W DEPARTMENT Featured in GQ

In a recent feature on Margaret Howell, GQ explores some of the brand’s most unconventional and unique retailers. Christopher Webster talks about how W Department first started working with Margaret Howell and how Santa Fe is a perfect fit for the understated quality and style that the brand is known for.

“Two thousand miles west in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is another independent venture that’s spreading the Howell gospel. The town of under 90,000 is home to W Department, an offshoot of the Webster Collection gallery. Visually, it couldn’t be more different to Plain Goods and New Preston; the store sits in a Pueblo-style plaza that’s full of smooth camel lines and year-round sunshine. But spiritually, there’s a common thread. “Santa Fe is a town centred around the arts,” says Christopher Webster. “Outside New York and LA, there’s more art sold here than anywhere else in the US. It’s a very unique town. We have a lot of galleries, and a lot of museums.” And the shop’s customers? “A lot of gallerists, designers, artists and architects live here – Margaret Howell really does speak to someone who lives in a global conversation with design and art.” So, the label has landed in a small town that’s full of its people. And despite Margaret Howell posting a turnover of £18.23m last year, Webster’s store is one of very few places to actually sell the brand in the American West.”

Read the full feature on GQ