Let The Drama Begin:Topshop Saviour Quits Over Kate Moss

[Prada's Meadow]

Topshop saviour quits over hiring Kate as designer


Kate Moss with Sir Philip Green and Jane Shepherdson



The most powerful woman on the high street is quitting Topshop in a dispute over Kate Moss, sources revealed today.



Jane Shepherdson, the director of the fashion retail giant has handed in her notice, following reports today that she was not consulted over the hiring of Kate Moss as a designer. Topshop is expected to release a statement later today to confirm that their style guru, who single-handedly transformed the fortunes of the retail group is "going".
A source at the company said: "Jane has resigned. She disagreed with the signing of Kate Moss as a designer and she is angry that she was not consulted over it."

The dispute has cast a shadow over what was previously seen as a masterstroke — teaming up the most famous face in fashion with one of the coolest high street names.
Friends of Ms Shepherdson have said that relations with Sir Philip Green, boss of Topshop's parent company Arcadia, broke down following the contract with Moss, which was announced before London Fashion Week last month, according to today’s Times.

It was Sir Philip's name which was linked with the deal, not Ms Shepherdson's. Sir Philip met Moss last summer when he bid £60,000 at a charity auction for a kiss with her — only to pass on the prize to Jemima Khan.

Further meetings between the stores mogul and the supermodel prompted rumours that they were considering a collaboration, although many doubted Moss would commit.
What persuaded her, according to Sir Philip, was that "she knew she could trust us".

He said when the deal was announced: "So many celebrities have been ripped off when they’ve collaborated on lines, but she knows that we’re serious. This is about Kate developing her career beyond modelling."
However, it now seems that Sir Philip overlooked the need to keep onside the woman who made Topshop what it is today.

Once seen as a purveyor of forgettable tat, Topshop is now a cool place to shop for everyone from teenagers to celebrities — and Ms Shepherdson is the woman who deserves the credit.
Once named the most important woman in fashion by Drapers, the fashion business journal, she has masterminded Topshop's 10-year transformation to crown jewel in Sir Philip's empire.

It has sales of £600 million, is expected to produce profits of £100 million this year, and is planning stores in Russia, New York and Paris.
As well as having a flair for design, and the judgment and confidence to recruit unknown, talented young designers, Ms Shepherdson has introduced such innovations as VIP rooms and personal stylists, once the preserve of more upmarket stores.
Ms Shepherdson's alleged departure comes after a bad week for Sir Philip, who was forced to concede that a 54 per cent plunge in operating profits at his Bhs chain had been "self-inflicted".

[mellecyn]

I think Sir Phillip should everything he can to get Jane Shepherdson
back on board........Topshop is the mecca of european fashion, he can´t lose her.
Who cares if Kate Moss designs some outfits or not ? She´s probably going to sign some designs she hasn´t even created anyways.....The only difference is that instead of using her face as a model they´ll use her name as a signature.
And OK she can trust them, but can they trust her ??
And we´ve seen that even the celebs we admire for their fashion style are not great in terms of their owns design (cf Gwen Stefani).
AAArrrrrgggh I´m so fed up with those companies who have a "need" to use any famous name to sell , and give the credit to them for the work of the talented anonymous Designers behind........
The same goes in France for "Haute Couture" fashion Designers who put their name on any product creation......->Christian Lacroix for the interior Design of the TGV, as if he´d do transportation design.....

[Danica]

^ I agree.

[Shyloo]

Jane Shepardson probably sees the writing on the wall regarding Kate Moss and does'nt want to be involved with the Topshop when it happens. The old guy didn't think this one through.
Why would a successful company align themselves with someone in her situation????
Its just a matter of time before her fiancee/boyfriend ODs, and Miss Moss can't seem to keep her nose out of the white stuff either.
Her personal situation will get much worse that is for sure, thats what happens with addicts.

[H_addict]

I think Jane Shepherdson needs to get over herself. And is Kate the first person in fashion world/biz to snort cocaine? I don't think so.

[keodi]

Originally Posted by mellecyn

I think Sir Phillip should everything he can to get Jane Shepherdson back on board........Topshop is the mecca of european fashion, he can´t lose her. Who cares if Kate Moss designs some outfits or not ? She´s probably going to sign some designs she hasn´t even created anyways.....The only difference is that instead of using her face as a model they´ll use her name as a signature. And OK she can trust them, but can they trust her ?? And we´ve seen that even the celebs we admire for their fashion style are not great in terms of their owns design (cf Gwen Stefani). AAArrrrrgggh I´m so fed up with those companies who have a "need" to use any famous name to sell , and give the credit to them for the work of the talented anonymous Designers behind........ The same goes in France for "Haute Couture" fashion Designers who put their name on any product creation......->Christian Lacroix for the interior Design of the TGV, as if he´d do transportation design.....

well said.....

[seahorseinstripes]

well, on my opinion, whether or not kate's going to design the clothes or she just signed it, people's gonna line up to buy it!

[pinkish_love]

^^ true

[katy 1368]

Originally Posted by seahorseinstripes

well, on my opinion, whether or not kate's going to design the clothes or she just signed it, people's gonna line up to buy it!

Yeh but you can't run a huge enterprise like Topshop on one celeb based line of clothes, you have to look after the basics. I can understand why she would be pissed off at not being consulted. Perhaps Phillip Green should concentrate more on the failures in his business empire - have you seen the tat on sale in BHS!Of course people will line up to buy Mossy's clothes but they will soon return them if they don't work/are poor quality like happened with the Celia Birtwell line this year.You need someone to oversee such lines and if she hasn't been included in the decision your on the wrong foot from the start.

[ShoooSh]

Originally Posted by LV_addict

I think Jane Shepherdson needs to get over herself. And is Kate the first person in fashion world/biz to snort cocaine? I don't think so.

well said

[BalenciagaLove]

Well, I will say in Jane's defense, it's got to be tough performing time in and time out for a company and be a huge factor in placing it on the fashion map, only to be sidelined for a model.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love Kate. I think she's a great fashion icon, but does that mean she makes a good designer or easy to work with as a designer? It's hard to say. I don't believe this has anything to do with Kate doing cocaine. I'm sure it's far more abundant in the fashion industry than anyone cares to admit.

If I were Jane, I would probably use this great opportunity to launch my own line.

[Megs]

Originally Posted by LV_addict

I think Jane Shepherdson needs to get over herself. And is Kate the first person in fashion world/biz to snort cocaine? I don't think so.