John Lewis appoints Creative Director for fashion amid own-brand expansion

John Lewis has appointed Jacqui Markham as its new Fashion Creative Director, succeeding Queralt Ferrer, who steps down after four years with the company.

In her new role, Markham will oversee the creative direction of John Lewis’ own-brand fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.

Markham joins from Whistles, where she was Creative Director. She previously held senior design roles at Topshop as Global Design Director and at ASOS as Design Director.

"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," said Markham.

"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."

Her appointment forms part of the next phase in the development of John Lewis’ own-brand fashion, with a continued emphasis on strengthening creative direction and investing in product and customer experience.

This investment includes ongoing updates to stores and digital platforms, alongside recent refurbishments of womenswear and menswear at the Oxford Street flagship.

The retailer is also launching the second John Lewis x Rejina Pyo collaboration this month, as well as a new 15-piece exclusive capsule collection from Amanda Wakeley.

These initiatives sit alongside an expanded range of brands including Samsoe Samsoe, Mother, St Agni, Patagonia, Belstaff, Missoma and Completedworks.

Rachel Morgans, Director of Fashion at John Lewis, 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."