Welcome to our first blog post featuring the remarkable women who are shaping the fashion industry! We are thrilled to introduce six inspiring voices who will share their unique perspectives and experiences as women in fashion. We are honoured to feature Kajal Goel, Saoirse Alicia Behzadi, Sade Popoola, Molly Muzla, Jessica Ellis, and Saskia Purr, who will provide insights on equity, inclusivity, and empowerment in the industry. Our distinguished panel will discuss how the fashion world can better support and uplift women, as well as offer valuable guidance and wisdom to those just starting out in this dynamic field. Join us as we celebrate the trailblazers who are creating change and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in fashion.
Kajal Goel, Founder & Designer, Kajal New York
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
As a female fashion designer, I am deeply committed to empowering women through my clothing and providing them with equal opportunities in the manufacturing process. I am passionate about fair and equal pay, as well as safe workplaces for women. Furthermore, I recognise the value that individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds bring to the industry and make it a priority to employ them.
Given the male-dominated nature of many factories, I am proud to prioritise the employment of women in my own facilities. My brand's mission is centred around the concept of "made by women for women," which underscores my unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting women in every aspect of the fashion industry
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
As a proponent of empowering women in fashion, I believe ethical labour practices and training in manufacturing and artisanal skills are key. To enable women from lower income backgrounds to progress in the industry and secure stable employment, companies must provide them with technical, business, and social skills.
Moreover, inclusivity must remain a key priority. Unfortunately, many fashion brands still fail to represent all body types and races, which undermines their ability to truly uplift and celebrate women. As such, it is imperative that the industry embraces diversity and accurately represents women of all sizes and races.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
Believing in your vision is paramount. Don't allow anyone to undermine your ideas. Embrace failure as an integral part of the learning process. Gratitude is key - cherish every opportunity and make the most of them. In pursuing your vision, dare to be radical and unapologetically true to yourself. Comparisons, self-doubt, and fear of failure are nothing but distractions. Disregard them and focus on achieving your goals. Time is precious, so use it wisely!
Saoirse Alicia Behzadi, Influencer
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
As a female influencer, I'm passionate about advocating for equality and challenging societal norms. While my focus is on fashion and beauty, I recognise their potential to shape perceptions of women. To go beyond traditional influencer content, I discuss politics, encourage emotional expression, and pursue writing. I believe in lifting up every woman as a part of female empowerment, which guides me in all aspects of my work.
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
To truly support women in the fashion industry, we need to prioritise female-owned brands that represent diverse voices, not just those created by white influencers. We should feel empowered to wear clothing that reflects our individuality, whether that means embracing masculinity, femininity, or anything in between. Additionally, it's crucial to prioritise sustainable and ethically sourced clothing to ensure the safety and fair compensation of the women who create them, while also preserving the planet for future generations of women.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
As women, we are placed under the microscope from the moment we are born, subject to scrutiny not only by men but unfortunately also by some women who have internalised societal prejudices. Instead of allowing this to pit us against each other in a battle to the death reminiscent of the Roman colosseum, we must unite and recognise the strength that comes from our sisterhood.
While my professional advice may not relate directly to breaking into a particular field, I do believe that having an online presence and the ability to generate income from it is a tremendous privilege, albeit one that often occurs randomly. Sharing your life, talents, and passions can lead to a natural growth in your online presence, which is truly wonderful. However, it's equally wonderful to celebrate your womanhood by singing, dancing, painting, cooking, dressing up, and writing, even when it seems like no one else acknowledges it. Because more often than not, you'll find that you're not alone.
Sade Popoola, Illustrator
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
My approach towards life is grounded in the principles of fairness, which I consider to be an inherent part of my character. Having grown up without adequate representation of my identity and appearance in art, I recognise the importance of creating more diverse and inclusive spaces. Hence, I am driven by a deep-seated mission to fill this long-standing void and bring underrepresented perspectives to the forefront. By doing so, I hope to inspire and empower others who have been similarly overlooked and marginalised.
