Iconic Women Designers

International Women's Day

Established in 1987, Women’s History Month takes place every March. This annual month-long celebration honors women's contributions to the world and recognizes the specific achievements women have made throughout history in various fields. From politics to science to the fashion industry, this is a pivotal moment in reflecting on the trailblazing women who have built the world as we know it. With that in mind, March 8th marks International Women’s Day. Join us as we pay tribute and celebrate this annual day by acknowledging women designers as leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Their influence continues to contribute to the ever-rising fashion industry.

Yoon Ahn - Ambush

Co-founder of the unisex streetwear brand AMBUSH, established in 2008, Yoon Ahn is a trailblazer for her substantial impact and contribution to the fashion industry. The Korean-American designer was born in the Seattle suburbs and a graduate of Boston University. The self-taught designer has broken into a realm of fashion unlike any other. Her involvement in music, streetwear, and high fashion is prevalent and highly reflected in each offering from AMBUSH. What began as a high-end experimental jewelry line is now a full-fledged contemporary Japanese fashion label. The label has since expanded into clothing with a signature ready-to-wear apparel line. Yoon Ahn is a symbol of change by collaborating with iconic brands and continuing to produce unique apparel and jewelry as she is shifting future fashion houses as we know them.

One iconic experimental jewelry offering from AMBUSH is the Carved Stones Charm Necklace. Crafted from authentic, high-quality sterling silver, the charm necklace spotlights a synthetic coral charm with a signature AMBUSH logo plate set within it. The cable chain features an adjustable length, while the clasp fastening offers a secure fit. On the bracelet side of things, the AMBUSH Pipe Bracelet Stone represents AMBUSH’s signature pop art-inspired aesthetics. Featuring a brass construction, the gold-toned bracelet spotlights individual stones carved from onyx, lapis lazuli, and synthetic coral.

Chitose Abe - Sacai

Born in Japan, Chitose Abe developed a reputation as a trendsetter early. Her mother was a seamstress, meaning that Abe encountered fashion and textiles before. Chitose was fascinated by Tokyo’s bustling fashion industry and decided to pursue an education in fashion design. After graduating from college, Chitose joined the iconic fashion label Comme des Garçons as a pattern cutter under Rei Kawakubo. By training at one of Japan’s most famous and storied design labels, Abe’s aesthetics began to elevate, and her vision of establishing her label grew. After Comme des Garçons, Chitose Abe joined with Junya Watanabe to launch his namesake label. It was there where Chitose met her then coworker and now husband, Junichi Abe. After the two married, Chitose left fashion while she raised their daughter. In 1999, Chitose officially established Sacai, referencing her maiden name.

Sacai is a high-end menswear and womenswear label that incorporates different techniques based on reinterpretations of patterns, transforming pieces into unexpected shapes and silhouettes. The unique yet timeless label’s founding was rooted in the idea of Abe having a small outlet for creating limited pieces with deep significance to herself. This concept continues to resonate with the brand. One signature piece from the fashion label Sacai is the Sacai Denim x MA-1 Jacket, which perfectly encapsulates the brand’s representation. By combining American outerwear aesthetics with signature streetwear inspiration, the design spotlights a complete cotton construction. Nylon panels are placed for additional texture and detailing, while the button closure and front pockets offer optimal functionality during all times of wear. 

Rei Kawakubo - Comme des Garçons PLAY

Another iconic women designer trailblazer is Rei Kawakubo. As the founder of Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market, the self-taught Japanese fashion designer is known for her avant-garde clothing. Rei Kawakubo studied literature and art at Keio University, which is notably reflected in her distinct fashion aesthetic. After graduating from college, Kawakubo began working at a textile firm. It was there where Rei Kawakubo grew an obsession with construction, pattern cutting, and technique. In Tokyo, Japan, in 1973, she established the fashion house Comme des Garçons, which has since been branched out into many different lines, with the most notable one being Comme des Garçons PLAY. To Kawakubo, anything that people wear governs their emotions and feelings. The artist/fashion designer believes there are no limitations to creations, as she is involved within the creative department of her business and contributes to promoting the label and its graphic designs.

Comme des Garçons PLAY was first introduced in 2002 and deliver elevated and unisex ready-to-wear pieces. The minimalist line is most recognized for its iconic red heart bug-eyed motif logo designed by Filip Pagowski placed upon various apparel offerings like the Comme des Garçons PLAY Half Heart T-Shirt. Crafted from authentic and breathable cotton, this elevated t-shirt spotlights a ribbed neckline along with an enlarged screen-printed half heart placed at the bottom portion of the silhouette. A patched bug-eyed red heart motif comprises the upper part of the chest, completing the overall profile. In addition to apparel, Comme des Garçons PLAY is well known for its iconic ongoing sneaker collaboration with Converse. The Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY All Star Chuck ‘70 OX’s primary spotlight is the screen-printed imagery of the classic bug-eyed heart motif seen at the side panels and footbed. The sneaker features a canvas upper, while the oversized heart graphic printed at the quarter panel is placed broadly and cut off at the vulcanized midsole. Also included within this distinct design is the rubber toe cap and traditional 1970s vulcanized rubber outsole.

Heather Haber - Advisory Board Crystals

When Heather Haber got into the back of an UberPool in 2015, she had no idea that the moment would become the start of not only a relationship but what would be the revolutionary concept of Advisory Board Crystals, also known as Abc 123. Inspired by crystals, Advisory Board Crystals considers itself an artistic concept of feelings, ideas, and a series of projects. Advisory Board Crystals is based in Los Angeles and is run by Heather Haber and co-founder/partner Remington Guest. The undefined luxury brand explores dimensions within the creative art industry with its brand-specific typography and apparel. Heather Haber’s love of crystals is implemented within each offering, as each item incorporates a unique dying process. Additional concepts of cosmology and internet culture are also present within Advisory Board Crystals.

Apparel offerings like the Short Sleeve Pocket Tee are featured within the Advisory Board Crystals repertoire. The design is crafted from complete heavyweight jersey cotton, resulting in its breathable yet comfortable design. Branded Advisory Board Crystals labels are placed throughout in addition to the brand’s signature pull-tab. Additionally, the Advisory Board Crystals Sweatshorts are a great option that emphasizes the brand’s elevated qualities—crafted from authentic heavyweight fleece cotton. The design sports an adjustable paracord drawstring and a signature pull-tab. Embroidered Advisory Board Crystals branding is placed subtly, while branded labels are placed along the side and left thigh.

Women’s influence on the ever-growing fashion industry is nothing short of prevalent. Celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by exploring our selection of premium women-led fashion brands here.