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It’s hard not to attach meaning and emotional weight to clothing; what you wear not only reflects who you are and how you carry yourself, but also who you want to be. Few people are as attuned to this nuance as women’s designers, who draw on deeply personal experiences—individually but also collectively—to imbue their work with an acknowledgment of a woman’s unique perspective navigating the world.
For many of these women, a certain kinship is ignited when a gauzy, petal-adorned dress floats down the runway; when a silk scarf is worn in an entirely new way and prompts a rush of inspiration. It’s only natural to form a connection to these pieces as well as the creative minds behind them.
In honor of our Women Dressing Women issue this March, which celebrates and spotlights the female creatives shaping the way we see fashion today, we asked a dozen of our favorite women’s designers to share the pieces designed by other women that inspire and empower them most. What speaks to them stretches from the essential to the sentimental and the purely ornamental, but the through line is clear: Whether they know each other personally or not, these women are all in some way moved and influenced by each other. A look into the pieces that mean most to them, below.
Amy Smilovic, founder and creative director of Tibi
I love Aisling Camps’ designs and she’s also an incredible human being who really lives in her creations. I’ve ordered a few pieces from her; this dress is one of my favorites. I really understand where Aisling is coming from, as a mom and as an entrepreneur, and I really respect the integrity of her designs.
Anna Jewsbury of Completedworks is just a great businesswoman and creative. I really admire her work, have invested in many of her pieces, and appreciate how curious she is about exploring different mediums and keeping it unexpected.
I’ve known Malia a long time now—she and I started our companies at around the same time in the late ’90s. Malia’s always been the Eres of the U.S. Her quality is incredible—and if you look back at what she’s done, you’ll see she is the O.G. of body diversity in her approach.
Anna October, designer
Rei Kawakubo’s work is something that gives me inspiration and the idea of limitless dreaming. I love wearing Comme Des Garçons jackets; they make me think more open, more creative.
These Ann Demeulemeester boots are one of my go-to pieces, I think I ll be wearing them for the next decade. They are one of those designs that you can hardly replace with something better, so why bother looking for one?
This Bode dress that is made from a cutwork tablecloth from the 1910s-1930s—I’m a fan of Emily’s vision for the brand and its stores. Every piece is truly charming!
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Alex Eagle, creative director
The Olsen’s have created the epitome of timeless wardrobe staples. They are an investment, but the quality and style means that it is something you will cherish forever.
Lily Atherton Hanbury is a close friend of mine, and I am such a fan of what her and Katya Shyfrin have built. We were the original stockist and launched the brand seven years ago so it has been really special to see it grow. The shoes are all so considered and beautifully made; I particularly love these black leather slippers, the leather gives an edge to a beautifully classic style.
I think what Grace Wales Bonner has done with Wales Bonner is really amazing, she takes something simple like a tracksuit and elevates it into something really special.
Olympia Gayot, creative director of J.Crew Women’s and Kids
My favorite piece I never take off is my wedding ring, which is a group of Repossi rings from their Antifer Collection. Gaia Repossi has a beautiful eye and knows how to make pieces that feel very modern, but still classic. Her pieces are all very nuanced takes on traditional fine jewelry, which I appreciate. I wanted something in my wedding ring that I could wear every day, never had to take off, and could stand the test of time.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh is a very sensitive designer, and her pieces are super feminine and easy. She has an incredible eye and always uses really unexpected colors that are versatile and easy to wear but are also emotional and unique in their own way. Her stores in the Lower East Side and in Paris are very inspiring and when you buy a piece from her it just feels so personal because it’s connected to her own life. Everything from the images she takes to her entire aesthetic is reflected in her brand and it’s just such a nice story. There’s a little bit of nostalgia–it almost feels like you’re wearing vintage. I’ve purchased many of Maryam’s shoes over the years and I continue to wear them–they never go out of style.
Similarly to Maryam, Araks knows how to use color to create emotion through clothing. Wearing her lingerie is like wearing a piece of candy–it’s sexy and pretty, but in a casual way. There’s something innocent about the color combinations, materials, and silhouettes, but the end result of each piece is quite sophisticated. And I can t not talk about my Agmes bracelets, a brand founded by two sisters. These pieces go everywhere with me.
Elizabeth Giardina, creative director of Another Tomorrow
Inspired by my father Jaspare and my older child Jasper, I have had a lifelong love of jasper stones in all colors, but especially red. I love how simple the beading of this necklace is, which highlights the scroll clasp. I like to wear it casually with a crewneck T-shirt or a fine gauge knit and with the clasp in the front.
