Jane Shepherdson

Chief Executive at Whistles, Jane Shepherdson is the figurehead of our brand. Originally from Bristol, she studied in London and worked as Brand Director at Topshop. With an uncanny ability to know what women want to wear, she has been working her magic at Whistles since 2008. Here, we find out a bit more about her world. Can you describe what you do at Whistles? The most important part of my role is to establish the direction, the aesthetic, and what the brand stands for. What would you say the Whistles aesthetic is, then? Is that quite a modern way of dressing? They’re pieces women can slot into their wardrobe… Yes, that’s important – but we also want to provide solutions. Have you seen women wearing Whistles on the street? Is it inspiring when you see real women wearing it? How else do you keep up with what women want out of their clothes? So you could be in a Whistles store and be served by Jane Shepherdson? Is there anyone you have in mind when thinking about the Whistles woman?

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CEO Talk | Jane Shepherdson, Chief Executive Officer, Whistles | CEO Talk LONDON, United Kingdom — Perhaps it’s not surprising that, in her spare time, Jane Shepherdson does flying trapeze in Hoxton, smack in the heart of achingly hip East London. Right from her earliest days in the fashion industry, Shepherdson has been known for taking risks and having her finger on the pulse of what’s cool. After getting her start as an assistant buyer at Topshop, back in 1984, Shepherdson spent twenty years working her way up the ladder to become Topshop’s brand director, effectively overseeing the retail, product, finance, HR and property departments of a company that, under her leadership, was transformed into a globally recognised brand, emblematic of the dynamic nature of British high street fashion. But in 2006, one week after Topshop boss Sir Phillip Green announced a now-defunct fashion collaboration with Kate Moss, Shepherdson abruptly resigned. Shepherdson’s next move was closely watched. BoF: Let’s start with the results. JS: The results are good. BoF: Really?

Jane Shepherdson at Whistles: peep-peep show BY Sally Williams | 13 September 2008 The fashion chain Whistles seemed to have run out of puff, but with Jane Shepherdson - the woman who breathed fresh life into Topshop as its brand director - it is dancing to a lively new tune, says Sally Williams. Fashion by Clare Richardson Last time I met Jane Shepherdson , 45, she was the queen bee of Topshop, sitting in an enormous office surrounded by assistants of daunting youth and beauty. Shepherdson's departure caused widespread speculation. What next? Set up by Lucille Lewin in 1976, Whistles was venerated in the 1980s for its stylish own-label collection, not to mention the next-big-fashion-things that it stocked (Lewin practically discovered Dries Van Noten). Topshop has 227 outlets in the Britain alone and is feted by fashionistas. It is classic, but with a savvy nod to fashion and those new silhouettes anointed by the catwalk: lampshade skirts, high-waisted peg trousers.

Whistles conquers the 'middle market' of British womenswear | Fashion While Marks & Spencer announced a 6.8% drop of general sales last month, another corner of the British high street has been quietly flourishing. Whistles, the clothing brand set up by Lucille Lewin in the 1980s, announced this week that it had bought back the majority of its shares from the Icelandic government, a move which has underlined its growing strength. Whistles, which has been independent since parting ways with the retail group Mosaic in 2008, has gone from strength to strength despite a tough economic climate. This success is largely due to Jane Shepherdson, the influential retail visionary who became chief executive at Whistles, after eight years as brand director at Topshop, in 2008. Since then, the clothes have gradually gained a recognisable slickness. New ranges have also been introduced, first footwear, and now Limited, a collection of luxury pieces which hits stores in early September 2012.

Stutterheim x Whistles Stutterheim for Whistles: Collaboration Stutterheim raincoats are renowned for quality. This collaboration combines Swedish craftsmanship with contemporary British design. Pieces are refined and functional, designed for both men and women. Strictly anti-mass production, this is Stutterheim's first collaboration with a clothing brand. Alexander Stutterheim started the brand after discovering his grandfather’s old raincoat in an abandoned barn.

Ways to wear: wide leg trousers | Whistles A wide, billowing trouser silhouette is set to infiltrate and update our wardrobes this season. Our Nao Wide Leg Trousers in classic black are a great, easily adapted option. Update your work wear repertoire by matching our black Linen Blend Blazer. Androgynous looks stray ever closer to menswear this season so double up on the masculine vibes with a pair of inky black chunky-sole flats. For the weekend, look to the bottom-heavy tailoring favoured by David Bowie during his Young Americans period in the mid-1970s. For evening, add an element of clean luxe with our Yukiko Chiffon Tunic. Shop Nao Wide Leg Trouser