As women, we have often found ourselves in compromising situations that have made us feel inferior. Society has created a deafening narrative that has told women we are "too much" so we should learn to "tone it down." In the world of fashion, this narrative has echoed throughout history. But here is the catch, instead of silencing us, it has given women from all walks of life the bravery to be themselves entirely. How you choose to show up in the world is a gift. This is what International Women's Day looks like, it goes beyond the mere bounds of empowerment. It's how women alike learn to love and support one another as well as allow themselves to unravel the uniqueness of who they are.
Beauty and Fashion have always been a vehicle of personal expression for women. When we think of how it impacts society we often forget about the minds who assembled the pieces and designed them. In honor of International Women's Day, let's take a look at a few of the most influential female designers that have trail blazed and revolutionized the beauty and fashion scene.
Madeleine Chéruit
She was born in June 1866 and died in 1955. While she may not be a common household name like Coco Chanel or Valentina, Madeleine Chéruit pioneered and paved the way for female fashion designers, becoming one of the first women to own and run a major French fashion house, at the turn of the century.
Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel
Coco Chanel is arguably the most respected, coveted, and iconic fashion designer of all time. She turned her innovative ideas and rebellious concepts into a successful business that transformed herself into the iconic brand we all know and love today.
She designed for both men and women. As well as introduce pants suits, wide-leg paints, sailor shirts, and her famous little black dresses; all this was done for women in a time when they were only expected to dress in corsets and frills. She was both rebellious and brave. She opened new doors for women in society worldwide.
Vera Wang
After working as the former editor of Vogue for 17 years and Ralph Lauren's accessories designer, Wang opened up a bridal boutique in New York City at the age of 40 that revolutionized the bridal scene. Now at 72 years old, she is best known for creating the world's most recognizable high-end wedding gowns. Her bridal collections are positioned at the top of the luxury market.
Vera Wang has changed the world of fashion in the category of wedding dresses forever.
Miuccia Prada
Miuccia Prada is an Italian billionaire, businesswoman, and the head fashion designer of Prada. Originally named Maria Bianchi, the iconic designer studied political science and graduated with her Ph.D. Her background as a feminist fighter reaching for equality shines through her fashion.
Her collections are a reflection of her outlook on life, as she has always transcended boundaries, redefined limitations, and dared to be different.
Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty
Robyn Fenty, known to the public as Rihanna, is a current unshakeable force in the world of beauty and fashion. The musician-turned-CEO as of August 2021, is officially a billionaire. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, and just a year later, Savage x Fenty, a sexy, affordable, and inclusive line of lingerie.
Today she has launched Fenty, a luxury collection, in partnership with Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, also referred to as LVMH. Rihanna has made history being the first-ever woman, let alone a woman of color to introduce a line with LVMH. The 32-year-old designer is stirring something new within the industry and is already redefining beauty and fashion standards.
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