Harrods appoints Lydia King as fashion director

Harrods has announced the appointment of Lydia King, formerly of Selfridges, as its new fashion director.

King, who had been with Selfridges for 12 years latterly as womenswear buying and merchandising director, will be responsible for Harrods' womenswear and childrenswear buying teams, as well as the strategy for these divisions across the store and online.

Head of womenswear, Maria Milano, and head of childrenswear Elizabeth Cliff will report directly to King, who joins the luxury department store in September. Simon Longland, head of menswear & sports, will continue to report to managing director Michael Ward as the business completes its ongoing menswear investment strategy.

Ward said of the appointment: “Harrods prides itself on being home to masters of luxury. We are delighted to welcome a director as experienced as Lydia to lead our fashion division, to deliver on the ambitious goals we set ourselves and the high standards our customers expect from our fashion divisions.

"At Harrods we aim to deliver the 'Art of the Possible' to all our customers, and our fashion business is central to this. Lydia is a hugely experienced industry leader, and I look forward to working together to deliver our ambitious vision for fashion at Harrods."