You're invited: Topshop opens runway at Trafalgar Square to public
Topshop is staging a high-profile comeback this summer with a public runway show in London’s Trafalgar Square to celebrate the launch of its new dedicated website and highly anticipated return to the high street.
Taking place on Saturday 16 August, the open-air event will transform the London landmark into a street party and runway experience, marking the brand’s return to the catwalk and signalling a new era for both Topshop and Topman.
Described by the brand as "more than a runway, more than a party," the event will debut Topshop and Topman’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collections in a see now, buy now format, with selected pieces available to shop immediately following the show. A preview of later-season drops will also be revealed.
The show will be made up of Topshop looks, including sharp tailoring, statement outerwear and stand-out dresses. As for Topman, the collection "redefines modern utility", blending formalwear with new silhouettes, while casual pieces are grounded by deep indigo denim.
The show will also spotlight London’s cultural and creative energy. Partnering with Notting Hill Carnival legends Good Times, co-founded by Norman Jay MBE and Melvo Baptiste, the event will feature music, community and celebration at its core. Jay said: "We’re excited to bring a full dose of joy, unity and proper London flavour for this cultural moment in time. This is Good Times, standing side by side with Topshop and Topman."
Last month, Topshop revealed its runway return when it teamed up with modelling agency Wilhelmina London to announce the hunt for models for its first catwalk show since September 2017.
Tophop and Topman asked fans old and new, from ages 18-35, to "Apply NOW for the chance to be selected and walk the runway!" The casting was based in the brand's hometown of London and was seeking unsigned talent only, with submissions closing yesterday, 4 August.
The selected cast of emerging talent will be spotlighted on the runway. Meanwhile, beauty will be led by Sofia Tilbury and the Charlotte Tilbury team. Brand partners include MOTH cocktails, InPost for delivery and other collaborators from London’s wider creative scene.
The show is open to the public and will begin at 12pm on Saturday 16 August in Trafalgar Square.
This announcement comes as fans await Topshop's full-scale return, including its standalone website's relaunch, which is expected to arrive in "summer 2025". For the time being, shoppers can find the brand's full range on ASOS' site.
But why did it close down in the first place? The retailer exited the high street after the collapse of its owner, Arcadia Group, in late 2020.
In March 2021, ASOS purchased Topshop and Topman, the former jewels in the crown of the Arcadia empire, for £265 million. The deal involved the purchase of the brand and online business only, resulting in the closure of all of Topshop and Topman's physical retail stores. ASOS rolled the e-commerce sites into its own online platform. Although this kept the brand from fading into the abyss, it has arguably not been the same since.
In October 2024, ASOS sold Topshop and Topman to a joint venture led by Heartland, which represents ASOS shareholder Anders Holch Povlsen and his fashion business Bestseller. And just like that, Topshop is headed back to the high street; however, not how you'd expect.
In April, ASOS CEO José Antonio Ramos Calamonte said that Topshop's trend-led clothing will soon be available in select partner retailers’ stores as part of a broader plan rather than flagship stores.
While many expected a potential flagship comeback, Ramos Calamonte clarified: "I’m not talking about a standalone store. We haven’t ruled out anything. Of course not." While Topshop stores aren’t off the table long term, the immediate focus is on third-party retail distribution.
