Topshop 'sorry' for abruptly dismantling partner's feminist pop-up book stall
Topshop has clashed with feminists over the brand's decision to dismantle an instore feminist book pop-up from partner Penguin Books, that looked to raise money for a UN charity.
Penguin's Topshop pop-up
The stall, operated by Penguin's Scarlett Curtis, author of 'Feminists Don't Wear Pink and other lies', was erected and promptly dismantled on Friday morning by staff in Topshop. The stall promoted the book, a modern outlook of feminism and looked to support of UN charity Girl Up.
As it happened, Curtis said, "I'm not allowed to say much on this right now but let's just say I am heartbroken and the patriarchy is still alive and kicking." She later aimed the takedown at Topshop owner Sir Phillip Green and encouraged further activity with #PinkNotGreen.
A report in The Guardian suggests that the takedown was issued by personally by Green himself after seeing the placement.
Penguin suggested it "aims to prove that the word ‘feminist’ is accessible to everyone. Today’s events suggest there is still some work to do."
Today sees the release of #FeministsDontWearPink (And Other Lies), a collection of writing from a group of amazing women on what feminism means to them. To celebrate this timely book, we had agreed to host a pop-up with Topshop, with products supporting the UN charity Girl Up. pic.twitter.com/PiGnOsKGXX
— Penguin Books UK (@PenguinUKBooks) October 4, 2018
We’re working on finding another place to host our pop-up and the amazing products that support Girl Up. In the meantime, thank you for your support. This book aims to prove that the word ‘feminist’ is accessible to everyone. Today’s events suggest there is still some work to do.
— Penguin Books UK (@PenguinUKBooks) October 4, 2018
The move from Topshop garnered criticism for the brand. Especially with it being one of the UK's leading fashion retailers.
Sir Philip Green has just gaslighted his entire customer base of female shoppers. In times like these we need brands to take a stand, not silence our voices. Shame on you @Topshop #PinkNotGreen
— Creative Equals (@CreativeEquals) October 6, 2018
So, apparently, "Sir" Philip Green sees this OFFICIAL PROMOTION of a feminist book in his store, and orders it to be torn down. TOPSHOP, YOUR ENTIRE CLIENT BASE IS FEMALE. HOW CAN YOU SHIT ON 100% OF YOUR CUSTOMER BASE LIKE THIS? https://t.co/yAUo9QYu2a
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) October 6, 2018
The hypocrisy of Philip Green is astounding. Does he know how many feminist t-shirts he's flogged in TopShop? And then to SHIT on business deal for a book whose profits go to charity? YOUR MISOGYNY MAKES YOU LOOK DEMENTED AND A LIABILITY TO YOUR BUSINESS.
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) October 6, 2018
Topshop and Phillip Green proving once again that they are only interested in fighting for the rights of women when they’re profiting. Happy to slap ‘feminist’ on a t-shirt but shirk away the second they are given opportunity to aid in genuine progress. @scarcurtis #PinkNotGreen https://t.co/rucil8KK55
— Em Clarkson (@EmilyClarkson) October 6, 2018
This is appalling behavior, @Topshop. https://t.co/6CIrZ5sga4
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) October 6, 2018
This was the #feministsdontwearpink pop up shop in @topshop that lasted 20 minutes before Philip Green ordered it to be taken down. Would love to know why.... (though I think it may be obvious). #patriarchy #pinknotgreen pic.twitter.com/hAppCLw41Z
— emma freud (@emmafreud) October 5, 2018
Yesterday #PhilipGreen used his big muscles to smash up the @Topshop @penguinrandom #FeministsDontWearPink pop-up because he thought it was too controversial!!? LOSER @scarcurtis https://t.co/eWao4h5ZhO
— Thandie Newton (@thandienewton) October 5, 2018
A Topshop spokesperson issued an apology and a vague explanation.
“Yesterday we made the decision from a production and creative standpoint to retract the Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies pop-up from one of our stores. We are sorry - this in no way reflects our stance on feminism and we will be making a donation of £25,000 to Girl Up. We continue to fully support the sentiment of the book, Scarlett Curtis, feminism and equality.”
It never expanded on the "production and creative" issues caused by the pre-organised, temporary pop-up.
Green told The Mail on Sunday: "I am fully a supporter of their cause and I’m sorry that there was a genuine misunderstanding." Again, the explanation fell short of explaining what the actual misunderstanding was.