Mary Portas and Superdry's Julian Dunkerton join TheIndustry.fashion Fashion [Un]Bound Summit line-up
Globally renowned retail expert Mary Portas and Superdry founder and CEO Julian Dunkerton have joined the speaker line-up for TheIndustry.fashion Fashion [Un]Bound Summit on 15 October 2026.
The one-day event at The Forum, Leadenhall, will bring together about 200 fashion-industry leaders for interviews, presentations and panel discussions focused on changes in retail.
Portas, the author, activist and founder of Portas Consultancy, will take part in a keynote interview with TheIndustry.fashion Co-founder Lauretta Roberts.
The session will examine her approach to turning physical stores into places for human connection and building loyalty beyond individual transactions. She will also discuss how large and small brands can create consistent experiences across retail channels and develop a clear voice grounded in purpose.
Mary Portas brings four decades of retail experience
Portas has worked with British retailers including Harvey Nichols, John Lewis and Topshop during a career spanning more than 40 years. She is also known for presenting the BBC series Mary Queen of Shops and for her long-running advocacy for the British high street.
Her consultancy works with businesses across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, with a focus on translating brand strategy into customer experience and company behaviour.
Portas’s work on physical retail includes the government-commissioned Portas Review, published in December 2011. The review proposed measures covering town-centre management, business rates, vacant properties and local markets, while arguing that high streets should function as social and commercial centres.
Julian Dunkerton CEO and Founder of Superdry
Julian Dunkerton joins during Superdry turnaround
Dunkerton’s appearance comes as Superdry continues its restructuring and repositioning. For the year ended 26 April 2025, the business posted a statutory profit after tax of £50.5 million, reversing a £67.7 million loss in the previous year.
In November 2025, Dunkerton presented the Superdry & Co strategy at its Oxford Street flagship. The approach combines a revised mainline identity with the return of Bench and an offer spanning vintage and upcycled clothing.
The Forum, Leadenhall: a brand new, state of the art event venue
Additional confirmed speakers include some Of H&M UK and Ireland Managing Director Karen O’Rourke, Topshop and Topman Global Chief Marketing Officer Moses Rashid, Aligne CEO Ginny Seymour, Albaray CEO Paula Stewart and Toast CEO Suzie de Rohan Willner. See the full speaker line-up here.
The summit programme will cover AI and new retail technologies, connected stores, circular business models, workforce development and creativity as a driver of demand.
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £225 plus VAT, and are open to senior executives from fashion brands and retailers. Lunch, refreshments and a drinks reception are all included in the cost of each ticket. The event is staged at The Forum, Leadenhall, a brand new state-of-the-art event venue in the City of London, which will allow for an elevated and engaging experience for speakers and delegates alike.
Industry suppliers can take part in the event through our flexible sponsorship packages. For more information, please contact partnerships@theindustry.fashion.
TheIndustry.fashion Fashion [Un]Bound Summit is staged in proud partnership with global logistics expert Bleckmann, with StoryStream AI and Aptos sponsoring the programme.
