Amanda Wakeley returns to John Lewis with second exclusive collection
British luxury womenswear designer Amanda Wakeley has launched a second exclusive collection with John Lewis, following last season’s debut.
Launching in-store and online today, 26 August, is drop one of AW26, featuring 16 pieces that focus on modern, elevated wardrobe staples in premium fabrics.
The collection sees the return of the popular ‘Air Shirt’, updated in two new colourways. Other new ‘hero’ pieces include a navy fringed cape, matching fringe skirt, high-waisted leather trousers and silk two-pieces in navy and blush pink.
The second AW26 drop, available in October, will include versatile seasonal pieces such as a velvet tux and a fringe-hem maxi dress, just in time for party season.
Wakeley said: “I am thrilled to be working with John Lewis once again. I've always believed the best wardrobes are built on beautifully made pieces that make you feel confident the moment you put them on.
“This collection is about investing in those forever favourites, the luxurious cashmere, silk, impeccable tailoring and timeless outerwear that you'll reach for season after season. They're the pieces that become part of your story.”
Wakeley, a designer once synonymous with her brand of “clean glam” and a favourite of Princess Diana, stepped away from running her namesake label in 2021 but came back with a tightly edited capsule collection for John Lewis for spring 2026 – which went into 10 stores – in partnership with Radius Brands.
It signalled a strategic move for Wakeley as she pivoted from the demands of running a full-scale business to focusing purely on design, with John Lewis handling production, sourcing and logistics.
