Calling all women makers in gifts! A John Lewis campaign, which launched earlier this week ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, is inviting makers – designers, producers and emerging women-led brands – to join ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ and have their products stocked for Christmas. It’s an incredible opportunity and one not to be missed!
Changing its name to reflect the new campaign on social media (until 10th March), ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ is a platform for women to share their talents, stories and ideas with buyers, as the brand searches for more makers.
Any brand can put themselves forward with details on how to apply on the International Women’s Day hub. Shortlisted businesses will move through to a second pitch-style round before the final line up is chosen. Finalists will have the opportunity to become a stockist in John Lewis stores this Christmas.
The retailer has also developed an iconic collage that reflects the brilliant makers of the past, present and future – from the late Sarah Lewis (John Lewis’ wife) and Barbara Hepworth, to present day icons Charlotte Tilbury and Emma Bridgewater – all of whom are part of the fabric of John Lewis, say the company.
“For 160 years, women creators and makers have been at the heart of John Lewis – from era defining designers to our incredible Partners,” states Charlotte Lock, customer director for the John Lewis Partnership. “We’re still partnering with incredible makers and are looking for the next generation by inviting talented female business owners to come and help us shape the future of the John Lewis brand.”
Continues Charlotte: “Our collage to mark International Women’s Day celebrates everything our women collaborators – past and present – have achieved. The bold, striking colours of the campaign reflect the strength, energy and boldness which is central to the John Lewis brand.”
To raise awareness of International Women’s Day, an exclusive live artist installation will be visible through the windows of the John Lewis Oxford Streetstore in the morning and Peter Jones in Sloane Square in the afternoon of Friday 8 March.
Female artist, Nephthys Foster, of the Instagram Nephthys Illustrated, will create two pieces of original works which can be observed through the windows of the iconic stores, expressing her interpretation of what being a woman means.
John Lewis stores will also celebrate International Women’s Day with live events, experiences, offers and treats for customers shopping on the day. These include DJ sets and performances from famous female talent such as Charlie Hedges (Oxford Circus), Gemma Cairney (Liverpool), and more.
To further the Partnership’s commitment to supporting the next generation of women, John Lewis is also proud to be supporting The Prince’s Trust’s #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign, which raises vital funds to support young women to build better futures for themselves through employment, education or starting their own businesses, The company be offering £25 off Women’s Fashion Rental from 4-10 March, (minimum spend £45), with donations going to provide vital support to help rebuild lost confidence for the women and bring hope for a brighter future.
The women featured in the ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ campaign are:
- Barbara Hepworth, Hepworth designed ‘Winged Figure’ which adorns the entrance to John Lewis Oxford Street.
- Charlotte Tilbury, one of the UK’s most famous makeup industry exports and founder of the eponymous beauty brand.
- Charlotta Elgh, partner and director of design for John Lewis home.
- Debora Blyth, London based jewellery designer and founder of jewellery brand Deborah Blyth.
- Depali Goenka, ceo of Welspun India. She is a leading advocate for women in the workplace and supporting charities which support women.
- Yvonne Telford, founder of fashion brand Kemi Telford.
- Emma Bridgewater, founder of British interiors brand Emma Bridgewater.
- Laura Ashley, founder of British interiors and fashion brand Laura Ashley.
- Lucienne Day, one the Partnership’s design consultants alongside her husband Robin. She set up John Lewis’ own first house style as well as supplying textile designs for many years.
- Nadia Hassan, deputy branch manager at John Lewis Oxford Street.
- Nicola Elliott, founder of British beauty brand Neom.
- Orielle Frank, co-founder of British beauty brand Elemis.
- Queralt Ferrer, partner and director of design for John Lewis fashion.
- Sarah Beatrice Mary Lewis, partner and wife of the founder John Spedan Lewis and deputy chairman between 1924 and 1951.
- Tracey Alcock, partner and general manager of Herbert Parkinson, the Partnership’s textile factory, based in Darwen, Lancashire.
