International Women’s Day (IWD) shouldn’t be a stranger to any. First proposed by German activist Clara Zetkin at the International Socialist Woman’s Conference in 1910, this civil movement (which happens on March 8 every year) celebrates female empowerment and women’s rights.
With fashion favouring ideas like inclusivity, and as one of the industries that’s dominated by females, it comes as no surprise that many brands are advocating and celebrating this day. From luxury labels to e-commerce sites and local brands, these are the names that are championing and recognising the female voice. We show you how they are doing it.
This renowned British e-commerce platform has always been involved in IWD – it has been in partnership with Women for Women’s International, a non-profit organisation that helps female survivors of war, for three years now.
This year, Net-a-porter commemorates this special day by releasing 20 exclusive T-shirts designed by 20 female-led labels, such as Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant, as well as style mavens like Carine Roitfeld and Alexa Chung. 100 per cent of the profits made will go to Women for Women’s International to help female survivors rebuild and change their lives.
Support this initiative by making a purchase on its website. The collection was launched on Feb 28.
Here’s how this local shoe label aims to raise awareness on female empowerment and gender equality: by launching a campaign that’s in line with the hashtag of IWD this year, #EachforEqual.
Titled “Beyond Voices”, the movement utilises social media to spread the message via Instagram. Individuals simply post a portrait of themselves in the “#EachforEqual pose” (pictured above) and nominate a friend to follow suit.
This campaign is supported by personalities such as local fashion influencer Nellie Lim and Netherlands-based stylist Lizzy Van Der Ligt.
The American fashion house is partnering with LA-based illustrator and women’s rights advocate Bijou Karman to release a six-piece collection comprising watches, totes and earrings.
This highly limited capsule has only up to 14 pieces per item available, and 25 per cent of profits will be donated to Girl Rising, an organisation that provides girls with education and equal opportunities throughout the world.
The brand’s Ion Orchard and MBS stores carry all three products, and the watches are also available at Jem, 313@Somerset and Suntec City Mall. From $49.
Known for providing desirable and authentic pre-owned fashion through a circular economy, Vestiaire Collective will be celebrating IWD with a sale of exclusive pieces donated by female game changers in sustainability, including Julia Restoin Roitfeld and Margherita Missoni.
The sale, organised by co-founders Fanny Moizant and Sophie Hersan, will be held on the brand’s e-commerce site from March 5 to 9. Highlights include Restoin Roitfeld’s Givenchy heels (she wore it to the 2007 Met Gala), and Missoni’s favourite archival pieces from her grandmother Rosita Missoni’s collections.
All proceeds will be donated to several charities, such as Women for Women and Smile Train.
Last October, this French fashion maison announced its three-year partnership with Unicef, a United Nations agency that provides aid to children worldwide.
For IWD, this collaboration will kick off a campaign that stars actresses Lucy Boynton and Katie Holmes, where they show their support for Unicef gender equality programmes through social media channels. Titled “Girls Forward”, the campaign aims to raise awareness and help girls foster leadership skills for their generation.
Apart from that, Chloe will release a T-shirt (with two colourways), a necklace and a bracelet for purchase. All proceeds will go to Unicef, and will be used to fund and equip 6.5 million young women around the world with entrepreneurial skills.
The collection is available on the brand’s website today (March 6).
Roger Vivier has been in partnership with Plan International, an independent organisation that helps young children, particularly girls, achieve quality education, since 2018. Past projects include a campaign that equipped more than 700 children in Cameroon and Benin with refresher courses and provided them with scholarship kits (that included a backpack with notebooks, books, pens and other school supplies).
Recognising the importance women play in influencing global change, the fashion label will expand its current project for this year’s IWD. Its plan is to reach out to more than 30,000 children in the two countries.
Known for its stackable charms and cheery #armparties, Pandora commemorates IWD by giving back to society. In collaboration with Unicef, the Danish jeweller has created a limited edition charm under its “Charms for Change” initiative.
The sterling silver charm is fashioned with empowering quotes, such as “The power is in me” and “We can do anything”, made of blue man-made crystals and cubic zirconia. It’s Pandora’s way of relaying a positive and impactful message.
For each charm sold, Pandora will donate €15 (S$23.16) to Unicef, which will benefit 600 million adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 in education, gender equality, rights awareness, personal empowerment and civic engagement programmes.
It’s already available at all Pandora stores islandwide and on sg.pandora.net for $89, till April 30.