Topshop, once the darling of British high street fashion, made a dramatic and much-anticipated return this August with a series of bold moves that have reignited both nostalgia and excitement among fashion enthusiasts. The brand, which shuttered its physical stores in 2020 after the collapse of the Arcadia Group, has spent the past few years living solely through Asos’s online platform. But on August 15, 2025, Topshop relaunched its dedicated website, signaling the start of a new chapter for the iconic retailer.
The relaunch wasn’t just a quiet digital affair. Instead, Topshop marked its comeback with an exuberant public runway show in London’s Trafalgar Square—the brand’s first such event since 2018, and its first catwalk in seven years, according to Sky News. The spectacle drew a crowd of fashion fans and passersby alike, all eager to see what the revived brand would bring to the table. Models Cara Delevingne and Adwoa Aboah, both 33 and longstanding muses for the label, strutted down the open-air catwalk. Even London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan made an appearance, lending a sense of civic pride to the occasion.
The show doubled as the debut for Topshop’s autumn/winter 2025 collection, which was available for purchase immediately in a "See Now, Buy Now" format—a nod to the fast-paced, digitally savvy shopping habits of today’s consumers. The collection leaned heavily into nostalgia, featuring long leather trench coats, metallic maxi dresses, and A-line skater skirts. Perhaps most notably for longtime fans, the Jamie Skinny Jeans—a style that once defined the Topshop look—made their comeback, ready for a new generation to rediscover.
But it wasn’t all about looking backward. The collection showcased Topshop’s renewed commitment to elevated quality and fashion credibility. Under new ownership, the brand is targeting shoppers aged 18 to 40, aiming to balance throwback appeal with contemporary relevance. As Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop and Topman, explained, the revival is about more than just nostalgia. There are plans for a "semi-permanent" high street presence later this year, with permanent standalone stores scheduled for autumn. "We’re committed to bringing Topshop back to the high street in a way that feels fresh and meaningful," Wilson said, emphasizing the brand’s ambition to regain its place as a leader in British fashion.
Ownership of Topshop has shifted since its Arcadia days. Asos now holds a 25% stake, while Danish retail powerhouse Bestseller—via its Heartland investment arm—owns the majority 75%. This new partnership is expected to give Topshop the operational muscle and strategic vision needed to thrive in a fiercely competitive retail landscape. The brand has already begun to reappear in physical retail, with its garments set to go on sale at McElhinney’s department store in Ballybofey, County Donegal, starting August 21, 2025.
The Trafalgar Square runway show was as much a statement of intent as it was a fashion event. According to WWD, the open-air staging was designed to telegraph accessibility and inclusivity under Heartland’s leadership. Where Topshop once chased fast-moving trends, the relaunch leaned into a more pragmatic, classic approach—epitomized by the footwear choice of Cara Delevingne. The model wore Topshop’s Clover loafers, a style that has quietly become a sleeper hit and is frequently sold out on Asos for $149. Crafted from premium black leather with subtle ruching and a squared-off toe, the loafers struck a balance between utility and style. Delevingne paired them with burgundy corduroy trousers and a matching leather jacket, embodying the collection’s high-street grit.
The Clover loafer’s resurgence isn’t happening in a vacuum. As WWD points out, 2025 has seen a broader market swing back to pared-down classics, with brands like Miu Miu and Dr. Martens spotlighting their own takes on the loafer. The Clover’s ruched vamp and understated design have made it a favorite among shoppers looking for something classic, but not anonymous. "Loafers may be 2025’s safest bet, but in the right hands (or feet), they can still carry the thrill of a revival," WWD observed, noting how Delevingne’s choice helped sharpen the point of Topshop’s comeback.
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s presence at the event underscored the significance of Topshop’s return for London’s retail scene. The city has long prided itself on its vibrant high streets and fashion heritage, and Topshop’s revival is seen by many as a potential boost for both. Khan, alongside the models and the crowd, seemed to relish the moment—a celebration not just of a brand, but of a resilient city looking to the future while honoring its past.
Yet, as fashion experts have cautioned, the real test for Topshop will come in the months ahead. The retail landscape has changed dramatically since the brand’s heyday. Millennials and Gen Z shoppers, now the primary targets, are more socially conscious and digitally savvy than ever before. They expect more from brands—whether that’s in terms of sustainability, inclusivity, or authenticity. Topshop’s ability to resonate with these consumers will determine whether its revival is a fleeting nostalgia trip or a meaningful return to form.
Topshop’s new owners appear to be keenly aware of these challenges. The decision to stage a public runway show, embrace a "See Now, Buy Now" model, and invest in both digital and physical retail channels suggests a willingness to adapt and innovate. The brand’s re-entry into department stores, starting with McElhinney’s in Ireland, is a cautious but strategic step toward rebuilding its high street presence. And with permanent standalone stores on the horizon, Topshop is betting that shoppers are ready to welcome it back—not just online, but in person.
For now, the mood among fans and industry watchers is one of cautious optimism. The Trafalgar Square show was a reminder of what made Topshop such a force in British fashion: energy, accessibility, and a knack for capturing the zeitgeist. Whether the brand can translate that spirit into sustained success remains to be seen. But as the crowd dispersed and the last notes of the street-party atmosphere faded, one thing was clear—Topshop is back, and it intends to make its presence felt.
