Although the fashion industry has always had many women leaders and entrepreneurs, they have often been ignored or underrepresented in mainstream media and industry publications. However, with the advent of new technologies and social media platforms, more and more women are rising to prominence in the industry, challenging the traditional male-dominated narrative.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, we have compiled a list of the top 20 current and emerging women leaders and entrepreneurs in fashion brands and retailers, both in the US and around the world. These trailblazing women are paving the way for future generations with their remarkable accomplishments, and we have highlighted why they are on this list.
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Aurora James - Founder and Creative Director of Brother Vellies - She is an entrepreneur and activist who founded Brother Vellies, a footwear and accessories brand that focuses on sustainability, diversity, and artisanal craftsmanship. She is a 2015 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner named the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year in 2019.
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Lisa Gorman - Founder and Creative Director of Gorman - Lisa Gorman is the founder of the eponymous Australian fashion brand Gorman. Known for her unique prints and playful designs, Gorman has become a leading figure in the Australian fashion industry.
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Emily Weiss - Founder and CEO of Glossier - She is an entrepreneur who founded Glossier, a direct-to-consumer beauty brand that has gained a cult following for its minimalist aesthetic and social media presence. She was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and 2017.
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Stacey Bendet - CEO and Creative Director of Alice + Olivia - She is the founder of Alice + Olivia, a contemporary women's clothing brand that combines whimsy with sophistication. Bendet has been recognized for her entrepreneurial success and philanthropic work, including the support of female empowerment causes.
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Danielle Bernstein - Founder and CEO of WeWoreWhat - Danielle Bernstein is the founder and CEO of WeWoreWhat, a fashion and lifestyle brand that began as a blog and has since expanded into a clothing line, swimwear collection, and more. She was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2017.
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Rebecca Minkoff - Co-Founder and Creative Director of Rebecca Minkoff - She is a designer and entrepreneur who co-founded the eponymous fashion brand that features a range of ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, accessories, and footwear. Minkoff has been recognized for her innovation and leadership in the industry, including being named to Crain's New York Business 40 Under 40 list.
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Ayesha Barenblat - Founder and CEO of Remake - She is an entrepreneur and activist who founded Remake, a nonprofit organization, and community that promotes sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Barenblat has been recognized for her work in promoting sustainability, including being named to the Forbes Impact 30 list in 2020.
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Tory Burch - CEO and Designer of Tory Burch - She is the founder of the Tory Burch fashion and lifestyle brand, which features a range of clothing, accessories, and fragrance products. Burch has been recognized for her entrepreneurship and philanthropic work, including supporting women's empowerment causes.
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Sophia Amoruso - Founder and CEO of Girlboss Media - She is an entrepreneur who founded Nasty Gal, an online retailer that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Amoruso has since founded Girlboss Media, a digital media company that aims to empower women in business and entrepreneurship.
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Natalie Massenet - Founder and Executive Chairman of Net-a-Porter - She is an entrepreneur who founded Net-a-Porter, a luxury online retailer that has since been acquired by Yoox Group. Massenet has been recognized for her entrepreneurship and leadership in the fashion industry, including being awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2016.
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Rachel Roy - Founder and Creative Director of Rachel Roy - She is a designer and entrepreneur who founded the Rachel Roy fashion brand, which features a range of ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, and accessories. Roy has been recognized for her entrepreneurship and philanth
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Aurora James - Founder and Creative Director of Brother Vellies - Aurora James is the founder of Brother Vellies, a sustainable footwear and accessories brand that works with artisans from around the world. She has been recognized for her work sustainably and was awarded the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2015. James is also the founder of the 15 Percent Pledge, which encourages major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.
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Caroline Brown - CEO of Diane von Furstenberg Studio - Caroline Brown was named CEO of Diane von Furstenberg Studio in 2021. Before joining DVF, Brown served as CEO of luxury goods company Donna Karan International and President of Carolina Herrera. She is known for her strategic leadership and global brand-building expertise.
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Tracey Hummel - Co-Founder and CEO of Teal Communications - Tracey Hummel is the co-founder and CEO of Teal Communications. This technology company provides a platform for apparel retailers and manufacturers to streamline their supply chain processes. Before founding Teal Communications, Hummel held various leadership positions at companies such as Under Armour and The Jones Group, helping digital transformation for fashion brands and retailers
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Emily Current and Meritt Elliott - Co-Founders and Creative Directors of The Great - Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are the co-founders and creative directors of The Great, a women's clothing line known for its vintage-inspired designs. The duo previously co-founded the denim brand Current/Elliott, which was acquired by VF Corporation in 2012.
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Maria Giulia Maramotti - Chairman of Max Mara USA - Maria Giulia Maramotti is the chairman of Max Mara USA, a position she has held since 2015. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Italian luxury fashion house Max Mara. Maramotti is known for her leadership in promoting sustainability and diversity within the fashion industry.
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Phyllis Taylor - CEO of Taylor Strategy Partners - Phyllis Taylor is the CEO of Taylor Strategy Partners, a consultancy that provides strategic planning, marketing, and branding services to fashion and retail companies. Taylor has previously held executive roles at companies such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
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Tina Bhojwani - President of Vera Bradley - Tina Bhojwani was named President of Vera Bradley in 2020, after serving as the company's Chief Transformation Officer. She has previously held executive roles at companies such as Chico's FAS and Old Navy. Bhojwani is known for her expertise in digital transformation and customer experience.
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Shamina Talyarkhan - Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PVH Corp - Shamina Talyarkhan is the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PVH Corp, the parent company of brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Talyarkhan has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
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Anuradha Venkatraman - Co-Founder and CEO of The Language of Fashion - Anuradha Venkatraman is the co-founder and CEO of The Language of Fashion, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to help fashion brands improve their sustainability practices. Venkatraman has previously held roles at companies such as Amazon and Oracle and has been recognized for her expertise in technology and sustainability.
The fashion industry boasts a rich history of women entrepreneurs and industry leaders, and the future looks promising for even more women to leave their mark in the industry. These 20 women are just a sample of the many talented and determined women currently working in fashion, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.
