BWA Chats To: Jacqui Markham, ASOS

We chat to Jacqui Markham, Womenswear Design Director for ASOS…dream job right? We chat to her about her career, style and her favourite fashion moment which includes Kate Moss and a helicopter.

Could you give us a rundown on your career journey thus far?

My career began 20 years ago, when I started at Oasis in Design. I then moved to Karen Millen and joined Topshop in 1997. I was at Topshop for 14 years before becoming Design Director, working on various product areas like casual, formal, outerwear, jersey as well as the Kate Moss at Topshop collaboration. I joined the team at ASOS in March of this year.

What advice would you give to young women looking to begin their career?

If you’re looking to work with a company like ASOS, then you have to love the reactiveness of working in fast fashion. Trends are constantly changing and evolving, so you have to react to that.

Career highlights?

My favourite highlight so far has been getting a helicopter with Kate Moss to go vintage shopping. That’ll be pretty hard to beat!

What is a typical day like for you at ASOS HQ?

The best part about my job is that I don’t have a typical day. I could be reviewing collections one day, or working with a stylist on a look book the next. The ever-shifting picture is what it’s all about.

What key trends should our readers watch out for to add to their closets this summer?

Pastels, cami dresses, the statement skirt and matching coordinates.

What inspires you?

The world around me I find a constant source of inspiration. Whenever I walk out on the street and see what people are wearing; the blogs I read, the music I listen to, the exhibitions I see, the celebrities I meet.

Key pieces in your wardrobe?

Right now, it’s all about the skirt with varied silhouettes and textures. So my key pieces at the moment are a statement skirt paired with a grey marle shirt – which is a look you can wear to work or out afterwards.

Finally, if you could have breakfast with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d have breakfast with Dolly Parton. I love her and I think she would set you up for a fantastic day.

6 Comments

  • Reply vikki18 Tuesday 17th December, 2013 at 10:39 am

    <3

  • judi1
    Reply judi1 Monday 16th December, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    Would love to go on a helicopter ride!

  • Reply amanda6393 Monday 16th December, 2013 at 9:10 am

    Smart woman.

  • Reply The Best Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog Posts – Link Love Vol. 9 | The Plastic Diaries Beauty Blog Saturday 14th December, 2013 at 6:00 am

    […] to know Womenswear Design Director for ASOS, Jacqui Markham, at Breakfast With […]

  • Reply yslyenom Friday 13th December, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    Thanks for the interview.

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