John Lewis appoints new fashion creative director

Markham, who held the same role at Whistles, will be responsible for leading the direction of the department store chain’s own-brand fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.

She succeeds Queralt Ferrer, who steps down after four years with the Partnership.

Markham joined Whistles last April as its creative director. She has previously worked as design director at Asos and global design director at Topshop from 2013 to 2018.

The new appointment marks the next phase of John Lewis developing its own brand collections and the wider overhaul of its fashion offering.

This month sees the launch of the second John Lewis x Rejina Pyo collaboration and a new 15-piece exclusive capsule collection from Amanda Wakeley.

John Lewis Director of Fashion Rachel Morgans 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.”

Markham added: “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. 

“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.”