LONDON — Topshop has named Jacqui Markham to the new post of global design director. Markham, who was previously women’s wear design director at Asos.com, will report to Mary Homer, Topshop’s managing director.
Markham will oversee the brand’s 60-strong in-house design team and work alongside the creative director Kate Phelan. Topshop stressed the global nature of the position, and that it reflects the rapid international expansion of the brand in the U.S. and elsewhere overseas.
The company said Markham would “re-focus the design and product development areas to ensure Topshop’s fashion authority position as it continues to expand. With 400 new styles in store every week, quality and first-to-market styles continue to drive the business,” the company said.
Markham graduated from the University of Northumbria with an honors degree in fashion design, and has worked at the British retailers Oasis, Karen Millen — and Topshop, where she served for 14 years. Her last job at Topshop was design director.
“Strong and cutting-edge design has always been our focus, and I hope to continue building on, and further strengthening this position,” said Markham.