John Lewis has appointed former Whistles creative director Jacqui Markham as its new fashion creative director, as the retailer looks to sharpen its own-brand offer and build momentum in the category.
Markham will oversee the creative direction of John Lewis own-brand fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, joining the business at what the retailer described as a “defining moment” for its fashion division.
She joins from Whistles, where she served as creative director, and brings with her a strong track record in British fashion retail. Before that, she held senior roles including global design director at Topshop and design director at ASOS.
Markham succeeds Queralt Ferrer, who is stepping down after four years with the John Lewis Partnership.
Her appointment signals the next phase in John Lewis’ fashion strategy, with the department store continuing to invest in its own-brand proposition, as well as shop upgrades and digital improvements.
The retailer has also recently refurbished its womenswear and menswear departments at its Oxford Street flagship, underlining its ambition to strengthen its position in fashion.
The move comes as John Lewis expands its brand roster and ramps up its exclusive partnerships. This month, the retailer will launch the second instalment of its collaboration with Rejina Pyo, alongside a new 15-piece exclusive capsule collection from Amanda Wakeley.
These launches will sit alongside an expanded line-up of brands including Samsøe Samsøe, MOTHER, St Agni, Patagonia, Belstaff, Missoma and Completedworks.
John Lewis director of fashion Rachel Morgans said: “I look forward to welcoming Jacqui to John Lewis at a defining moment for our fashion business. She brings a wealth of expertise and a proven ability to create exceptional design and will support our future creative vision.”
Markham added: “I am very excited to join the Partnership and to work together with all the teams toward a shared vision for the future of John Lewis. It feels like a seminal moment in the long history of the Partnership, and I cannot wait to get started to help shape that vision and bring our collective ideas to light.”
The appointment comes as John Lewis looks to give its fashion business a clearer creative identity, while backing the category with fresh investment, brand partnerships and improved in-store experiences.
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