"I’ve long admired artist Dame Sonia Boyce OBE RA for her creativity, her quiet power, the joy she finds in collaboration and for her eclectic use of different media – from pastels and collage to photography and installation. Her work is both political and personal and, despite being such a groundbreaking creative figure (she was the first Black British female artist to have work purchased by The Tate, to be elected to the Royal Academy and to represent the UK at the Venice Biennale), she is the most modest person I’ve ever met. I discovered her work in an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery the first time I came to London and it blew my mind! So it was a massive privilege to finally talk to her thirty-something years later at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2023 when she picked up the prize for Great Creative Briton. Whoever said ‘never meet your heroes’ has clearly never had the pleasure of meeting Sonia Boyce."
"My friend Megan Piper is a woman who continually inspires me. We met at university and while I was wandering aimlessly around London wondering what to do, Megan opened a beautiful art gallery that focused on older artists – those who had been working for decades honing their craft and creating fantastic bodies of work. It was totally new and very brave. She went on to launch a public art walk in London too - she’s always ten steps ahead, but she does everything with immense care and compassion. Also, she’s always on the end of the phone with excellent advice!"
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"I was always inspired by artist Althea McNish, who became the first Black British textile designer to earn international recognition. She designed prints on textiles for the likes Liberty London and Dior. In addition, Althea is also a Caribbean woman whose home was in Tottenham, just a walk away from where I live – I smile at her plaque every time I pass it! I hope to continue her powerful contributions to inspiring generations of Black and women designers."
> Poodle & Blonde is a member of our Class of '24 Brands of Tomorrow Programme, which you can learn more about here
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"The woman who continually inspires me is British womenswear designer, Margaret Howell CBE DRI. Her ability to ensure her designs remain consistent, modern and relevant is extraordinary. Her level of detail and the way in which she sees style where it already exists is remarkable. She designs for real life, she is pragmatic and unrestrictive, and someone who, I would say, defined the concept of ‘quiet luxury’ before it even became a thing. And, of course, her love for those time-defying shades of navy and grey mean she will always be a forever inspiration to me!"
"Joan Jett, the queen of rock and roll rebellion, has been a powerhouse of inspiration for me. Who else could take a world shouting 'no' and rock it into a resounding 'yes'? Her journey to becoming the first woman rock star – despite industry skepticism – strikes a chord with me. Jett's defiance against 23 record label rejections, as detailed in 'Bad Reputation', is more than inspiring – it's a rock anthem for all who dare to dream differently. Her story tunes into my creative spirit, reminding me to strum my own rhythm in the face of adversity."
> Visit Lauren Dickinson Clarke's member profile
"It is so hard to pick out just one woman who has been an all-round source of inspiration. Any businesswoman or entrepreneur has to be courageous – more than that: brave. This is no path for the faint-hearted. Anyone with any measure of success must have sufficient grit, passion and determination to pull it off. I loved listening to a podcast featuring Indra Nooyi, former CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo. She was so brutally honest and realistic, but also humble. And that’s what it takes to thrive as a woman in business."
> Visit ARgENTUM's member profile
"If I could choose anyone, I would say my Mum inspires me. She is my biggest cheerleader and a constant source of support. She is a fashion designer who began her career as an apprentice at Christian Dior in Paris and went on to found one of the first ready-to-wear boutiques in London. She is also the most stylish member of my family. I’m forever grateful she passed on her creative eye to me. Her wise words, positive outlook and non-judgemental view of the world are a constant source of inspiration, and she laughs — a lot. As we all know, laughter is the best medicine."
> Visit Alexandra Llewellyn's member profile
"My greatest female influence is Pat Shorter, a close friend of my parents. She really opened my eyes to the art world and she and her husband Pete were like another set of grandparents. They lived in the top of an old water mill in Somerset and Pat was an artist, so the mill was filled with her studio, paintings and mixed media artworks. I loved talking to her about art, artists and exhibitions, and she was a huge supporter of my creative journey from a young age. She died in 2021 and I only wish she could see the new work I’m creating now as an artist; I know she would be hugely appreciative."
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"Vivienne Westwood DBE RDI continues to be a true inspiration to me. I loved the way she looked, the way she dressed, her sharp wit and social conscience. Her disregard for established fashion (she didn't study at fashion school and she was self-taught), and her melding of traditional dressmaking techniques to create completely innovative designs embodies the meaning of punk. Without any experience or qualifications, she launched her business from her kitchen table, becoming not only an iconic fashion leader but also a great business woman. As an environmentalist, her moto 'Buy less. Choose well. Make it last' was way ahead of its time. I am so grateful I had her to inspire me, as well as many others."
> Visit Vivien Sheriff's member profile
"I’m inspired by broadcaster Christiane Amanpour in her seminal career as a journalist, reporter, war correspondent and news anchor. Being of mixed British Iranian heritage, she has dedicated her life and work to being curious and opening up vital voices and narratives internationally – even on difficult topics in a fractured world. Whilst her role on CNN is a public high pressure one, she conducts herself with a grace and humanity building narratives with consistent focus and depth, combined with intellectual vigour. She’s a trailblazing woman whose name is now synonymous with journalistic integrity and boundary-pushing."
