IWD: The Women Who Inspire Us

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SARAH BURTON OBE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GIVENCHY

I feel particularly inspired by Sarah Burton OBE as she embarks on her latest venture with Givenchy. Stepping into the shoes of Alexander McQueen was no mean feat but she continued his legacy whilst respectfully adding her own influence. Known to be particularly discreet and private, she has worked behind the scenes as an advocate for British craftsmanship, collaborating with charities to create workshops and opportunities for young people, nurturing the next generation of talent. She made fashion history with her design of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress and was later recognised with an OBE for her contribution to British fashion. Her talent is unmatched and her humble approach, coupled with her dedication to supporting others is inspirational.

Harriet

AMANDA GORMAN, AMERICAN POET AND ACTIVIST

Amanda Gorman is someone who deeply inspires me. At just 22 years old, she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, sharing her poem The Hill We Climb. What I admire most about Amanda is how she uses her voice and poetry to inspire change, calling for unity. She shows that creativity, combined with purpose, can make a powerful impact.

Pooja

ANCA PETRESCU, ROMANIAN ARCHITECT AND POLITICIAN

Anca Petrescu was a Romanian architect who at only 28 years old, alongside a small group of Architects, won the competition to design and supervise the construction of the Romanian Palace of the Parliament, surpassing even the proposal of her mentor at the time. The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world and the third-largest administrative building globally.

In1990, Petrescu launched herself onto the global stage with projects in New York, Paris, Dubai, and Morocco. She remains an inspiration for young women in architecture, serving as a great example of determination, passion for one's work, and creativity.

Andreia

FRIDA ESCOBEDO, MEXICAN ARCHITECT

Escobedo is known for creating temporary and interactive works which can accommodate multiple intended purposes. In 2018,she became the youngest architect to work on the Serpentine Pavilion, and the second woman to be invited after Zaha Hadid designed the first in 2000.

Kelly

EMMA GREDE, BRITISH BUSINESSWOMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR

A woman who I find particularly inspirational is Emma Grede, who has been recognised as one of America’s Richest Self-Made Women and America’s Richest Self-Made Women Under 40 by Forbes. What she has achieved is nothing short of outstanding and it looks like she won’t be stopping anytime soon. Alongside co-founding SKIMS and Good American, launching a sustainable cleaning brand and joining the Dragon’s Den panel, she is also raising a family and championing her philanthropic work. Finding the time to support initiatives such as The Fifteen Percent Pledge and Baby2Baby. Watching her on Dragon’s Den, she demonstrates that being a woman in business means you can be personable, thoughtful AND fierce.

Sharon

GABRIELLE “COCO”CHANEL, FASHION DESIGNER AND BUSINESSWOMAN

Given my personal love of history and timeless design, I often draw inspiration from women who have made a significant impact on their time and beyond. Although there are different challenges and forces at play in their lifetime some names continue to stand out to this day. Coco Channel has to be in that category, her ethos and designs have spanned decades and are still much loved and respected today.  Her influence on fashion is both unparalleled and enduring. Simple, elegant lines using the finest materials to redefine what fashion looked like for women. She was not afraid to be different and to stand out from the crowd. A true lesson in commitment, creativity and self-belief in a man’s world.

Tory

KATE MIDDLETON, THE PRINCESS OF WALES

Kate has become such a familiar face to so many of us and we're used to seeing her at public events, always looking like the perfect princess. So when she announced her illness last year, it was a real shock. Personally, I’ve found it incredibly inspiring to see how she’s pushed through and gotten back to her duties like a true fighter - a reminder that even in tough times, you can face challenges with strength, resilience, and grace.

Charmaine

HELENA CHRISTENSEN, MODEL, PHOTOGRAPHER AND ACTIVIST

As one of the “Magnificent Seven,” Christensen redefined a new era of supermodels in the 90s. What I love about her is that, throughout her career, she has remained true to her image. Even years after gracing the catwalk, she is still so elegant and vibrant. Today, she remains in demand for modelling, as well becoming a photographer and campaigning for causes close to her heart, such as climate change and breast cancer awareness.

What makes her even more inspiring is her adventurous spirit. She embraces life with a fearless attitude - whether it's swimming in freezing waters, hiking remote landscapes, or simply living with a sense of freedom and joy. She embodies strength and femininity, radiating a confidence that is both effortless and empowering.

Anna

ZOE SALDANA, ACTRESS

I love awards season and the recent Oscars, where we get to see the acceptance speeches of the actors and actresses we admire on our screens. For me, Zoe Saldaña’s speech stood out. She first gracefully honoured other women, then went on to share the grit, determination, and ambition that led her to become the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in Emilia Pérez. A reminder that perseverance is key.

Emma

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