip to the shop today and you will be greeted with burgeoning rails of all things size 4 with slashed backs, a Kate Moss collection devoted to tiny slips of nightwear, and such an overwhelming passion for Spring/Summer pastels that everything on offer is either rose or peach. The brand has recently turned increasingly to the teenage market, alienating older shoppers who are searching for fashion-forward workwear, and day-to-night options, only to find the constant bodycon and neon of last season. Aztec-patterned leggings and toweringly stacked heels won't cut the mustard for anyone above 25 looking to be taken seriously, but steadily steepening prices won't please teens with pocket money either.
The Guardian's fashion editor gently abandoned the chain in a recent article, in favour of prospering contemporaries Oasis and New Look, but what about the students who have previously relied heavily on Topshop's monopoly over high street style for all occasions? Taking to the streets, students voiced their opinions on Topshop's apparent demise: Film student Seidi Saikkonen commented that she had discovered Topshop quite recently and loved last season's Christopher Kane collection, but that there wasn't enough similar high fashion now, “I would still shop there, but H&M is cheaper, I think its catching up”. Tara Mulcair, studying Law, said that she shops regularly at Topshop because of the quality of the clothing. “You could buy a top at H&M for £8 but it wouldn't be such good quality as a slightly more expensive Topshop version”. However, she commented that the clothes have “recently been aimed at stick-thin people who want to show their stomachs”.
Topshop alternatives for students naturally include H&M for daywear and River Island for glitz, however there are more surprising contenders around. For those days when you have a bit more cash to splash try heading to Jane Shepherdson's new Topshop, Whistles. Perfect for quality fabric and original tailoring, reports on the chain contain nothing but praise. This season's highlight is the “DIY pattern” jacket- stroke the sequins to transform the piece from black to silver. French Connection and Urban Outfitters also fall into the category of pricey-but-worth-it, especially for perfect Spring/Summer chinos. Lastly, ASOS has become a gem for those who have discovered the site- any online shopping worries banished by the thorough descriptions, 360° images and catwalk clips. With a range of cheap and cheerful options, as well as a strong designer presence, ASOS is the best of the bunch to fill the hole Topshop has left in the high street.
No comments:
Post a Comment