6 Female-Owned Clothing Brands Taking Over the Fashion Industry
With #PressforProgress we’re finally giving women the equality and recognition they deserve.
The fashion industry is filled to the brim with talented male innovators who continuously dominate the headlines, and no one’s denying that. But why do most people fail to recognize the female bosses that are taking over the behind-the-scenes of the fashion industry? Believe it or not (though even though it’s not unbelievable it is still unrecognized for the most part) independent female labels are pushing the fashion industry forward and evolving it into something much greater than it once was. From their innovative businesses to their fresh and highly-evolved ideas, women are making their mark in the world of fashion now more than ever, and it’s time they start receiving the recognition they deserve. This year’s theme of International Women’s Day, which is recognized tomorrow, March 8th, is all about #PressforProgress. This year we’re stressing the importance of gender parity, working to motivate and unite friends, colleagues, and whole communities to make the change towards being more gender inclusive. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist and activist once explained, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” That’s why we’re using this year’s International Women’s Day to support women like we never have before – starting with those who are at the forefront of the fashion industry’s success. We’ve compiled together 6 Female-Owned Clothing Brands Taking Over the Fashion Industry to shift your shopping habits into ones that support the power of the woman.
Clothing
Designer: Sara Hankin
TOSIA is a New York based womenswear line that pairs together innovation and elegance with understated and traditional sensuality. Designer Sara Hankin founded TOSIA after several years of designing for brands such as Ralph Lauren and J. Crew. Through TOSIA Sara creates timeless essential pieces that effortlessly pair with the modern woman. Each of Sara’s collections focuses on clean silhouettes cut from luxurious fabrics at an advanced contemporary price point.
Designer: Jennifer Chun
South Korean-born and Ohio-raised designer Jennifer Chun’s namesake collection explores the relation between menswear-inspired tailoring and a subtle femininity. Jennifer’s training with influential designers and her fearless willingness to feel inspiration carries into her use of experimental fabric and sophisticated color to create pieces that are both present with the moment and timeless.
Designer: Jenny Lai
Based in New York City, designer Jenny Lai’s clothing line NOT is a womenswear brand that experiments with the physical action of getting in and out of clothing to make getting dressed a playful and transformative experience. Known best for its high quality fabrics and well thought-out garments, Jenny’s clothing ties together quality clothing with the performance that is getting dressed.
Lingerie
Designers: Marissa & Lauren
Designers Marissa & Lauren created Negative after questioning why most lingerie companies were run by men. After taking night classes at FIT and then traveling to Paris to meet mill workers and manufacturers who have been making lingerie most of their lives, Marissa & Lauren handpicked their favorite material and designed a collection of underwear for women, by women. Negative is committed to minimalism – Marissa & Lauren focus on the essentials and ditch the decorations, embellishments, and push up. For undergarments that are focused on quality, style, and comfort, Negative is the answer.
Designer: Laura Schoorl & Rachel Corry
Pansy, designed by Laura Schoorl and Rachel Corry, was founded during a drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara when the desire for comfy, dreamy, and ethical undies came to mind. Dreaming of the ideal underwear: minimal, sturdy, beautiful, and locally-made, they came up with the plan to use organic cotton that is grown and milled domestically and then designed and sewn locally to create their Pansy undies. With Pansy undies you can say goodbye to all your underwear problems.
Designer: Mary Young
Mary Young’s Canadian-based namesake lingerie line is a line meant to allow freedom of movement without restriction by embracing the natural woman’s body. These garments not only embody the modern woman’s lifestyle, but empower females to embrace their individuality and celebrate their bodies. To Mary, lingerie is more than just an article of clothing – it’s an aspect of self-love. She stresses the act of embracing your body and finding confidence in yourself in order to become more loving to yourself and those around you. Rather than feeling the need to change your shape and look in order to be more attractive and sexy, Mary challenges women to celebrate their natural shape and put an end to comparison.
