TopShop ‘dismantles feminism pop-up’ – BBC News

TopShop has been accused by publisher Penguin of dismantling an in-store pop-up in London used to promote feminism.

The fashion retailer had agreed to host the pop-up with Penguin, to help launch the book Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (And Other Lies) with products for sale supporting the UN charity Girl Up.

The publishing house tweeted that its team was “raring to go” but “just 20 minutes later it had been dismantled by Topshop.”

TopShop has so far declined to comment.

It is not yet certain why the week-long event was cancelled yesterday.

The book, which brings together ideas on feminism from 50 women, was curated by author Scarlett Curtis, daughter of director Richard Curtis.

Planning for the pop-up to coincide with the launch took “months”, Ms Curtis said.

In the planning stages, she said, there was no indication that executives on either side were unhappy with the partnership.

After hearing that the promotional space had been torn down, Ms Curtis said it was “heartbreaking and shocking”.

Naomi Colthurst, a commissioning editor at Penguin, tweeted the decision by TopShop was “Proof, if proof were needed, about how much work is still needed to make feminism accessible for everyone.”

TopShop has been criticised on Twitter for the U-turn.

The publishing house said it was looking for alternative venues to host the pop-up.