I love the natural cream color of this cotton T-shirt. We have several sizes of this T-shirt at my house and they are part of “The Family Closet,” a.k.a clothes I borrow from my husband. I wear it on the weekend and also styled over a matching T-shirt.
Sophie Bille Brahe, designer and owner of Sophie Bille Brahe
My sister-in-law, Caroline Bille Brahe, designs upcycled denim jackets. I’m obsessed with this Diamant Demin jacket.
The Row crewneck in wool and cashmere knit is a favorite of mine. It’s an iconic piece and an essential in my wardrobe.
This elegant and feminine tulle skirt from Prada is my new favorite piece. I wore it to our Sophie Bille Brahe Valentine’s Dinner; the light silhouette with flared lines is perfect for those special occasions.
Meg Strachan, founder and CEO of Dorsey
I’ve noticed lately that I m gravitating toward more menswear that feels updated with feminine details. From the fabric to the cut of the piece. I ve always been partial of a tougher look (“borrowed from the boys”), but every 10 years I feel myself shifting into a new gear. For the first time in quite some time, I feel really drawn to more feminine pieces.
A big linen bag for big spring plans. I often have half my life with me in my shoulder bag. This spring will be no exception. This is my ideal new season bag I d use to keep my life organized (and on the go).
A business loafer (that works for a weekend coffee run) in suede. Jamie Haller started her brand during the beginning months of the pandemic in 2020. She s built it into a cult brand from her garage. I’m one of her biggest fans.
Rosh Mahtani, founder and creative director of Alighieri
I’ve been living in these Toteme loafers. I m a true minimalist when it comes to my wardrobe, I love having an easy uniform of high-waisted cigarette trousers, an oversized jumper and layers of jewellery. I d been searching for the perfect loafer for a while, and I definitely met the match with these Toteme pairs.
I recently stumbled upon the brand, Cou Cou, and absolutely love wearing their vest tops tucked into suit trousers or under dungarees. The cotton is so nostalgic of childhood, and it always feels like a good day when I know I m wearing their underwear!
Since creating it last year, Alighieri’s Link of Wanderlust Choker is always around my neck; I love the textured motif on the black cord. It s a symbol of my relationship with my father, and our shared love of photography.
Noura Sakkhija, CEO and co-founder of Mejuri
Diane Von Furstenburg is an icon for so many reasons; not only does she design with the women’s body in mind, but she is a true champion of female leaders. I just wore this dress to an event we had in London to celebrate our expansion there, and it felt very elevated yet minimal. I’ll also be speaking with Diane at an upcoming event for the Wie Suite in honor of International Women’s Day, and I am so looking forward to meeting her.
There is nothing more powerful, luxurious, and timeless than a cream coat. This particular one from Tove Studio transcends seasons too, which is helpful when you live in Canada. I really admire co-founders Camille Perry and Holly Wright who design for modern women and their busy lives. Their pieces are refined, classic, and most importantly, sustainably crafted.
My team knows I love coming to the office as of late in a skirt, and this Toteme one is a favorite of mine—it offers so much versatility to be dressed up or down, and provides a classic yet playful feel. We share a very key brand value with Toteme—creating luxury, high quality pieces at a more accessible price point.
Jenni Lee, creative director and founder Comme Si
I wear this pearl necklace most days because it is classic but has a little flair with the different sized pearls, which makes it easy to layer with other necklaces. I love the color and texture of pearls but a standard pearl necklace can feel a little dated and proper for everyday wear. This piece of jewelry is sentimental to me because it was a “push present” from my husband when we had our son.
These are what I call a “power pant.” Alissa from High Sport is a friend and I love how she designed the perfect pants for working moms. They are tailored without being too formal, the material stretches, it doesn t wrinkle, and they come in gorgeous colors. What more can you ask for?
Talia Loubaton, founder and designer of Liberowe
I recently purchased these mules from Le Monde Beryl as I have a special love for velvet. I love that the heel is so tiny. It has a ladylike feel, in a good way.
The boots from Khaite were an impulsive buy. I have always loved a pair of knee-high boots, and the patent leather was the cherry on top.
I love this ring and the designer Kelia Toledano is my friend—it goes with everything. It’s a classic and a strong statement at the same time.
