Platform 51

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Categories: Woman of the week
Friday, 2 March 2012
Woman of the week - Mary Portas

Queen of re-structuring fashion stores and much much more!

Platform 51's woman of the week - on the eve of the week that International Women's Day kicks off - is Mary Portas, known for her highly influential position as regards all things retail and branding. This is not, however, all she is known for - she also writes a column - Shop! - in the Telegraph magazine and has presented several recent documentaries about the retail industry and her role in it.

Mary Portas is very definitely an inspiration. From her first Saturday job in John Lewis, to revolutionising Harvey Nichols into a modern fashion brand - Mary was noticed early on for having a talent. She rapidly became known for her eye-catching window displays, some of which were regarded as pieces of art and tourist attractions in London, such as Autumn Intrusion.

Soon however, she was moving on and launching her own business - Yellowdoor - a retail and brand strategy agency that advises huge businesses such as Louis Vuitton.

Mary has soared to success and is now acknowledged as an expert in brand communication. But her proficiency in the field of strategy and marketing are not limited to clothes - as part of the BBC's 'Mary Queen of Shops' documentary, Mary worked her extraordinary magic with independent shops including a bakery and grocer!

Mary's drive is highlighted in her recent simultaneous launch of two business ventures- a television series Mary Queen of Frocks (which is still available to watch on 4OD!), and her own shop, selling her own merchandise in London's House Of Fraser where she hopes to provide 'women - not girls' affordable high-street fashion. This desire and ability to design comes as no surprise following her 2011 very successful shoe range for Clarks.

Recently she was commissioned by the coalition government to lead an independent review into the success and failings of Britain's high streets - to which David Cameron's response will be made public in the next coming months. Check out this video here to hear what David Cameron has to say about Mary.

Hard working, talented and vibrant with a sharp fashion sense of her own including her signature flame-coloured haircut - Platform 51 think that Mary Portas deserves all the credit she receives. We love that this energetic woman has not been dwarfed by her own success and repeatedly provides innovative ideas that keeps the retail industry thriving: quite necessary in this current economic climate. Hats off to Mary!