10 Influential Female Designers Leading The Fashion Industry

By Cat Williams. 8 Mar 2021 2:33 PM

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a closer look at the influential women leading the charge in fashion today. From Rihanna to Stella McCartney and more, see which designers and creative directors are paving the way beyond the runway.

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

START OVER

Next Gallery: Stars Spotted At Paris Fashion Week SS24: Zoe Kravitz, Demi Moore And Austin Butler Show Off Their Style

More Galleries

1 of 10

Rihanna, Fenty
Photo: Getty Images
Over recent years, Rihanna has become known as much more than a musician. The 33-year-old Barbados-born beauty launched her Fenty Beauty line in 2017, which later was followed by her Savage x Fenty lingerie line and her Fenty luxury collection under LVMH. From her makeup to her clothing, the CEO has made her mark championing inclusivity by offering options for different skin tones and promoting body positivity.

While Rihanna's Fenty line recently went on hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the star's lingerie label has proven to be resilient and continues to grow.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior
Photo: Getty Images
Maria Grazia Chiuri first made her mark in the fashion industry as the co-creative director of Valentino alongside Pierpaolo Picciolo. In 2016, the Italian designer became the first-ever female creative director of Christian Dior and celebrities and fashion lovers alike have flocked to see her latest designs, which have included the reinstatement of the famous Dior Saddle bag.

The creative director has also been vocal with her efforts regarding gender equality and in February 2020, she featured impactful slogans in her runway show, including, "When women strike, the world stops."
Aurora James, Brother Vellies
Photo: Getty Images
Toronto-born designer Aurora James has been making her mark in fashion for quite some time with her sustainable footwear and handbag label Brother Vellies. In June of 2020, the creative director, who has been outspoken about the Black Lives Matter Movement, began the conversation in fashion that retailers should pledge to carry 15 per cent of their products from Black-owned businesses.

The "15 Percent Pledge" was turned into a movement and has been embraced by major retailers, including Sephora, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and more.
Miuccia Prada, Prada
Photo: Getty Images
With a background in political science and a PHD from the University of Milan, Miuccia Prada joined her family business in 1979 and is now the head designer of Prada and its subsidiary Miu Miu. The 72-year-old designer, who has been an outspoken feminist, has used her ideals to transform her garments into trendsetting pieces while disposing of traditional notions of female beauty in fashion.
Victoria Beckham, Victoria Beckham
Photo: Getty Images
Victoria Beckham has been spicing up traditional women's workwear with hourglass frocks and tailored suiting since the launch of her self-named label in 2008. The Victoria Beckham line has been beloved by stars, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan Markle, and Lady Gaga, for its powerful, yet feminine designs. And in 2019, the former Spice Girls singer launched her namesake beauty line.
Clare Waight Keller, Givenchy
Photo: Getty Images
With her beginnings in fashion designing for major labels, like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci, Clare Waight Keller went on to become the artistic director for Chloe in 2011 before replacing Ricciardo Tischi as the first female creative director for Givenchy in 2017. At Givenchy, Keller made waves as the official designer of Meghan Markle's custom gown on her Royal Wedding day.

The British designer has been praised for her strong, feminine designs and in 2018, she was awarded with the British Designer of the Year Womenswear Award.
Stella McCartney, Stella McCartney
Photo: Getty Images
Stella McCartney, the daughter of famed The Beatles musician Paul McCartney, has made a name for herself as an advocate for sustainability in fashion with her self-named Stella McCartney label. As an advocate for responsible luxury fashion, the celebrity-favourite British designer recently unveiled an eco-conscious pop-up at Bloomingdale's, featuring vegan and PVC-free ready-to-wear pieces, accessories, beauty, and wellness items.
Virginie Viard, Chanel
Photo: Getty Images
Virginie Viard signifies a new chapter for Chanel as the first female designer at the helm of the brand since the legendary Gabrielle Chanel. Following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld, Viard, who started at the French fashion house as an intern before working alongside Lagerfeld for over 30 years, was named creative director in February 2019. Since then, she has been a quiet force behind the reimagining of Chanel.
Donatella Versace, Versace
Photo: Getty Images
Donatella Versace has remained a celebrity-favourite since inheriting a portion of the Versace company and becoming the Italian fashion house's artistic director following her brother Gianni Versace's death in 1997.

Versace has continued to push the boundaries when it comes to geometry and contemporary daywear. And recently, the designer brought back a touch of glamour amid the COVID-19 pandemic with an immersive 3D maze featuring graphic prints for Versace's Fall/Winter 2021/2022 collection, which was presented on film.
Simone Rocha, Simone Rocha
Photo: Getty Images
International Irish designer Simone Rocha, the daughter of famed British designer John Rocha, has gained a cult following with her own namesake label celebrating the practicality of womenswear with billowing tulle gowns, sculptural silhouettes, and embroidered collars.

This March, Rocha launched her highly-anticipated Simone Rocha x H&M collection with a whimsical, countryside vibe.

10 Influential Female Designers Leading The Fashion Industry

More Galleries

Latest Galleries