The Mothers: 26 Women Designers Sound Off on the Female Creatives That Inspired Them
Introduction
Late last year, after it was announced that Séan McGirr would be taking over from Sarah Burton, the beloved and long-time creative director at Alexander McQueen, the lack of female representation in creative director positions at luxury conglomerates became glaringly obvious. However, independent women designers are a significant force in the fashion industry, drawing inspiration from trailblazers who have made their mark on the industry.
Inspiring Women Designers
Batsheva Hay, Batsheva
- Vivienne Westwood, Norma Kamali, Anna Sui
- Inspired by the porous connection between the designer and the clothes they create
Rachel Comey
- Names designers like Nicole Noselli, Daphne Gutierrez, Katayone Adeli, Magda Berliner, Jane Mayle, and others who influenced her
- Each designer had a unique vision and approach to fashion
Catherine Holstein, Khaite
- Mentions Miuccia Prada for her commitment to pushing boundaries and creating consistently evolving designs
Margaret Howell
- Highlights Jean Muir, Jil Sander, and Katharine Hamnett as influential women designers
- Appreciates their minimalist and elegant approaches to fashion
Tory Burch
- Celebrates Claire McCardell for revolutionizing American sportswear in the 1940s
- Emphasizes McCardell’s focus on comfort and practicality in clothing
Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Maccapani
- Credits her mother and grandmother, Angela and Rosita Missoni, for inspiring her fashion career
- Also admires Vivienne Westwood for her consistent style and creative vision
Conclusion
These women designers draw inspiration from their predecessors who have shaped the fashion industry with their unique visions and approaches to design. By celebrating the creativity and resilience of female designers, we continue to push boundaries and pave the way for future generations of women in fashion.