London – High street retailer Topshop has its sights on moving into the wearable
technology arena. The fashion label has joined forces with corporate
innovation specialist L Marks, the same backer of John Lewis’ JLAB
incubator, to launch an innovation programme for emerging tech companies
known as Top Pitch.
The programme aims to locate and support start-up tech businesses which
focus on developing fashion-based wearable tech products and bring them to
global consumers. In this sense, Topshop is set on co-developing prototypes
which will take wearable technology to the next level and make it more
accessible for its global consumers.
“Topshop has long supported emerging talent in creative industries and this
project serves to further this aim,” commented Sheena Sauvaire, Global
Marketing and Communications Director at Topshop. “As a brand we champion
new platforms of innovation and we see wearable technology as an exciting
area of further exploration. The merge of style and function has yet to
have been seen in a true consumer-ready sense and our aim is to discover
new-to-market, highly desirable product at accessible prices for our
fashion-savvy customer.”
Start-ups interested in applying for the programme can do so at toppitch.co
until May 22, 2016. The month-long programme offers selected businesses
access to a wide range of mentors across the fashion and technology
industries, including Maddy Evans, Fashion Director, Topshop; Rachel
Arthur, Journalist and Founder of Fashion & Mash and Bethany Koby,
Co-Founder and CEO, Technology Will Save Us.
The chosen start-ups will then be asked to present their ideas and products
to Sir Philip Green, owner of fashion conglomerate Arcadia Group, with the
winning business receiving the chance to see their idea being created for
Topshop.
“Top Pitch is such a great opportunity for entrepreneurs working on a
wearable technology product,” added L Marks Chairman, Stuart Marks. “When
presenting to buyers, it is always better to know them really well. What
better way is there to learn about Topshop than work in collaboration with
them for four weeks, developing your brand and strategy as well as the
direction your product will take.”
Photo: Top Pitch website