Talia Byre X Topshop Is The Collab Fashion Insiders Are Actually Buying

Regional Topshop flagships were a rite of passage for high-street-obsessed UK teens who came of age in the 2010s – Talia Lipkin-Connor, the founder of London brand Talia Byre, was among them. The bricks-and-mortar stores might be a distant memory, but, alongside the revival of Topshop’s standalone website, which was unveiled before the off-schedule London show in August, the brand has brought back its collaboration initiative. Former British Vogue cover star Tolu Coker partnered with Topshop last spring, and now fellow talent Talia Byre takes up the mantle.

“I’ve still got loads at home,” Talia tells Vogue of the teenage Topshop treasures she still holds dear. And she’s not alone: the women that she works with are loyals, too. “Everyone’s got such a personal connection to the brand, which is a very special thing,” she says in her east-London studio, surrounded by rails of the collection – and a box of her favourite Marchesi biscuits.

Having admired the wares of her predecessors Meadham Kirchhoff, Christopher Kane and, of course, Kate Moss, who had devotees queuing around the block to get a piece of the supermodel’s distinctive style, Talia had a clear vision – “Day-to-day-level Talia Byre,” as she describes it.

Infused with the design codes that are explored in her mainline collections, Byre likens the Topshop capsule to renowned diffusion offerings, such as Marc by Marc Jacobs. The spirit is the same – so too, “the woman” – however she was keen to make intentional points of difference. One example being the hero trouser shape of her spring/summer 2027 collection, which was a low-rise bootcut, in contrast to the slouchy mid-rise cut featured in the Topshop line.

The concise 17-product edit is a more commercially-leaning proposition that introduces Talia Byre to a younger customer, via preppy collars birthed from her well-loved rugby top silhouettes, signature studs that are emblazoned across jeans (her first foray into the category), and striped merino-wool V-necks inspired by her bestsellers, marking the first time she’s realised her trademark stripe in knitted form. The innovations in denim and knitwear, plus a shoe range comprising brogue mules and wedged boots, were made possible by working with a brand that was able to scale up her supply. “It’s really exciting to be able to do that,” she says, smiling.

Within her moodboard, vintage remains a key reference point for Byre. The collection’s cropped off-white leather jacket was informed by an amalgamation of pre-loved silhouettes, while the jersey and grosgrain-taped tee was based on an old PE top she found in a charity shop – which she later found out came from the school attended by her art director. It’s fitting, since the Talia Byre workforce often has a hand to play in the inspiration behind collections. “I’ve always looked at how the studio incorporates Talia Byre pieces into their own wardrobes,” she says, of observing those around her.

There was a great debate over the grey tracksuit. Talia loves a flared Juicy Couture-esque fit, while design atelier manager Ellie is a sucker for a cuff. The conflict was resolved with an adjustable tie on the hem, so both women could have their way. “Every detail was pored over, we were so meticulous,” she asserts.

Beyond the studio team having dibs on the pieces they like, Talia can’t wait to see the collection “out in the wild”. Years on from gazing at Joni and Jamie jean walls, and amassing a personal Topshop archive that would unknowingly inspire a future Topshop capsule of her own, Talia is outfitting the next generation of fans. Scroll on to see the standouts from Talia Byre X Topshop, tried on in her atelier.

The V-neck & tracksuit bottoms

The jacket & jeans

The cowl-back dress

The denim shirt

The hoodie

The preppy top

The shoes & accessories