Topshop apologises for dismantling promotion for Scarlett Curtis' feminist book '20 minutes after it was set up'

Topshop has apologised after removing a display to promote the book Feminists Don't Wear Pink
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Ella Wills5 October 2018

Topshop has apologised after removing an in-store pop-up display set up to promote feminism with publisher Penguin.

The high street fashion chain was accused by Penguin of dismantling the display from the front of its flagship tore just 20 minutes after it was set up.

The display was a promotion for the book Feminists Don't Wear Pink (And Other Lies), curated by Scarlett Curtis, screenwriter Richard Curtis' daughter.

Topshop said its decision to remove the pop-up does not reflect its stance on feminism.

In a series of tweets Penguin Books UK said: "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.

"For anyone hoping to visit the pop-up, after a huge amount of work on this ground-breaking partnership we assembled our stand this morning and were raring to go - however, just twenty minutes later it had been dismantled by Topshop.

"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."

In a statement posted on Twitter, Topshop said: "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."

Scarlett Curtis, the curator of the book, tweeted: "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... #PinkNotGreen"

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