Exclusive Interveiw

ASOS Design Director Jacqui Markham flew into Sydney for her first visit to Australia recently  to show a glimpse of what we can expect hitting the ever popular website ASOS in the coming months. ASOS is a bookmark on most computers, with every girl and guy a regular on this giant online megastore. At an intimate blogger's breakfast held at Paramount House in Surry Hills I got to speak exclusively with Jacqui along with view new season delights. 

Jacqui joined ASOS earlier this year and has a career in design spanning 20 years. She began at Oasis and moved to Karen Millen, before joining Topshop in 1997. During the 14 years she spent at Topshop, she was influential in helping shape the success of the brand, by building a globally recognisable identity through strong design. Now at ASOS, her role has been instrumental in driving new creative projects and collaborations which support design talent worldwide. Jacqui continues to build a strong brand identity for the brand, by increasing the depth and diversity of the fashion offering to twenty-something's globally.

You have an extremely impressive resumé; can you give us a quick rundown on your background?

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 this year.

Since being with ASOS, your role has been instrumental in driving new creative collaborations, which support design talent worldwide. Can you tell us about some of projects?

One of those projects is the Marios Schwab KALLISTI lingerie collection for ASOS Inc. This is the second collaborative collection we have done with the London designer. ASOS Inc is a support scheme that enables emerging and established designers to introduce new product lines, which I feel is really important. The 23-piece collection will be available on site in November and features beautifully embroidered lace and mesh styles, with highlights of pink and teal.

What are five key pieces we need to incorporate into our wardrobe this season?

A slip dress, unstructured lightweight mac, skater shorts / culottes, a matching coordinate and a pair of sliders.

What do you expect to be a major trend and a must-have item for summer?

90s minimal sports luxe. Your must-have item: the slip/cami dress.

Where does your inspiration come from, in order to create such strong designs?

I draw inspiration from everywhere I look and the things I see and hear – music, street style, blogs, exhibitions. There’s so much information all around us.

How do you see style in general evolving for next summer?

The season will be more about techniques and interesting fabrications, as well as solid and sheers. The key decade to reference will definitely be the nineties.

Nikki xox 

Shop some of my favourite things that have just landed at ASOS now...