Happy Women’s History Month! This March, XOXO is celebrating girl power by highlighting female leaders across all industries. And what bigger industry is there to take on than fashion? From creative directors to founders and CEOs, here are the top female leaders in the fashion industry.
Miuccia Prada
You can’t consider yourself a fashion lover if you’ve never heard of Miuccia Prada! The head designer of luxury powerhouse Prada, Miuccia Prada has been in the industry for decades. Since taking over Prada in 1978, Miuccia has made a name for herself in expanding the brand’s reach to sell not just leather handbags, but also ready-to-wear collections, shoes, fragrances, beauty, and more. Under her leadership, Prada’s fashion house acquired brands such as Helmut Lang and Jil Sander. Miuccia is also the founder of her subsidiary brand Miu Miu.
Pat McGrath
Known as the world’s most influential makeup artist in the world by Vogue Magazine, Pat McGrath is one of the leading figures in the fashion industry! Each season, she conceptualizes makeup looks for over 60 ready-to-wear and couture shows, most recently going viral for her iconic makeup look for Maison Margiela during Paris Fashion Week. Pat also owns her eponymous makeup label, called PAT McGRATH LABS, which is wildly popular and almost always sells out quickly. Adding to her many achievements, Pat is also the first makeup artist to receive the British title of Dame Commander!
Anna Wintour
This woman needs no introduction! Anna Wintour is the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue magazine, a position she’s held since 1988, firmly establishing her as one of, if not the most powerful figure in the fashion world. Under Anna’s leadership, Vogue began featuring powerful women on the cover of their magazine, not limiting representation to just models. She has also been a patron to many designers, including John Galliano during his time at Christian Dior as well as both Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. As of 2020, Anna has added the Global Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast to her list of job titles!
Tory Burch
Tory Burch is just one of those people who extraordinarily reached so far in such a short period. Launching her eponymous brand in 2004, in 20 years the label now has over 350 stores worldwide and is carried in over 3,000 department stores. Worn by celebrities and stars including Emma Roberts, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, and more, Tory’s style can only be described as both classy and modern at the same time. This impressive woman is now a billionaire, philanthropist, and board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Donatella Versace
There are simply no words to describe the iconic Donatella Versace. The sister of Gianni Versace, Donatella has been a prominent creative partner for the Versace brand since its creation, working alongside Gianni for many years and assuming the positions of chief designer and vice president of the label after her brother’s tragic death. In the many years, she’s served as the creative face of Versace, Donatella has advanced the brand’s image significantly and their exposure has increased worldwide. She continues to hold a leadership position at the brand and has been involved with several charities.
Vera Wang
The multi-faceted Vera Wang is a staple in the bridal industry–and for good reason! Originally a fashion journalist, Vera was the youngest editor of Vogue at the time of her hiring and remained at the magazine for 17 years before joining Ralph Lauren. At the age of 40, she transitioned to becoming an independent bridal wear designer at her eponymous brand, where she has dressed celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Kim Kardashian. A former figure skater, Vera has also dressed Michelle Kwan, Nathan Chen, Nancy Kerrigan, and Evan Lysacek at the Winter Olympic Games.
Do you agree with our choices? Let us know!
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
