Lowell Harder is returning to Radley, the brand she created in 1998. Harder’s been appointed Radley’s non-executive director and consultant. These are vital roles as the British fashion house looks to reposition itself as a more upmarket brand.
Harder’s reappointment follows the return of the British label’s former chief executive Roger Best last month. He emerged from retirement to take on the positions of chairman and interim chief executive.
Best said he was excited to see Harder return, as “she has a knowledge of the brand and leather and handbags that is second to none. She and I both wanted to come back and get Radley back in the right direction.“
While the reappointments of some of Radley’s pioneers seem like a return to the label’s roots, the company is quick to point out that it’s looking to the future. It’s pulling its collection from Debenhams stores from this fall, and instead focusing on high end stores like House of Fraser and John Lewis, premium independent boutiques, and its own outlets.
Do you think Radley’s taking the right steps to reintroduce some of its key figures, or do you think Best and Harder will keep the British label stuck in the past?
