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UK luxury fashion and beauty retailer Harvey Nichols has announced the appointment of Kate Phelan to the newly created role of creative director, with immediate effect.
Phelan, one of Britain’s “most esteemed” stylists, is regarded as a “pivotal” figure in the modern British fashion scene.
She began her career at British Vogue in 1984, where she worked as fashion assistant for three years before moving on to become senior fashion editor at Marie Claire. She then returned to work at British Vogue as co-creative director for 18 years.
From 2011 to 2017, she became creative director at Topshop, where her years of experience in the fashion industry “brought a fresh take and innovative approach to the high street retailer”.
She then returned to British Vogue in 2013 in a part time role, balancing her responsibilities between both influential platforms.
Phelan has created some of the “most memorable” fashion images for British Vogue over 25 years, working with many influential photographers and creatives.
As part of her new role, Phelan will be responsible for Harvey Nichols’ brand campaigns, as well as elevating the visual identity of the brand and its creative propositions. She will report directly to Julia Goddard.
Phelan will continue her freelance editorial and commercial styling collaborations alongside her new role.
Julia Goddard, chief executive officer of Harvey Nichols, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kate as our new creative director. Kate’s esteemed career in the fashion industry has been captivating, and her expertise will strengthen the leadership team at Harvey Nichols.
“Her renowned experience will be instrumental in driving Harvey Nichols forward to establish itself as the go to brand for well curated luxury fashion, delivering quality growth and successfully celebrating our brand’s unique DNA. I am very excited to see her creativity and vision come to life.”
Phelan added: “I am thrilled to be joining Harvey Nichols as creative director. This is an exciting time in retail with many new opportunities to use the channels we have available to tell stories. Harvey Nichols has a wonderful history, and I very much look forward to working alongside Julia and the Harvey Nichols team in delivering a new energy and vision for the brand.”
