INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY – WOMEN OF JOHN SMEDLEY
In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, we sat down and chatted with some of the amazing women that work at John Smedley. They talk about their love of the brand, the importance of International Women’s Day and some of the women who have inspired them the most.
Charlotte Briddon – PA to the Directors
Tell us about your role at John Smedley and what you love most about the brand.
I’m PA to the Directors and have worked at John Smedley for almost 12 years. Every day is different working at John Smedley. One day I can be organising cars and another visits from VIPs like HM Queen Elizabeth II. I love the variety in my job, and I take pride in contributing to a company that creates exceptional products. It's satisfying to turn on the TV and spot celebrities, movie stars, and sports personalities donning garments crafted by my colleagues here in Derbyshire.
Talk us through your favourite John Smedley piece and how you would style and wear it.
My favourite John Smedley pieces are the classic roll necks, they look so elegant and great worn under dresses or on their own with jeans or a skirt. I have a picture of Marilyn Monroe wearing one of our classic black roll necks, the picture is iconic just like the top she is wearing. At the minute I love the Fairlie which is a cashmere roll neck and a bit thicker for the winter season.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a chance to reflect on the strong women around me. Having a predominantly female family (my mum had 7 sisters), I can observe the progression of greater equality among female family members across generations. Although in an ideal world there would be no such thing as IWD and gender equality and recognition of women’s achievements would be celebrated every day.
Which women inspire you the most?
First and foremost, my mum - she was a strong, formidable, stoic woman with impeccable taste. After that there’s too many to mention. I recall attending a Q&A with Vivienne Westwood discussing a film named "How to Change the World: The Birth of the Modern Eco Movement," centred around whale hunting. She was an inspiring woman, utilising her platform for a meaningful purpose.
Chloe Lewis – Head of Sustainable Design
Tell us about your role at John Smedley and what you love most about the brand.
As Head of Sustainable Design at John Smedley I am lucky to be involved in so many areas of the business – from sourcing the finest yarns and components to working with our programming team on fabric & stitch development and our garment techs to establish the best fit. Designing knitwear is effectively engineering a garment – we start with a cone or two of yarn and use that to create the exact shape, structure and handle we want. Working on site with our production operatives I am very involved in the detail and process behind our garments, and a huge part of my time is spent making sure our designs are suitable for manufacture without compromising on style. It is incredibly rare in the fashion industry for the design team to be so connected to the production process, and this is one of the many things I love about the brand. It is fantastic to be able to work in an industry I love, but for a company which also prioritises quality and responsibility in all things.
Talk us through your favourite John Smedley piece and how you would style and wear it.
I love the Corey jumper in our extra fine Merino - the all over rib structure is super flattering and makes it a really flexible piece that is fitted without being tight or clingy. For me it’s great tucked into high waisted trousers or a pleated skirt, but it also makes a perfect base layer in cold weather.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me International Women’s Day is such a positive way to honour and amplify the many talents and achievements of women – while I would hope to celebrate this year-round there is something in the power and concentration of celebrating this in one day that is incredibly inspiring.
Which women inspire you the most?
I’m lucky at John Smedley to work in a team of creative and driven women, and I’m very proud to see what together we are able to achieve.
Anna Triffo – Store Manager, Jermyn Street
Tell us about your role at John Smedley and what you love most about the brand.
I work as the Manager of our Jermyn Street boutique. I love the fact that the styles never change. Nowadays, where fast fashion is replacing quality, you can always rely on John Smedley designs. Also, the care and love that goes into each garment is outstanding. Generations of families have worked for us, making sure we really are the best in what we do! After working for many other luxury retailers, I am happy to say, John Smedley really works on making the world better, one sweater at a time.
Talk us through your favourite John Smedley piece and how you would style and wear it.
That would have to be a white Cassandra. Each season I get one as I wear it almost daily. It is a timeless classic that can be worn in so many ways! But my favourite would be with dark denim and fabulous heels.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I am Polish and from my childhood days I can remember every man carrying a Gerbera flower on this day. Every woman and girl gets one of these on 8th of March, no matter the age. For a little girl it was a special day. Nowadays we celebrate women and our accomplishments, but as a child, it was a flower day for me.
Which women inspire you the most?
“There is no limit to what we, women can accomplish” Michelle Obama.
Eleanor Watkiss – Buying and Merchandising Manager
Tell us about your role at John Smedley and what you love most about the brand.
I’m the Buying and Merchandising Manager for John Smedley, responsible for the selection of products for our website and retail stores as well as trading these areas of the business. What sets John Smedley apart is the quality of our products which are still manufactured here at our factory in Derbyshire. Working here, you witness just how much care and dedication goes into crafting our products.
Talk us through your favourite John Smedley piece and how you would style and wear it.
The piece I have chosen is one of our latest season products Romie. As a buyer I’m always excited to see how our designs evolve each season while still having a classic feel that make our products timeless. I’ve styled it with jeans and boots today, however you could also pair it with some smarter trousers, making the outfit perfect for the office.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a day to celebrate the historical and on-going achievements of women. It’s a reminder of the progress that has been made towards women’s equality, and reminds us to continue to uplift, motivate and support each other towards our achievements.
Which women inspire you the most?
Throughout my career I have worked with many inspiring women who have been in management and leadership positions. Seeing their dedication, hard work, and ability to earn respect whilst empowering others has been really motivating.
