Erdem’s CEO on how to thrive as an independent fashion brand

It’s a challenging time to be an independent fashion brand, especially in the UK where Brexit has taken a heavy toll. A number of buzzy London-based brands that were on a promising trajectory a decade ago have since been shuttered, while the collapse of Matches continues to reverberate.

Among the success stories is British independent fashion brand Erdem, which celebrates its 20th year in 2025 and is fresh from opening its first store outside of the UK, in Seoul. Working side by side with the brand’s founder Erdem Moralıoğlu to drive its growth strategy, is Philippa Nixon, who joined as its first-ever CEO five years ago. A luxury leader who’s built her experience from the shop floor up at brands including Chloé, Fendi and Louis Vuitton, Nixon is well versed in all things retail, wholesale and e-commerce.