March is dedicated to celebrating Women’s History Month and today, March 8th, in particular, is special because it is “International Women’s Day”. We want to take some time today to celebrate those impactful and important women who have helped the apparel industry grow and change. Whether it’s innovators of the past or present, this is a day to celebrate every woman.

First, let’s take a look at some women who have helped change the face of apparel and fashion. Did you know that the person considered the creator of “American fashion” is a woman? Her name is Claire McCardell and she helped turn the older conventions of fashion on their heads with stylish ready-to-wear, more mass-produced, apparel. Another woman that was incredibly important during this pivotal time period was Bonnie Cashin, who is widely considered to be the pioneering designer of American sportswear. She also worked for Coach and helped spearhead Coach’s first designer bags made specifically for women. We’re happy to recognize McCardell and Cashin as pioneers who helped develop the American apparel industry to what it’s known as today.

With an acknowledgment of some of the great women designers in apparel history, let’s have a look at some of the newest innovators and entrepreneurs. 

First, we have Liz Power and her store Awoke Vintage. Power is a native of Perth, Australia, and that’s where her store started. Founded in 2006 as a small market stall, it has since grown into a brick-and-mortar store in Brooklyn that opened in 2012 and has been in place ever since. Awoke Vintage, as you may be able to guess, is all about super cute, incredibly stylish, vintage apparel and accessories. One of the great things about vintage apparel is that it never goes out of style, and the offerings from Awoke Vintage are certainly timeless. 

Another great woman in apparel is Nisha Blackwell, who is the founder of Knotzland. Blackwell started Knotzland in Pittsburgh in 2014 and they focus on great bowties. We think the perfect bowtie can really tie a look together, and these options from Knotzland are not just stylish but super fun as well. Not simply great-looking and super stylish, Knotzland’s bowties are also made from high-quality textile discards, which means that you’re doing a bit of good for the environment by wearing some recycled fabric. 

In October 2020, we featured Knotzland as part of our ‘UGP Spotlight’ series.

Next, we have Aviva Falk and her apparel line called Viva Aviva. Started in 2012, Falk describes herself as a “loud dresser”, and her brand’s apparel is designed to help you make a similar statement. Apparel selections come in flashy colors in designs that are sure to help you stand out from the rest of the crowd in a stylish way. Viva Aviva is also proud of their ethical production as their statement pieces are all cut and sewn in the United States, so that excess fabric scraps can be shredded and donated to make things like insulation, carpet padding, and so much more. Viva Aviva is a great example of doing good while creating great apparel as well.

Finally, we have Tanya Taylor and her self-titled apparel brand called Tanya Taylor. Tanya’s brand is inspired by the founder -- its bright colors and high-energy apparel takes after her “electric optimism and fearless nature”. All garments are hand-painted here in the United States and all pieces in the collection are made with fit, functionality, and comfort equally in mind. They are also continuing to spread good in the world by partnering with organizations to share their optimism and joy through paint and Color Therapy classes.

We applaud each and every Woman entrepreneur and look forward to continuing to spotlight many more great Woman-led businesses throughout the month and beyond.