DARIA BOTIN, ISABELLE D'ORNANO'S GRANDDAUGHTER, HEAD OF SISLEY'S IN-HOUSE CREATIVE STUDIO

I am so lucky to work with my grandmother and be able to see her so often. She is so creative but also business-oriented, and is so cultured, you can really listen to her for hours. She is also someone who gets things done, you can count on her for anything.

STINE GOYA, FOUNDER OF STINE GOYA

I could say the name of several influential women, well-known to the world, however, at the end of the day, it will always be my mum.

She has inspired me and taught me so much over the years. Forever encouraging me to be my true self and always remain open to new ideas and experiences. She has always supported my creativity and desire to be a part of the fashion industry and that is something I will always respect. When you become a mother yourself, it gives you an even deeper understanding and connection to one another and there is something incredibly unique and special in that.

CHRISTINA EXSTEEN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR DAY BIRGER

I am inspired by passionate and authentic women, who take their place in the world. It encourages other women to do the same and gives a sense of empowerment.

LESLEIGH JARMANUS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF ALEMAIS

There are so many women in my personal life, industry, history, art and culture that have inspired me it is difficult to choose just one! Two that immediately come to mind are Frida Kahlo and Jane Goodall. I’ve always been inspired by the creative force that is Frida Kahlo and having just returned from Mexico her work and exploration of female identity feels more vivid to me than ever. What can I say about Jane Goodall other than she is a pioneer and a living legend! She inspires me everyday to consider what I put into the world and to try, even if on a very small scale, to make a difference for good.

SUSANNE HOLZWEILER, CO-FOUNDER OF HOLZWEILER

I’m so inspired by my Mum. Firstly, because she’s always supported me.

Secondly, because she lives her life to the fullest. She jumped off the hamster wheel of her 9-5 job at age 50 to start her own interior company, which taught me that it’s never too late to make a change. At age 62 she joined me and my brother’s company when we needed more support to start Holzweiler – she even spontaneously jumped on a flight to India to find our very first scarf supplier that we still work with today.

She always sees possibilities and opportunities. She’s positive and full of love, and she lives life to the fullest.

Now she’s escaped the cold winters of Norway and at 70 built her own house in the Canary Islands which you need to climb 200 steps to get to. Everyone thought she was crazy but she simply responded ‘This will keep me young’.

MIREIA LLUSIA-LINDH, FOUNDER, DEMELLIER

I don’t have just one name, I draw lots of inspiration from all the women who are trailblazers in their fields, especially male dominated ones. Those who challenge the status quo and spearhead change beyond their walls such as Angela Merkel, Kate Bingham, Menna Rawlings and Serena Williams to name a few.

TAJINDER BANWAIT MBE, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR OF URBAN APOTHECARY LONDON

The women in my family are a constant source of inspiration, particularly my grandmothers who I’ve looked up to from a young age. I can’t choose between them as they are equally trailblazing in their own right and, without doubt, are the seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit.

TILLY SVEAAS

It would have to be Coco Chanel. Her elegance bravery and strength as a business woman of her time is remarkable and totally awe inspiring. The challenges she must have faced to succeed should motivate us all.

The quote “fashion changes, but style endures” really resonates with me and the importance in creating pieces of jewellery that are timeless classics. She taught us the value of authenticity over following trends and I love that.

LINDA PILKINGTON, FOUNDER OF ORMONDE JAYNE

It would be Lady Weinberg – Anouska Hempel who is a true pioneer in design.

She is a successful businesswoman in so many disciplines and is a true pioneer in hotels, restaurants, fashion, hats, and gardens…whatever she turns her hand to is perfection personified.

GEORGIE MORLEY, FOUNDER OF AMUSE LE BOUCHE

Helen Frankenthaler is a woman who inspired me in the art world. Her innovative approach to abstract expressionism and her ground-breaking technique of pouring paint directly onto canvas revolutionized the way artists approached their craft.

Her impact extends beyond her artistic contributions. As one of the few prominent female artists in the male-dominated art world of her time, she paved the way for future generations of women artists. Her determination, resilience, and dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere, myself included.