*images via Vogue, WhoWhatWear, OnceWed, W Magazine, The Guardian
Happy International Women’s Day! As today is all about celebrating the awesome-ness and achievements of incredible women all over the world, I thought I’d do my little bit to pay tribute to some inspiring women in the fashion world.
Despite the connotations of fashion being a women’s game, the design industry is still largely male dominated particularly when it comes to the top positions in world famous fashion houses. Think about it Chanel, Valentino, Elie Saab, Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang etc. are all huge labels and all fronted by men. But us women are there and in some cases we’re kicking some serious butt.
It was pretty tough to choose, but this is my own personal list of my top five favourite female fashion designers, based on personal preference of the artistry behind their collections as well as the business acumen behind their labels.
Sarah Burton (Alexander McQueen)
Burton took over from, arguably, one of the greatest British fashion designers in history, when Lee Alexander McQueen passed away in 2010. Having worked closely with the late designer since 1997 she present her debut collection for the label in 2010. And after that wedding dress, Burton and the label have been catapulted further into the heights of sartorial greatness.
Signature style: A chip of Lee McQueen’s block, Sarah hasn’t been afraid of straying into the darker themes in her collections since she took over the label. Some comment the fact that she steers clear of controversy (unlike her predecessor), personally I feel Burton focuses more on the architecture and the artistry of the couture she produces.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen (The Row, Elizabeth & James)
The girls have been powerhouses in the fashion world since their early teens, but fast forward a few decades and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have since built up quite the enviable fashion empire. Since founding The Row in 2006 and Elizabeth & James in 2007, the Olsen’s have earned themselves quite the reputation with both A-list clientele and everyday fashionistas alike. Though many scoffed at their endeavours into the industry, the success these two incredible business women have gained are a testament to their drive and focus on their brands.
Signature style: Minimalist chic with a boho slant and oozing with downtown Manhattan cool, both The Row and Elizabeth & James fall well into the girls’ own personal style.
Diane Monique Lhuillier (Monique Lhuillier)
Frustrated at the lack of choice when trying to find her own wedding gown, Lhuillier set up her label to create bridal collections that offered more choice for brides-to-be. Since her debut collection in 1996, Lhuillier’s popularity has grown exponentially and after also venturing into couture her designs are now a red carpet staple at awards shows like the Oscars, Grammys and Golden Globes. Not much is known about the designer herself apart from her family orientated work ethic (her husband helps her manage the business) and dedication to make every woman feel like a princess.
Signature style: Gorgeous ethereal gowns, princess cuts, minute details, and lots of lace and tulle! Though her bridal collections very much stick to more traditional cuts, her ready-to-wear and couture lines are laden with a range of colours, embroidery and experimental cuts.
Diane Von Furstenberg
A product of her heydey in the 70s, Diane Von Furstenberg is still going strong! Though not as much of a household name as designers like Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci, Von Furstenberg is arguably one of the most successful women in fashion since Coco Chanel. As well as having run a successful fashion label for the past just over 40 years, one of her greatest legacies has been introducing the ‘wrap dress’ into popular fashion. In addition to her role as a designer, Von Furstenberg is also a fierce feminist and champions entrepreneurial causes for women through her DVF Awards and Vital Voices.
Signature style: Flowing shapes and a riot of colour, Von Furstenberg’s collection often represent her love of the 1970s aesthetic.
Dame Vivienne Westwood (Anglomania, Red Label, Gold Label)
There are very few people who can say they’ve helped shape an entire sub-culture, but Vivienne Westwood is one such woman and then some. Westwood’s early fashion career started in the early 70s in the, now legendary, 430 Kings Road before she catapulted herself headfirst into London’s growing punk scene. A fashion visionary, Westwood’s fame sprung from her radical designs and experimentation with mixing traditional elements with controversial cuts. She’s now considered the mother of that era in fashion and a flag bearer for sartorial rebellion.
Nowadays she’s just as comfortable causing a riot as an activist and political lobbyer, as she is a designer and uses her label as a platform for social change.
Signature style: Think Punk, think Westwood. The label hasn’t strayed far from it’s origins in the Punk era with it’s use of tartan, leather bondage and inspiration gathered from 17th/18th Century fashion.
Let’s give it up for inspiring women!
R.xoxo
