Pendleton Woolen Mills names women’s director

American lifestyle company, Pendleton Woolen Mills, has promoted Gretchen

Jones to womenswear design director. In her new role, Jones will be responsible for the “vision, style direction, and product design” for all of Pendleton's branded women's apparel.

"Gretchen's fashion experience and background offer Pendleton a unique opportunity," said Peter Bishop, VP merchandising women's apparel. "Through her variety of roles in the fashion industry and as an innovator, Gretchen brings both an inspired point of view and a strong, business acumen to the position. We congratulate Gretchen on her new role and look forward to her leadership in expanding the appeal of the Pendleton Women's brand. "

The Pendleton Collection will mark Jones’ first collection as womenswear design director and it will include a contemporary assortment of new fabrics and patterns designed by Jones, with the woollen components being woven in Pendleton's own Northwest mills. Her first collection will launch in January 2015 for the autumn/winter season.

Jones began her career with Pendleton in September 2013, charged with the responsibility of creating a new line of contemporary women's clothing. Prior to that she served as the creative director for two of her own labels, MothLove and Gretchen Jones NYC and as a freelance designer in a number of categories, including fashion, footwear, jewellery and leather accessories. She is also a past winner of Project Runway in 2010 and was inductee in GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion in 2012.