International Women’s Day (IWD), is celebrated every year on 8th March. It commemorates the successes and flourishing strides of women across various walks of life. Here’s everything you need to know about IWD, and some iconic women in fashion who shaped the fashion industry.
History of International Women’s Day
The history of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, in New York. Thousands of women garment workers took to the streets to protest against their low wages and inhumane working conditions.
These protests spread like ripples across the world! Two years later, in 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German campaigner and socialist advocated the establishment of Women’s Day to applaud those working for women’s rights and universal suffrage.
Several other European countries followed in Germany’s footsteps and celebrated the holiday on March 8th. Finally, in 1975 the UN declared it as an official holiday, to recognize women’s contributions.
Source: leftvoice.org
IWD 2022 Theme
The International Women’s Day theme for 2022, is #BreaktheBias. It highlights the need of challenging unfair biases and misconceptions to transform society into a more gender-equal and inclusive one.
The UN’s 2022 theme - Gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow - commemorates women who are guiding the world toward a more sustainable tomorrow, and leading response efforts to tackle climate change.
Most Influential Women in Fashion
These iconic women in fashion liberated women in so many ways by creating stylish, comfortable clothes and employing thousands.
1. Stella McCartney
This fashion designer’s contributions to the ethical fashion industry have been lauded by activists and fashionistas, alike. As a vegetarian and ardent supporter of animal rights, Stella McCartney makes chic, stylish, and comfortable accessories and clothing using vegan leather.
Source: Photo by Jules Esick for Audi
2. Coco Chanel
One of the most influential women in fashion, Coco Chanel began her career in the first World War. She became the first mainstream designer to use jersey fabric, which was previously reserved for underwear.
She also became one of the first fashion designers in the world to liberate women from tight corsets and other restrictive clothing. Instead, she created casual, chic outfits that were boxy, shorter, and easier to move in, making women feel confident. Her little black dress, tweed jacket, and Chanel No. 5 perfume are iconic to this day!
Source: Courtesy of Chanel; photograph, Douglas Kirkland
3. Vivienne Westwood
A list of iconic women in fashion would be incomplete without the mention of Dame Vivienne Westwood, who revolutionized modern fashion by merging high fashion with punk couture. In addition to being a designer, she is also an activist and businesswoman, who uses her work to create awareness about key issues like civil rights and climate change.
Source: Photo by Robin Laurance.
Final Words
Women are strong, powerful, and invincible, and International Women’s Day celebrates their success! Whether you plan to celebrate the occasion by supporting women-owned businesses, or by gifting a bouquet to the influential women in your life, let’s choose to #BreaktheBias, every single day!