Whistles names former Topshop exec as creative director

Whistles has named former Topshop design chief Jacqui Markham as its new creative director.

Markham will be in charge of the elevation of the fashion retailer’s design direction and “wider creative vision,” Drapers reported.

The executive will report to the brand’s product director Camille Sullivan.

Markham started her career as a designer for Oasis stores in 1994, before becoming a designer for Karen Millen in 1998.

She joined Topshop in 1998 as a formal designer, working her way up to design director in 2013. The exec rejoined the company in 2015 as its global design director, before serving as a design consultant from 2017 to 2018.

She also worked as design director of Asos from 2013 to 2015, and served as design director for Urban Outfitters Europe from 2019 until 2020.

Markham has worked as a freelance design consultant since February 2020.

Sullivan said Markham’s “extensive experience on the global high street will be instrumental in driving both the brand and [Whistles’] product offering forward in [the] next stage of growth.”

Markham added: “I hope to bring a fresh spirit to a brand that I have always admired.

“By channelling the visionary ethos set by [Whistles founder] Lucille Lewin and building on the contemporary yet effortless, signature style of Whistles, I believe we can bring a rejuvenated energy to the brand, appealing to both our loyal fan base, whilst attracting new, style-minded individuals.”

Last month, M&S added Whistles and Hush to its third-party platform as it expanded its womenswear offer.

The two brands added 300 new season styles to the ‘Brands at M&S’ platform, including an exclusive 12-piece collection from Hush.

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