Five Minute Q&A with Rachael Proud

 

 

 

Q Could you discuss briefly TopShop’s involvement with London Fashion Week…

Rachael: We sponsor New Generation and we also individually sponsor designers who then go on to create a capsule range for TopShop to sell. We offer financial sponsorship but also a wealth of resources, and knowledge/information regarding sampling, production, the industry, finance etc – much of which is simply not available to most up-and-coming designers and is not touched on in most college courses. We are here as a support to our designers to help them develop themselves essentially into profitable businesses.
 
 
Q For those interested – how does the TopShop team go about selecting who gets sponsorship each season?

Rachael: A variety of ways, people are recommended, Caren Downie (along with others in the British Fashion Council) is on the selection committee who judge who gets New Generation sponsorship each season. Many designers also work with us while they are also getting New Gen, and then some continue with us after they have had the max support (3 years) from New Gen. We continue to sponsor from there, until they go to work for a big fashion house (Gucci group etc) or change sponsorship.
 

Q Did you attend many shows during this February’s London Fashion Week?

 
Rachael: Yes, we attended about 20 this year, varies each year according to number of people in New Gen and also who we are sponsoring additionally.
 

Q What stood out for you in terms of new trends and winning collections?

Rachael: I think the Christopher Kane show was fantastic, Chris and Tammy make an amazing team, and each season they are coming up with new ideas, all very desirable – although not sure I have the legs for any of them………booo! I also really loved Hamish Morrow’s collection – very simple but it suited my taste – lots of black.
 
 
Q Any forthcoming designer collaborations you can tell us about?

Rachael: We are producing another collection with Christopher Kane – after the phenomenal success of the first range, we have Emma Cook maternity range hitting the stores in April. We also have some AMAZING retrospective collections coming up from a few designers.

 
Q Overall how did this season’s fashion week rate for you?

Rachael: Really great, it makes me happy to see London getting such positive attention from the press, buyers and stylists. There were so many great shows and so many great ideas (and so many great parties!)

 

 

Interview JoJo Iles