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
To better support and uplift women in the fashion industry, it's important to prioritise accessibility and adaptability. This means considering the needs of women with disabilities, women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and women with varying fashion preferences. Additionally, fostering a more inclusive work culture, providing mentorship opportunities, creating safe spaces for women, and leveraging resources to drive positive change can also play a key role in supporting and uplifting women in the industry.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
As someone who is still navigating the creative industry, one piece of guidance I would offer to young women just starting out is to not base their value on others' opinions, to develop confidence in their own abilities, and to embrace their individuality. Remember that success is defined differently by each person and focus on personal growth and development to build a fulfilling career.
Molly Muzsla, Freelance Stylist
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
As a stylist, I aim to promote equity as a woman in my work. This includes actively seeking out female-presenting individuals for assistant roles, as I believe that experience allows people to see themselves in the roles they aspire to. Additionally, I prioritise collaborating with female designers and supporting my female friends' creative work, whether that means sharing their content on social media, promoting them in meetings, or providing last-minute shoot location ideas. I believe that supporting women in the industry is essential for their success and strive to do my part in creating a more equitable environment.
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
To support and uplift women in the fashion industry, we must remove gender bias. While 38.8% of creative directors and designers are women, statistics show that men dominate the top positions, with 61.2% of these roles being held by men. This gender imbalance can be perpetuated by existing staff members referring or introducing their friends into roles, which can lead to a lack of diversity. However, we must not resort to pity hires for women but instead take steps to eradicate hiring bias. This includes promoting equality-driven individuals to leadership positions and implementing a fairer, unbiased hiring process. By doing so, we can create a more balanced and equitable industry.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
To succeed in the fashion industry, you need to be persistent and proactive. As a working-class woman with no connections, I quickly learned that if I wanted opportunities, I had to create them myself. Don't be afraid to apply for jobs or reach out to brands for collaboration. The industry doesn't wait for you to come to it, so you need to be assertive. It can be challenging as women are often taught to be softer and more accommodating, but it's crucial to be tough and persistent. And remember, it's okay to follow up with people if you need an answer.
Jessica Ellis, Account Manager, Seen Connects
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
Equity means fair representation and being heard and seen. Advocacy work is required for fair representation, which includes acknowledging privilege and advocating for colleagues, especially as a woman in marketing. Hard work alone does not guarantee opportunities, as systems promoting equity and those who champion it also play a role. Mentorship from inspiring women has greatly influenced my career, and I hope to empower others in the same way.
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
We need to advocate for people of colour and marginalised groups to create better opportunities in fashion and marketing. Change must come from within the industry at every level to uplift and support talented individuals who deserve a space to create and be heard.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
Be eager to learn and see others as a source of inspiration. Ask questions, challenge your thinking, and embrace imperfection. Treat each day as an opportunity to learn and be kind to yourself, understanding that progress takes time and support from others is essential for building a successful career.
Saskia Purr, 3D Content Creation Assistant - Menswear, Burberry
How do you embody and embrace equity as a woman in your line of work?
I believe in advocating for myself and supporting other women. Working for a female-majority brand has allowed me to be surrounded by hardworking and strong women daily. I remind myself that there is plenty of opportunity and success to go around, and that another person's success doesn't take away from my own. By championing ourselves and other women, we can thrive and succeed together.
How do you believe the fashion industry can better support and uplift women?
Celebrating small wins and offering support for working parents are key ways to uplift women in the fashion industry. In the fast-paced nature of the industry, it's easy to overlook small achievements, but acknowledging and praising colleagues can have a big impact. Acts of kindness, like buying a coffee for a colleague, can go a long way. As a predominantly female-led industry, companies should strive to support mothers and encourage them to rejoin the workforce after pregnancy. This helps women continue their career journey and promotes equity in the industry.
What guidance and wisdom would you offer to young women just starting out in the field?
Starting out in the industry as a young woman can be tough, but knowing the value of your skills is essential. A combination of confident humility, listening, and willingness to learn can go a long way. Don't settle for less than you deserve and align yourself with brands that share your values. When job hunting, research brands and their stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion as it affects your everyday experience. Even though fashion is highly competitive, keep going and find ways to differentiate yourself from the crowd. With perseverance, you can achieve your goals.