The fashion industry has long been a space of creativity and influence. But in recent years, women have taken it further by using their positions to create change and uplift other women. The power of fashion extends far beyond the runway—it’s a force for empowerment, inclusivity, and community-building. Today, more and more women are reshaping the fashion industry through their designs and advocacy for diversity, sustainability, and mentorship.
Maria Cornejo, the Chilean-born, New York-based designer, has been a pioneer in creating stylish and sustainable clothing. She is known for her commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and fashion that fits the needs of modern women. “I create clothing that is designed for women to feel powerful and elegant while also being aware of our impact on the planet,” Cornejo says.
Her work is grounded in the idea that fashion should be functional, beautiful, and mindful of its environmental footprint. Cornejo’s collections often feature clean lines, soft textures, and versatile pieces that can be worn across seasons. “For me, fashion has always been about creating a harmonious relationship between design and the world around us,” she says. By using sustainable materials and working with ethical production processes, Cornejo is shaping a new standard for how women’s fashion can be both luxurious and responsible.
Her designs are not just about looking good—they are about feeling good and making thoughtful choices. As an advocate for sustainable fashion, Maria Cornejo is one of the many women pushing for change, proving that fashion can be a social and environmental tool.
Sophie Theallet, the French designer known for her elegant and timeless approach to fashion, also uses her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Her collections often feature vibrant, empowering pieces meant to highlight women’s natural beauty and strength. “I believe in the power of fashion to tell a story,” Theallet says. “The story I want to tell is about beauty, inclusivity, and making every woman feel confident in her skin.”
Theallet has been an outspoken advocate for diversity on the runway, using her platform to speak about the importance of representation in fashion. She has worked with models of diverse backgrounds, sizes, and ages, ensuring that her collections reflect the reality of the modern world. “We need to see more women of all ethnicities, body types, and ages in fashion,” she explains. Theallet is committed to creating fashion that empowers women from all walks of life, and her designs continue to inspire and uplift women worldwide.
Ashley Graham, a pioneering plus-size model, has worked tirelessly to change the fashion industry’s perception of beauty. As one of the first plus-size models to land the cover of Sports Illustrated, Graham has become a beacon of body positivity, advocating for more representation of women of all shapes and sizes. “I think the fashion industry is slowly changing,” Graham says. “We’re seeing more diversity on the runway, in magazines, and in ad campaigns, and it’s so exciting to be part of that change.”
Graham’s advocacy goes beyond her modeling career; she uses her platform to speak against unrealistic beauty standards and promote self-love. “It’s all about feeling good in your skin and embracing who you are,” she says. Her message resonates with millions of women who see her as a role model, someone who has shattered the stereotypes of what it means to be beautiful in the fashion industry.
In addition to her work as a model, Graham has expanded her influence through her fashion line, which offers stylish, high-quality pieces that cater to a broader range of body types. Her goal is to empower women to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of size. “When women have access to clothing that makes them feel good about themselves, it changes how they see the world,” Graham says.
Similarly, Kimberly McDonald, a celebrated jewelry designer known for her environmentally conscious designs, has used her craft to empower women. McDonald is known for her work with ethically sourced gemstones and her focus on sustainability within the luxury market. “I create jewelry that tells a story about women’s strength, beauty, and the importance of making conscious choices,” McDonald says. “Fashion and jewelry are not just about adornment—they’re about making a statement and representing your values.”
McDonald’s designs, which often feature stunning natural gemstones, are meant to connect with women who appreciate not just the beauty of the piece but the ethics behind it. She has been vocal about how the jewelry industry needs to embrace more sustainable practices and promote gender equality in both the design and production processes. “When we make choices that are good for the earth, and when we support other women, we’re building a stronger future,” McDonald notes. Her focus on sustainability and empowering women through conscious consumerism makes her a key figure in the evolving world of luxury jewelry.
The growing emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is transforming the fashion industry, and these women are at the forefront of that movement. Their work goes beyond creating beautiful clothes; they are reshaping the fabric of the fashion world to reflect the values of inclusivity, social justice, and empowerment. By challenging outdated norms, they are opening up opportunities for a new generation of women to find their place in an industry that is evolving daily.
Women like Ashley Graham, Maria Cornejo, Sophie Theallet, and Kimberly McDonald are proving that fashion is about much more than looking good—it’s about changing the world. They are using their platforms not just to create beautiful clothes but to ensure that fashion becomes a more inclusive, sustainable, and empowering space for all. Through mentorship, advocacy, and bold new designs, these trailblazers are shaping the future of fashion, creating a sisterhood of style that empowers women everywhere to feel seen, valued, and strong.
Let us know who your favorite women in the fashion industry are!
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
Cover Photo by Jakob Owens
