To mark International Women's Day, four London-based designers discuss femininity, practicality, and the women they’d most like to dress
Simone Rocha
A woman that inspires me … is my mother. She has personally inspired me in so many ways, with her knowledge, her dedication, her sensitivity, and her creativity.
My priorities when designing clothes for women are … the physicality of a woman, what she wants to hide, what she wants to reveal, whether the clothes are going to be a security blanket or an expression of them.
My dream woman to dress is … Louise Bourgeois and Billie Eilish.
Supriya Lele
A woman that inspires me … I know it sounds obvious to say, but growing up I looked to my mum for style and beauty. She was my first inspiration. Following on from that, I would also look to my female family members for ideas on beauty too.
My priorities when designing clothes for women are … as we have an all-female team, we are quite rigorous in questioning everything during the design process. We try things on each other; we always ask if we would wear that specific piece. Comfort is key!
My dream woman to dress is … it’s too difficult to limit to one single person. I love dressing my friends, family and of course my clients. I find seeing my clothes on real women from all different age groups and backgrounds the most inspiring.
Bianca Saunders
A woman that inspires me … when I was building my career as a designer, Phoebe Philo was always someone that I really looked up to. I would also have to say my mum too – she has been an important figure in my life and very much still is.
My priorities when designing clothes for women are … I never design my clothes necessarily with women in mind, my collections are definitely menswear-focused. However, I explore the in-between, where the lines are blurred. Femininity and feeling sexy are central themes to my brand and I think that women can identify with that.
My dream woman to dress is … Rhianna, she just looks so good in anything she wears!
Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena
A woman that inspires me … our mothers and grandmothers would be at the top of this list for many reasons. Being resilient and showing us that we can be anything and achieve whatever we want. Also their work ethics, creativity and strength. But if we had to point out women in arts and culture who have inspired us they would be: Bianca Casady, Kathleen Hanna, Valie Export, Karin Dreijer and Sylvia Plath.
My priorities when designing clothes for women are … comfort, self-expression, fun, confidence. Something which can be interpreted by many bodies, interests and styles.
My dream woman to dress is … Bianca Casady and Kathleen Hanna – because they influenced us so much growing up and while starting the brand.