John Lewis has appointed its first director of design for fashion as it prepares to “accelerate plans to expand our own-brand ranges with design that will inspire and excite customers”.

Queralt Ferrer

John Lewis has appointed Queralt Ferrer as director of design

John Lewis has drafted in Queralt Ferrer to the role, a former womenswear, lingerie and beauty director at Marks & Spencer who also oversaw the launch and growth of Inditex’s Massimo Dutti brand.

The retailer said her arrival will support its ambition to be “a more significant player in fashion and home”. 

Ferrer’s own-brand focus will include the Anyday value-for-money range launched last year, which now includes approximately 3,600 products designed in-house, spanning fashion and home. 

John Lewis commercial director Kathleen Mitchell said: “Queralt’s appointment underlines our ambition to further raise the profile of John Lewis design and our commitment to investing in our own-brand ranges.

“She brings outstanding expertise in world-class design that will elevate the creative energy and talent we already have within the team.”

Ferrer said: “I am thrilled to be joining the John Lewis team and look forward to working with the in-house design team to lead and inspire in the creation and delivery of distinctive collections that delight our customers and achieve our ambitions.” 

  • Don’t miss the best of the week – sign up to receive the Editor’s Choice every Friday