Getting on Top: Topman (Finally) Opens on Broadway

Yesterday I headed down to the Topshop/Topman opening. I timed it so I could catch James Murphy’s set (he went on at 7) and to avoid the chaos of the first few hours. I only had to wait in line for 4o minutes, a mere fraction of the 3 hour queue that circled the block earlier in the day.

All the menswear sits in the basement along with an alcove for Topman Design and their designer collaborations. I headed there first. The collection, which I had seen in runway images from the show they produce during London Fashion Week, was somewhat underwhelming. The designs were interesting and unique but the fabrications and construction was not much better than what you’d find at H&M, going for $100+ it was a deal breaker. Considering Uniqlo has done designer collaborations with better quality and less than half the price (their Opening Ceremony capsule collection was outstanding despite the Japanese sizing), it was just absurd. The regular mens offering was merchandised in the same way H&M’s lines are. There’s one section for tailored pieces and office wear (lots of skinny suits in great colors), one for streetwear (hoodies and graphic t’s), a contemporary set up that was maybe a little too European (cheesy club wear), and one for the sophisticated youth with all the in vogue menswear like short shorts and cardigans and skinny jeans. Again, the prices seemed a little to high for what you were getting. MORE PICS POST JUMP.

Certainly with some digging you can find yourself a special piece that is worth the $20-$50 extra you would pay for something similar at J.Crew or Uniqlo, but it’s not at all an oasis of bargain fashion and unique London style as it was hyped to be. I’m sure I’ll stop in to check out new deliveries, I get the feeling that there’s a steal or two to be had here. But in the end, all the brewing excitement fell a bit flat.

+ Great shoe selection that compared to the clothes are well priced

+ The designer collaborations offer unique designs that have the individualism and rarity you’d expect from any small London based designer. And although it’s not cheap it is accessible.

+They offer a 10% discount with a student ID. Better start digging yours out!

+James Murphy was spinning records while I shopped, if that’s any sign of the music programming to come then this might be one store I wouldn’t be embarrassed to buy a compilation album from.

+Let’s be honest, it’s Topman, the place is going to teeming with cute fashionable men who are mostly likely homosexuals.

- Quality was lacking and in most cases gave away the appeal of the clothes. I expect they’ll adjust prices once they realize that they’ve got to be a little more competitive to compete on Broadway.

- The sizing was a bit off, I’m a slim guy and I had trouble fitting into size 34 trousers (or maybe they fit it for maximum slut appeal).

-With the exposure the store has you run the risk of everyone knowing exactly where you got your clothes from.

-Employees only bathroom and when you really have to take a piss it’s rather annoying.

 Related posts:

1. Topman Offers Delicious Black Trousers
   For New York Debut Across the Atlantic Topman has been forging new grounds in the realm of high street/designer collaborations opting to price up rather than down ensuring...
2. Jil Sander | The Girl Came Back BREAKING! After a 5 year absence from the fashion industry much lauded minimalist designer Jil Sander is making her return. She will be acting...
3. Top 5 Fashion Moments of 2008 5. The Collaboration: Comme Des Garcons for H&M Rei Kawakubo’s hidden fondness for making stupid money through brand dilution and H&M’s willingness to oblige...
4. The Inexhaustible Expressions of Understatement QUIET CLASSIC | Mies Van Der Rohe’s overused adage “less is more” may very well be a cliché but its meaning is especially important for...
5. Top 9 Fashion Moments of 2009 2009 has been a tough year to say the least, and fashion has been no exception. But maybe it is because of the turbulence...