With many talents in the fashion industry, it’s hard to ignore the designers behind the labels. Designers set the stage for upcoming trends and timeless styles. In honor of March, which celebrates women’s achievements, here are some of the various female designers who are currently redefining fashion.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney has been in the fashion industry for a long time, working for Chloé until launching her own luxury fashion house. Since beginning her line in 2001, she has reshaped the industry through her designs and efforts to stay sustainable. The designer stresses fashion’s environmental impact by using low-impact materials and reducing emissions. With the fashion industry playing a significant role in climate change, Stella McCartney is working towards changing the narrative for the better.
Grace Ling
Changing modern fashion, Grace Ling‘s unique vision transforms sculptures into clothes. The Singaporean designer incorporates 3-D technology and surrealism to create feminine and cutting-edge styles. Recently, for Spring/Summer 2025, Grace Ling used materials such as metal and aluminum to construct the garments in the collection.
Stella Novarino
Founder of Stella Jean, Stella Novarino is an Italian-Haitian designer who uses fashion to advocate multiculturalism and diversity. She is the only Afro-European member of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and draws inspiration from her cultural identity. Always inspired by her background, Stella utilized her mother’s maiden name for the label, reflecting her adoration of her origins.
Claire Sullivan
The brains behind the emerging label Miss Claire Sullivan, Claire Sullivan has been taking the spotlight after styling celebrities like Charli XCX and Addison Rae. After starting her brand in 2021, the designer collaborated with it-girls and industry talents. Drawing inspiration from musicians and artists, Sullivan’s custom designs range from playful and sexy to elegant and darling.
Gabriela Hearst
Gabriela Hearst, the first ever Latina designer at a European fashion house, has significantly impacted the fashion industry. During her time as creative director of Chloé, the luxury label received a B Corp certification, meeting the highest environmental standards. Gabriela’s commitment to sustainability stems from her upbringing on her family’s ranch in Uruguay. Her heritage shines through her designs, with unique fabrics and materials transformed into timeless pieces with a gaucho culture influence.
Francesca Capper & Natasha Somerville
Francesca Capper and Natasha Somerville are two peas in a pod and the founders of Poster Girl. You may have seen their designs on celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa. However, what makes their label so unique is not only their alluring designs but also their pop culture campaigns. From reality TV references to U.S. Supreme Court rebellions, these two female designers redefine femininity and confidence in fashion.
Anna Sui
One of the biggest fashion icons of our time, Anna Sui‘s influence has been prominent since her start-up in the 80s. After working her way up, the Chinese designer captured the attention of the masses, leading to her many well-deserved awards. Her designs inspire others through the influences of her family, pop culture, and vintage fashion. Anna Sui‘s designs have helped redefine today’s fashion with her grunge and whimsical aesthetics.
Andrea Dumebi Iyamah
Inspired by nature and ethnic cultures, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah is a unique fashion designer who started her brand at 17. Born and raised in Nigeria, Andrea began creating clothing to celebrate her African roots and other cultures. With feminine silhouettes and bold colors, Andrea Iyamah‘s designs are accessible internationally for women who align with the designer’s adventurous spirit.
Maria Grazia Chiuri
The first woman creative director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri uses her fashion design talent to empower women. The Italian designer constructs elegant collections through luxurious fabrics and flattering silhouettes. Her significant influence on fashion has elevated Dior’s name and made designs more wearable.
Stacey Bendet
Founder and creative director of Alice + Olivia, Stacey Bendet strives for female empowerment through her designs. Bendet has influenced modern femininity in the fashion industry through flattering silhouettes, bright colors, and unique patterns. The brand is most known for its signature pant, which the designer created to make women feel uplifted and confident.
Both emerging and existing designers have heavy influences on the future of fashion. With each of these female designers reshaping modern fashion, I am excited to see what they decide to do next. Who are some other influential female designers that you can think of?
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
Featured photo by Junior REIS on Unsplash
