Leading fashion light to give talk in Edinburgh

A leading figure in high street fashion retail comes to Smart Works Edinburgh next month to share her remarkable career story.

As former brand director of Topshop and then CEO of Whistles, Jane Shepherdson CBE has been lauded as the inspirational figure who took fashion from the catwalks and made it accessible for the everyday consumer.

Jane is a national patron of Smart Works, the charity which helps unemployed and vulnerable women get back into work by providing interview clothing and interview training, allowing them to look and feel their best at a crucial moment in their lives. Over one in two women Smart Works sees will go on to get the job within a month of their interview.

For the first time in Scotland, Jane will share her candid insights in conversation with Jennifer Crichton-Gibson, editor of Hood magazine, at an event held by Smart Works Edinburgh, in partnership with RSM, on 8 May at Contini George Street.

Jane said: ‘It’s an honour to have the opportunity to share my story, for the first time, in Edinburgh, and help the local centre of Smart Works, a charity which is very close to my heart, to support more women into employment. I’m very much looking forward to an evening of conversation, warmth and fun, and meeting supporters from the city and beyond.’

Maggie Darling, acting chair, Smart Works Edinburgh, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Jane who changed the face of fashion, and who understands how Smart Works has helped transform lives.’

Claire Monaghan, partner at RSM, said: ‘Improving diversity in all businesses is key to bringing different viewpoints and ideas to the table – helping to drive business performance whilst enriching the lives of individuals. This is what Smart Works strives to do, and we are proud to be supporting the valued work that they do at the Jane Shepherdson event.’

Guests can enjoy pop-up shopping and fun experiences from le tee Paris, Park Lane Jewellery, Life With Style and Grace Chocolates, together with hospitality by the Contini team.

All proceeds from the night will go towards supporting Smart Works Edinburgh in its mission to help as many women who need it with its service.

Tickets cost £32, plus booking fee, and can be purchased HERE.

Jane is a leading figure in fashion retail, having been CEO of Whistles and, before that, brand director at Topshop. Jane is also creative advisor to Oxfam and a patron of the Almeida Theatre in North London. Jane is involved in the promotion and support of young designers through the London College of Fashion’s Centre of Fashion Enterprise, and she helped to promote Fair Trade fashion to a wider audience as a Board member of People Tree until 2013.

Jane was awarded and CBE in 2006 for services to fashion retail

Smart Works provides interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to unemployed women. It gives them the confidence, self-belief and practical tools required to succeed at interview and transform their lives

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