Forget next top model or next pop style. No one’s looking for the next boy band (at least not here) and no one will be singing in front of the queen any time soon. This open call is for the next big thing in wearable tech.
Topshop, everyone’s favourite British expat, is combining fashion and tech for possibly the coolest program ever. The fast-fashion company is issuing an open call to tech entrepreneurs, retailers, and designers to create the next trend in wearable tech. Who needs another boy band? Say goodbye to the dancing, the vocal training, the panel of judges, and the spinning chairs. This program is all about our favorite things, fashion and tech, so we may consider it possibly the best bootcamp ever.
Dubbed Top Pitch (because everyone loves a good pun), the program aims to not only create a new piece of fashion tech, but also keep it at a decent price. “Top Pitch challenges wearable tech entrepreneurs to present a product that is stylish, functional and in-demand with the Topshop customer, at a price that’s accessible.” Which sounds totally rad to us, because not only does this bring wearables to the fast-fashion world, but it opens it up to a whole bunch of consumers.
Teaming up with corporate innovation specialist L Marks, Topshop will gather participants for a four week bootcamp this summer that will take place in Central London. Wearable wannabes will be offered mentorship from Topshop’s fashion director, Maddy Evans, co-founder and CEO of Technology Will Save Us, Bethany Koby, and founder of Fashion & Mash, Rachel Arthur. These three gals will help participants brush up their pitches and fine-tune their ideas. Teams will also have access to workshops about growing their business and hardware development, and take part in keynote presentations.
At the end of the bootcamp, like the season finale of your favorite singing competition show, each participant will present their ideas to Sir Phillip Green, the owner of Topshop’s parent company, Arcadia Group, for a chance to see their wearable wind up on Topshop’s shelves.
So much better than a record contract, right?
Top Pitch is a free program and applications are open now until May 22nd. If you think you’ve got what it takes, send in your stuff, pack your bags, and mark your calendars for June 13th.
Don’t be late for your first day. There’s no audience vote to save you.
Diana Pasgas is a writer & social media addict. She is kind of short & is often seen wearing red lipstick. She’s also a grey sweater enthusiast. In her spare time she enjoys playing the ukulele & searching for new brunch spots.
