Christy appoints new design director

Christy, a British retailer known for its premium bed linen, towels and home accessories, has announce the appointment of Claire Hester as director of design, merchandising and sourcing.

Claire’s experience spans several significant roles in the fashion and lifestyle industry, including with Ralph Lauren, Loaf and The White Company. During her time at both Loaf and The White Company, she introduced and established new core ranges and capsule collections, growing each brand's market reach and influence.

Claire was thrilled to be offered the opportunity at Christy, as her grandfather worked in the mills of Manchester, where the first towels were created under Henry Christy’s leadership.

In her new role, Claire is keen to lead new innovations, and is committed to aligning Christy's product development with current market trends and consumer demands. She envisions collaborations with guest designers to bring fresh and new perspectives to the brand's product range.

With a background in sustainable design, Claire plans to launch innovative products made from broken yarn and surplus stock to ensure nothing goes to waste, echoing Christy’s commitment to social and environmental responsibilities in creating a sustainable future.

She says: “Joining Christy is a remarkable opportunity, given the brand’s rich heritage and my personal connection to it. This role allows me to bring my unique approach to design and sustainability to the forefront. Being part of Christy's growth strategy and rebrand is a career milestone I have always aspired to achieve.”

Vanshika Goenka Misra, CEO of Christy, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome Claire Hester to the Christy family. Her extensive experience and passion for sustainability and innovation align perfectly with our brand values. Claire’s deep connection to Christy’s heritage and visionary approach make her the ideal leader to drive our brand forward. We are confident that, under her guidance, Christy will continue to create beautiful, high-quality products that resonate with our customers.”