Jane Shepherdson signs to People Tree

Former Topshop brand director Jane Shepherdson is back in the news, making warning comments of an impending "backlash" against fast fashion, as she joins London ethical brand People Tree. She said: "We should always question if something is very, very cheap and think that if you, the consumer, aren't paying for it, then someone, somewhere down the line, is paying." Her remarks risk being interpreted as a thinly veiled dig against Topshop, which has done more to drive down the cost of shopping for fashionistas on a budget than any retailer except for Asda's George brand.

One in every £4 spent on clothes in Britain goes on bargain fashion, and Topshop helped fuel that trend. Ms Shepherdson, who has kept a low profile since leaving Topshop late last year, has popped up on the board of the ethical fashion label People Tree.

"People Tree is an incredible company, completely committed to producing good-quality, fair-trade clothing," Shepherdson said in a statement. She will work with People Tree's founder, Safia Minney, and other members of the board to develop a long-term strategy for the brand. In its latest move, People Tree is set to open a 50-square-foot concession in London's first Whole Foods Market, which opens on Kensington High Street on Wednesday. Shepherdson's role at People Tree follows the announcement in March that she had set up a Fashion Enterprise Fund with retail entrepreneur Harold Tillman and the London College of Fashion to support new design talent.