Topshop Launches Top Pitch Wearable Tech Programme

Global fashion retailer Topshop and corporate innovation specialist L Marks have announced the launch of an innovation programme with the aim of discovering and developing start-up businesses to deliver technology-enabled fashion product to a global consumer. Having identified a space in the market for accessibly priced fashion technology products, Topshop’s new development programme, titled Top Pitch, launches as a means to explore, discuss and develop fashion-forward yet functional products with a democratic approach to pricing. In today’s increasingly connected world, the brand hopes to discover and co-develop prototypes that move wearable technology further into the fashion arena whilst retaining functionality that delivers for the user.

This could be around smart accessories or in the emerging apparel space. The scheme offers access to an extensive group of high calibre, credible mentors from across the fashion and technology world including Rachel Arthur, Journalist and Founder of Fashion & Mash; Maddy Evans, Fashion Director, Topshop and Bethany Koby, Co-Founder and CEO, Technology Will Save Us. Each mentor will offer support, guidance and personal expertise to the four-week bootcamp process, which culminates in a presentation to Arcadia owner Sir Philip Green. The winning start-up will have designed a product with utility, relevance and style for the Topshop customer.

Amelia Graham

Applications are now open for the intensive month-long programme and the most promising team will be awarded the chance to secure equity investment and potential to see their product in Topshop stores in the future.