#metoo scandal threatens to overshadow new topshop collaboration
what should have been one of the most exciting times in the career of Michael Halpern was last week shrouded in controversy. Two weeks before the much-anticipated launch of the Topshop x Michael Halpern collection, the company’s owner, Arcadia boss Sir Philip Green, was named as the businessman at the centre of claims of sexual harassment and racial abuse against staff and the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAS) to silence complainants.
Sir Philip was forced to publicly deny the accusations after Labour peer Lord Peter Hain used parliamentary privilege to reveal that Sir Philip was the businessman behind a high court injunction preventing The Daily Telegraph from reporting details of NDAS with employees.
Following the revelation, in the days before the Halpern collection hit stores, it was revealed that the launch party had been cancelled, spawning rumours that the American designer, 31, had pulled out of the collaboration altogether; this has been denied by Topshop and Halpern.
Nonetheless, the speculation was evidence that the allegations about Sir Philip have wider implications for his businesses. Vocal critics have started a campaign calling on shoppers to boycott his stores. However, others have argued this wouldn’t just affect him, but the 20,000 people he employs, 84% of whom are women. Sir Philip, meanwhile, vehemently denies sexual harassment and racist abuse of staff, insisting he was only indulging in ‘ banter’.
Whatever the fallout, there’s no denying the 28-piece collaboration was a major coup for Halpern, who launched his namesake brand a mere 12 months ago. Having a retailer such as Topshop – which has previously collaborated with brands such as Marques’almeida, Mary Katrantzou and Preen – buy into such a young brand has traditionally carried major prestige. The Topshop collection is set to take Halpern from a niche name-to-know in industry circles to something closer to that of a household name, appealing to a much wider and more mainstream demographic.
Both Topshop and Halpern have confirmed that the collection – the culmination of months of hard work – will be in stores as planned on 7 November.
The popularity of such collabs lies of course in the accessible price points – Halpern’s own-label signature sequinned minidresses sell for upwards of £1,200, his sparkly trousers start at £1,275. The Topshop versions? A green long-sleeved sparkly mini is a mere snip at £145. Highwaisted flared trousers come in at just £95.
Halpern, speaking to Grazia about the collaboration before the news about Sir Philip broke, described his clothes as mood boosters. ‘ Wearing sequins is empowering. Sparkle puts you in a certain state of mind that changes the way you carry yourself, the way you interact with others. They help with escapism.’ His glam disco aesthetic is all about making women feel good. ‘People try to tell others what is right and appropriate, but no woman needs to be directed on how to act, and certainly not how to dress,’ he said. ‘I hope my clothing gives you confidence to wear what feels like you.’