Topshop and Topman Bring UK Styles to Vancouver

The well-loved British chain opens its biggest retail store outside the UK in The Bay downtown

At last my love has come along… sang the late, great Etta James. And now my love has finally come along in the shape of Topshop. It’s been a life-long relationship formed in my teenage years in England when I eagerly parted with my pocket money for the latest styles on many a Saturday shopping trip to Leeds.

At last Topshop has arrived on the Vancouver fashion scene. Occupying the lower level of The Bay, the Vancouver Topshop and Topman is the largest retail space outside of the U.K.

What’s in Store

I was guided around the 33,000-square-foot shopfloor by Joan Cummings, head of visual merchandising. The store is laid out according to the different trends and the escalators take you down to the first of these trends, the Witching Hour, where leather, lace, studs and dark hues dominate.

Mannequins are dressed in complete outfits and some racks have three wardrobe choices hanging together to make assembling an outfit even easier.

Designer Collections

What’s a flagship location without designer collaborations? Don’t miss the JW Anderson collection. Topshop has teamed with this rising star of the British fashion scene to create a whimsical, very wearable collection already adored by the likes of Alexa Chung. Mary Homer, managing director of Topshop, assured me that the JW Anderson Spring collection would be in stores for February.

Other designer collaborations on the way include a Christmas collection by Topshop favourite Emma Cook and a capsule jewelry line by Jordan Askill. I tried to get the scoop on forthcoming designer involvement, but Homer wasn’t giving anything away.

Topshop’s own designer fashion line – Unique – will be arriving in February with the latest ’90s-inspired collection shown recently at London Fashion Week. Other fashion trends currently showcased in the store include Psychedelic Dandy – tailored jackets and cigarette pants in gorgeous rich brocades and geometric patterns. You can dazzle with matching print on print, or tone it down with a solid-coloured blazer or pencil skirt.

For a more laid-back style, Scandi Girl mixes the still hot military trend with plaids and Fair Isle knits. Booties complete the outfit and there are so, so many to choose from. Factory Girl is a look inspired by the mod ’60s. Sparkly bouclé twin sets and houndstooth prints help you channel your inner Catherine Deneuve.

Everything You Need Including a Personal Shopper

To complete the look, head over to the makeup section and stock up on black liquid eyeliner. If those looks don’t excite you, there’s plenty more to see, all helpfully arranged in sections. Jersey knits, denim, athletic ware, tall sizes, petite sizes and even maternity.

If you’re finding it hard to choose and need some expert guidance, a team of personal shoppers is at your service. You can relax on a comfy sofa in a pretty pastel room while stylists gather looks for you. All at no extra cost. And did I mention the enormous range of fabulous accessories, including the Freedom jewelry range by Topshop? I’ll take one of everything please!