Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) recognises and honours the economic, cultural and political achievements of women whilst helping to inspire a more inclusive future for all genders the world over.
Celebrated on 8 March this year, John Lewis paid tribute to the women of its past, present and future, whilst launching a unique competition inviting entrepreneurs and founders to join ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ in its bid to foster, empower and champion even more female-led businesses for 2024 and beyond.
Take our poll:
Changing its logo to ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ on social media between 4 and 10 March, women were invited to share their talents, stories and ideas with buyers, as the brand searched for more ‘makers’. Any female-founded brand could put itself forward via John Lewis’ International Women’s Day hub.
“For 160 years, women creators and makers have been at the heart of John Lewis. 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.”
After submitting an initial application with details of their range, how long the brand has been going, its UK location and supply chain processes, shortlisted business owners will move through to a second pitch-style round before the final line up is chosen by John Lewis buyers, with finalists winning the opportunity to become a stockist in John Lewis stores for Christmas.
Customers also enjoyed live events, experiences and offers in John Lewis stores across the UK. Women of John Lewis’ 160 year past, present and future were celebrated with a bold new colourful collage, featuring the late Sarah Lewis (John Lewis’ wife), artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, Charlotte Tilbury, Laura Ashley, Emma Bridgewater, and many more.
Created to celebrate the trailblazers who form the fabric of the iconic British retailer, Charlotte Lock told HELLO! Fashion: “The bold, striking colours of the campaign reflect the strength, energy and boldness which is central to the John Lewis brand.”
Every woman featured in the John Lewis IWD collage:
- Barbara Hepworth, artist and sculptor
- Charlotte Tilbury, makeup artist and Founder of beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury
- Charlotta Elgh, Partner and Director of Design for John Lewis home
- Debora Blyth, Founder of jewellery brand Deborah Blyth
- Depali Goenka, CEO of Welspun India
- Yvonne Telford, Founder of fashion brand Kemi Telford
- Emma Bridgewater, Founder of homeware brand Emma Bridgewater
- Laura Ashley, Founder of interiors and fashion brand Laura Ashley
- Lucienne Day, Design Consultant for the John Lewis Partnership
- Nadia Hassan, Deputy Branch Manager at John Lewis Oxford Street
- Nicola Elliott, Founder of wellbeing brand Neom
- Queralt Ferrer, Partner and Director of Design at John Lewis fashion
- Sarah Beatrice Mary Lewis, Partner and wife of Founder John Spedan Lewis and Deputy Chairman 1924 - 1951
- Tracey Alcock, Partner and General Manager of Herbert Parkinson, the Partnership’s textile factory
A live artist installation by Nephthys Foster of @NephthysIllustrated decorated the windows of the John Lewis Oxford Street store and Peter Jones, Sloane Square.
The British Filipino illustrator, known for her quirky and colourful designs, created two original pieces of work expressing her interpretation of what being a woman means.
Shoppers also enjoyed in-store DJ sets from Charlie Hedges (Oxford Circus) and Gemma Cairney (Liverpool) as the store celebrated female talent and performers.
For more information on John Lewis' IWD activities, visit the hub.