In Pictures: Liberty launches Topshop's high street comeback
Pop the champagne, Topshop has officially returned to bricks-and-mortar retail, launching an exclusive in-store residency at Liberty London. Yes, for the first time since ASOS acquired them out of administration in 2021, the beloved British retailer is back on the British high street.
Taking over Liberty’s atrium and Level two shopping space, the activation reimagines the historic department store with an industrial aesthetic.
The launch event, held last night, immersed guests in the brand’s fashion-meets-music DNA. Paying tribute to Topshop’s music-infused heritage, the space features fly-postering installations and stacked speaker walls.
London artist Kilimanjaro, who recently performed on the Runway at Trafalgar Square, provided the soundtrack with a live performance while dressed in looks from an upcoming Topman collection, including a football-inspired polo and tailored trousers.
Shoppers are now able to browse a curated edit at Liberty, spanning bold tailoring, everyday essentials and of course, denim. Alongside cult favourites like Jamie and Joni jeans, Topshop has introduced fresh silhouettes such as the skinny-fit Dree and straight-leg Orson for women, while Topman unveiled a new barrel-leg style.
Michelle Wilson, Managing Director of Topshop Topman, said: "We’re incredibly proud to see Topshop and Topman return to physical retail in such an iconic setting. Partnering with Liberty is a defining moment for us, marking our return to the forefront of British fashion, and creating the opportunity to reconnect with our customers in a truly inspiring space."
The residency signals a bold step for the ASOS-owned labels, which have been rebuilding their identity online since the collapse of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia empire.
Beyond Liberty, the brand is building a wholesale network across Europe, with McElhinneys in Ireland, Printemps in France and Zeb in Belgium already signed on.
Now under joint ownership between ASOS (25%) and Bestseller’s Heartland investment arm (75%), Topshop is aiming to re-establish itself as a cultural force while winning over a new generation of millennial and Gen Z shoppers. Its Liberty launch is not only a nod to nostalgia, but also a test for whether the brand’s physical retail comeback can match the hype.
