Jane Shepherdson news and archive

Whistles chief executive steps down

Fashion retailer Whistles has confirmed that chief executive Jane Shepherdson is stepping down from her position after eight years. The British fashion brand will now be handed over to the existing team, led by brand director Helen Williamson, managing director Justin Hampshire, and creative director Nick Passmore. In a statement Shepherdson...

Retail

Whistles opens in Dubai

British luxury high street retailer Whistles is set to open two stores in the Middle East in partnership with the Al Tayer Group, with the first opening at Dubai City Walk 2 and the second, expected to debut in Doha Festival City early next year. The contemporary fashion brand’s debut Middle East store in Dubai spans 1,100 square foot and houses...

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Business|UPDATE

South African retail group Foschini acquires Whistles

South African retail group, Foschini, has announced its acquisition of British fashion retailer Whistles, for an undisclosed sum, as the retail conglomerate continues its international expansion scheme. Foschini Group takes over Whistles for undisclosed sum Foschini Group revealed that it had acquired all the shares in Whistles, taking over the...

Fashion

Whistles launches in US with Bloomingdale's

Upmarket high street retailer Whistles has launched in America this week after signing a partnership with department store Bloomingdale’s. The fashion chain’s first US shop-in-shop opened on the second floor of the Bloomingdale’s flagship on New York’s 59th Street and has been designed to reflectthe feel of the brand’s London flagship on Dover...

Design

Whistles to focus on international growth

Jane Shepherdson, chief executive at women's wear retailer Whistles has revealed plans to open more than 30 stores overseas during the next 5 years. She hinted that a possible IPO or private stock sale may occur sometime in the near future to fund the brands store expansion during an interview with the Telegraph, in which she backed calls by...

Design

Whistles debuts menswears line

In an ongoing scheme to expand the brands presence, Whistles has unveiled the addition of a menswear collection for Autumn/Winter 2014. After making its debut at London Fashion week in February, announcing a new luxury line and introducing stores in China and Hong Kong for the first time, it seems to be that Whistles is on the up and go. Jane...

Design

Whistles opens new Mayfair flagship

Women's fashion retailer Whistles has opened a new flagship store in London's Mayfair as it looks to grow its retail store network. Situated in the now retail popular, Dover Street, the flagship is based over two floors offering the Limited Edition range, main accessories and key pieces from the main line. The store has the feel of a modern art...

Fashion

What Jane did next

Jane Shepherdson, Topshop's former brand director, is launching a venture capital fund for young designers. The Fashion Enterprise Fund is a joint venture with Jaeger owner Harold Tillman. The fund will split profits between designers, investors and the London College of Fashion. Originally, the LFC had set up the Centre for Fashion Enterprise -...