Fiona Lambert joined Marks & Spencer as Jaeger’s Managing Director on February 22nd, 2021.
Leading the repositioning of Jaeger as an independent brand within the M&S Family, Fiona’s objective is to develop a unique contemporary handwriting, and reinvigorate Jaeger’s heritage into a compelling and inspiring omni-channel British brand.
With vast experience in defining and transforming brands, Lambert’s previous roles include the launch of George at ASDA – and its revival further down the line – along with the creation of its Home brand from scratch, from the product and packaging to the customer profile. Other notable industry experience includes her time at Next, Dunelm and River Island.
Fiona is also a proud Ambassador of Retail Week’s ‘Be Inspired’ Campaign, breaking down barriers and driving inclusivity in retail.
We caught up with Fiona for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
With a long career in Leicestershire, I still like to support my local community of little shops, restaurants and beauticians in Stoneygate, Leicester. One of the side effects of lockdown was our world shrank. I’ve always stayed local, but the sense of community and belonging grew even stronger. I love that their services are so edited and curated, and there’s a smiling, friendly face who knows you personally.
Favourite place for brunch:
Delamina Marylebone – the most delicious Lebanese food, every mouthful has a twist and a warm friendly atmosphere.
Best coffee in London:
Maybe as it’s on my walk to work and when I most need it, but Souli on George Street does it for me.
Favourite gallery or museum:
It has to be the V&A. It serves as s a reminder that courage and flair in design and style is key. Fashion will always need to change, to adapt, but it will always have an important part to play in society, indeed it can sometimes be an important part of the change.
Tell us a secret:
I may be Moira Rose’s twin separated at birth (I hope you have all watched Schitt’s Creek!) as I own a broad selection of wigs (collected over many years from throwing myself whole heartedly into fancy dress parties.)
Favourite place to shop:
Florence. It’s just so unique, chic but with personality. From couture designers, to the vintage shops, to the independent boutiques you can’t find anywhere else (and there’s always a fabulous bar or restaurant to revive oneself and go again!)
Favourite place to find inspiration:
With a love of prints and textiles, wherever I travel, I search out inspiration! Whether it’s old Italian mills which have libraries of old textiles and prints, Indian markets with handcrafted swatches, Sri Lankan hand-blocked fabrics, or vintage markets in Paris or London with intricate lace patterns.
Best London destination for a date:
Wandering around the buzz of Soho, with a ticket to the little, intimate Leicester Square Theatre where big comedians do their warm-up gigs. Exhilarating!
Favourite park:
Bradgate Park in Leicestershire – rolling hills awash with different colours in the seasons, roaming deer, staggering rock formations and a bit of Tudor History as home to Lady Jane Grey.
Favourite food market:
Leicester Fish Market – I love cooking, and I love seafood so this place is heaven for me for freshness and choice.
Your sanctuary in the city:
An early morning run in the summer around Regents Park before the crowds descend, with great classical music, low sunlight twinkling off the water, stunning, vibrant foliage and blossom, a stately heron watching over a tumble of ducklings racing to the water’s edge… less than a few hundred meters from the metropolis but it feels miles away.
What inspires you?
People! So much of our role in the fashion industry is about anticipating what the customer wants before they know they want it. Talking to friends, to customers, people watching, reading reviews of product… using all of this to create something people will love is what gives me a buzz.
This season I’m loving…
Of course I am going to say the new Jaeger collection! It has been a joy to start to look at the Jaeger archives for inspiration, and our coats that come from our heritage collection are my favourites.
