Beyond models: the most powerful women in the fashion industry

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The women we see most in the world of fashion are models undoubtedly. Here we introduce you those who rule outside the runway

In what is visible for the spectators, the world of fashion seems ruled by women. The most anticipated fashion shows are always those of women's clothing and the best-paid models are always women. What we see on the runways and in the commercials, those that most influence fashion and impose trends are always women, but how involved and included are women in this industry? Although we see them every day in the media and on social networks, it is true that the industry is still run by men. While on the runway women are protagonists, behind the scenes they are seldom seen. According to a survey by The Bussiness of Fashion, only 40% of women's clothing is designed by women and only 14% of the 50 most important brands are run by women. This is an alarming figure if we take into account that women are half of the population and we are the majority of the public in this industry because, according to Forbes, we spend three times more on clothes than men. Why, then, would the fashion world not include women in positions of power, on whom this industry basically depends?

Leer en español: Más allá de las modelos: las mujeres más poderosas de la industria de la moda

According to Forbes: "In the fashion world, women tend to be chosen for supporting rather than starring roles. They find opportunities in traditional female-friendly areas like marketing, public relations, human resources, journalism, and retail buyers. But the real power in the business continues to be held by men". Samantha Barry, Glamor's editor, a magazine that brought out a study on the problem of gender in the fashion industry, poses an immediate solution to the problem: "Right now consumers put their fashion dollars behind companies that are sustainable,” she said, “Why not do the same for companies that are run by women? That way female-led brands benefit, and other brands will be encouraged to follow their lead".

For this, fashion consumers should be attentive and informed about the women who are killing it in the industry. In this way, we can consume their products (not just clothing, but publications, writing, etc.) to, as Barry says, give visibility to the powerful women of the fashion world and encourage others to include more women in positions of power. Here, then, a list of the most powerful women in this industry.

Anna Wintour

Maybe the most obvious one on the list. Anna Wintour is the editor-in-chief of Vogue in the United States and the artistic director of Condé Nast. She is a fashion icon and the most respected journalist on these issues. She organizes the MET gala, one of the most important events in the industry in the United States.

Annie Leibovitz

Recognized photographer. He has photographed big celebrities like John Lennon, Miley Cyrus, and Kanye West. She has been the author of several Vogue covers around the world. She recently did the photo shoot of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, and her career already has several major brands' fashion campaigns.

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Pat McGrath

She is maybe the most important make-up artists in the fashion world. She did not have any training in this area; she is empirical. She is famous for not using makeup brushes but instead using her hands. She has designed runway makeup for Armani and Prada and has designed cosmetics lines for Max Factor and Cover Girl.

Leandra Medine

Fashion bloggers have recently become an important part of the industry. Leandra Medine is the founder and editor of one of the most important fashion blogs: Man Reppeller, a blog whose premise is that fashion that attracts women repels men. Her blog has grown substantially to the point of being consulted by other fashion professionals in event coverage and trend prediction.

Sophia Amoruso

Businesswoman and now writer. Founder of Nasty Gal, a brand that began as a vintage online clothing retailer and was later named one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine. It became a company that revolutionized e-commerce and online sales in the fashion world. Her autobiography, Girl Boss, was adapted to a Netflix series.

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LatinAmerican Post | Staff

Translated from "Más allá de las modelos: las mujeres más poderosas de la industria de la moda​​​​​"​