Whistles recruits ex-Topshop design chief, while M&S, Uniqlo and Cos thrive with women in top creative roles

The health of the British high street is a much-discussed topic in fashion. The latest secret weapon set to resuscitate the sector? A wave of female designers at much-loved brands.

Jacqui Markham, previously the design director at Topshop and Asos, was named the new creative director at Whistles last week. She joins Maddy Evans, promoted to director of womenswear at Marks & Spencer this year, and Clare Waight Keller, the former Givenchy designer who joined Uniqlo last year. Meanwhile, Cos, the fashion insiders’ current favourite, has had Karin Gustafsson at the design helm since the brand began in 2006.