John Lewis hires Jacqui Markham

John Lewis has named Jacqui Markham its new fashion creative director, putting a former Whistles executive in charge of its own-label clothing. (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) Markham will oversee John Lewis own-brand fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, the retailer said in its April 14 announcement. She replaces Queralt Ferrer, who is leaving after four years with the John Lewis Partnership. (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) Before joining John Lewis, Markham was creative director at Whistles. She also held senior design roles at Topshop and ASOS, according to John Lewis and trade publication Drapers. (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) (drapersonline.com) John Lewis said the hire marks “the next phase” of its push to build its own-brand fashion business with more investment and a clearer design identity. Rachel Morgans, the retailer’s fashion director, said Markham is joining at “a defining moment” for the division. (wwd.com) (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) The appointment lands as John Lewis expands its fashion offer in stores and online. In February, the retailer said Topshop would return to 32 John Lewis stores as part of a broader £800 million investment plan. (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) That same February rollout also brought Topman back into seven John Lewis stores, alongside 14 new fashion brands for spring. John Lewis linked those moves to recent store refits, including a redesigned fashion floor at its Oxford Street flagship. (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) (retailsector.co.uk) Trade coverage has framed Markham’s arrival as a bid to sharpen John Lewis’s in-house labels at a time when department stores are leaning harder on exclusive product and private brands. John Lewis has also been adding designer tie-ins, including a second collaboration with Rejina Pyo launched on April 14. (fashionunited.uk) (johnlewispartnership.co.uk) For John Lewis, the change puts a new creative lead at the center of a bigger fashion reset already underway in 2026. The immediate test is whether Markham can turn that investment into own-brand collections customers notice and buy. (wwd.com) (johnlewispartnership.co.uk)