After less than a year as its creative director, Lucille Lewin has parted company with Liberty. Lewin, who founded womenswear chain Whistles in 1976, was appointed last October to bring consistency to Liberty's product and an improved understanding of the store's customers.

The role was created specifically for her and the company does not plan to fill it in the short-term. Lewin's immediate plans are uncertain and she declined to comment on the circumstances of her departure.