Celebrating Women at the Helm of Designer Fashion

Happy International Women’s Day!

On a day where we are recognising all of the important women in our lives, we’re taking a moment to celebrate some of the pioneering women who have shaped the landscape of designer fashion. From bold visionaries to innovative leaders, these women have not only built some of the most renowned brands in the world, but have broken down barriers and inspired countless others along the way. In this edition, we honour three incredible female founders who have left an undeniable mark on the world of luxury fashion.

Miuccia Prada

Miuccia Prada, the visionary behind the iconic Italian luxury brand Prada, has redefined elegance and ideas of modernity in fashion. Prada began as a family leather goods business founded by her father Mario in 1913. Mario believed that women did not have a place in business so he prevented her from taking any role in Prada until his son expressed no interest in taking over the family business. Taking the lead in the late 1970’s, Miuccia Prada transformed the label into a global powerhouse of fashion. With her keen eye for innovation and willingness to challenge the conventional, she has solidified Prada’s status as a symbol of contemporary luxury. Although Prada was created by a man, it was launched into greatness by a woman with a vision.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney, daughter of music legend Sir Paul McCartney, is synonymous with sustainable luxury fashion. Launching her brand in 2001, McCartney set out to challenge the industry norms by prioritising ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Her commitment to cruelty free materials and innovative design has garnered widespread acclaim, celebrating her as a leader in the world of eco-conscious fashion on a global scale. In 2010 McCartney was appointed as Team GB’s creative director for the London Olympics, which was the first time in the history of the games that a leasing fashion designer held this position. Stella McCartney has continued to push the boundaries of fashion not only in terms of the garments but also how we source them, ensuring to lessen the impact that fashion has on our environment. An ethos that we massively admire here at Designer Exchange.

CoCo Chanel

Born Gabrielle Chanel in 1883, she overcame a humble upbringing and transformed herself into one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry ever! Chanel’s fashion journey started when she opened a boutique in Paris specialising in hats and her designs quickly gained attraction from high-class clientele. In 1926 Chanel introduced her now-iconic little black dress, which epitomised her philosophy of understated elegance. This timeless piece has become a wardrobe staple for women all over the world and still is over a century later! CoCo Chanel’s legacy extends far beyond her contributions to fashion. She challenged gender roles within fashion, introducing the idea of a suit for women embracing female empowerment, which is one of the many reasons why we’re celebrating her today.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reflect on the remarkable contributions of these leading women to the world of fashion. From championing sustainability to the empowerment of women on a global scale, their visions and creative ingenuity have not only shaped the way we dress but have also inspired generations of women. Today and everyday let’s continue to honour and uplift the women who continue to lead and innovate.