LONDON — John Lewis, the iconic British department store, has appointed Jacqui Markham as its new fashion creative director. Markham’s primary mission will be to oversee and innovate the store’s own-brand labels across three key segments: womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear.
Prior to joining John Lewis, Markham held the position of creative director at Whistles, where her visionary approach significantly shaped the brand. She also has an impressive background with roles such as global design director at Topshop and design director at Asos, enhancing her credentials within the retail fashion industry.
Markham takes over from Queralt Ferrer, who has stepped down after four successful years, indicating a strategic shift in the fashion segment of the store.
John Lewis views Markham’s appointment as a pivotal move in its journey to enrich its own-brand fashion offerings. The company has expressed confidence in her abilities, stating that her leadership will guide them towards a clear, creative direction and significant investment in fashion moving forward.
The retailer emphasized that Markham’s impressive track record in building unique and successful collections will allow for a focus on design, quality, and relevance to meet customer needs amidst a competitive market.
Rachel Morgans, the director of fashion at John Lewis, highlighted the importance of Markham’s arrival, stating that it comes at a critical time for the fashion department. Morgans remarked on Markham’s extensive experience and her capacity to foster exceptional design, further supporting the store’s future creative ambitions.
Markham expressed her enthusiasm about her new role, describing it as a significant moment in John Lewis’s storied history. She is eager to begin shaping the brand’s vision and collaborating with the team to breathe life into their innovative ideas.
To bolster its fashion offerings, John Lewis is actively diversifying its brand portfolio. This month, the retailer will unveil its collaboration with Rejina Pyo, along with a 15-piece exclusive capsule collection from designer Amanda Wakeley.
In addition to these exciting launches, John Lewis is expanding its offerings with new brands like Samsoe Samsoe, Mother, St. Agni, Patagonia, Belstaff, Missoma, and Completedworks, which will enhance the shopping experience for its customers.
The store confirms that Markham’s appointment aligns with its broader strategy to invest in fashion. This includes upgrades to both physical stores and digital platforms, as well as recent refurbishments for womenswear and menswear sections in its flagship store on Oxford Street.
Furthermore, John Lewis is enhancing its beauty department as part of its expansion strategy. Over the past year, substantial funds have been allocated to upgrade shop floors, adding immersive and multisensory beauty halls across various locations, including Liverpool, Bluewater, Solihull, and Cambridge.
Currently, John Lewis houses over 540 beauty counters, nearly 70 dedicated treatment rooms, and an array of over 400 beauty services available nationwide.
With a network of 36 shops and a robust omnichannel presence, John Lewis is also deepening its partnerships in hospitality and retail, collaborating with notable names such as Benugo, Jamie Oliver’s Cookery School and Café, and Waterstones bookshops.
Demonstrating its long-standing reputation, in 2024, the business received a Royal Warrant as a supplier of household goods and furnishings to King Charles III, further solidifying its status in the British retail landscape.
In summary, with Jacqui Markham at the helm of fashion design, John Lewis is set to undergo a dynamic transformation. Her experience and vision are expected to drive innovative approaches in their fashion offerings, accommodating the evolving demands of contemporary consumers and enhancing John Lewis’s position in the competitive retail market.
