New Look tops Topshop

New Look takes inspiration from the catwalkNew Look execs would surely wince at the analogy, but there is little doubt that much of the retailer's success lies in having pulled a Topshop, writes deputy fashion editor Hadley Freeman.

News of New Look's purchase of 34 new stores is further evidence of how, like Topshop, New Look has turned itself around from being a purveyor of cheap, cheerful but generally fashion-free tat to knocking out impressively accurate takes on high fashion garments, while keeping their original prices.