On March 8th, we celebrate International Women's Day, a day to recognise and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. As a fashion retailer, we want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the amazing female-led brands and female designers that we stock here at Elle and Elka. These brands and designers are not only creating beautiful and stylish pieces, but are empowering women through their fashion and businesses.

We asked three female designers from Australia and New Zealand a couple of questions about fashion, design, and their inspiration and love for what they do. Read all about their thoughts below.

MICHELLE BARRY: M.A.DAINTY

Who are your style icons and why?

Sophia Lornen,  for her natural style and beauty.

What are your favourite fashion trends for the coming season?

Nature and its colours, sportswear mixed with classic cuts.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Walking with my eyes open and with a free mind.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Mindful of the past and present, including Maud in each season. I always keep my Maud ladies in mind, and what they need to have with their past purchases.

How do you see the future of fashion?

The future of fashion is an interesting one, I see sadness in online shopping alone, as a lot of the population don’t realise how important it is to style a wardrobe to last for years by adding pieces and mixing old with new. The amounts of boutiques globally are becoming less and less, and they are vital for the future of fashion, communication, style and occasion. The people that choose the industry as a career train their eyes and have an individual style - that’s how they get their following and trust.

JULIA LEUCHARS: COOPER

Who are your style icons and why?

I have an ever-evolving menagerie of style icons - I’m a more-is-more kind of girl!

I truly believe anyone can be iconic and I often find myself inspired and influenced by passers-by; to me style is not just your look but is about your confidence and how you carry yourself.

Style is a continually evolving genre, so my go-to style icons change with me! I adore Leonie Hanne and her captivating outfit videos and her incredible ensembles often have me hitting replay over and over, pouring over every fabulous detail!

My Mother Lizzie has always been a style icon for me. Lizzie always looks incredible and has a top to toe style that is truly her own. She constantly looks fabulous and she is always (always!) accessorised with the biggest smile that lights up a room.

And how could I not say Trelise! She has been creating swoon worthy pieces for over 36 years - it doesn’t get more iconic than that!

What are your favourite fashion trends for the coming season?

I try not to get overly led by trends so I prefer to focus on creating and buying pieces with timelessness about them. In saying that I am such a green girl so I’m drawn to everything and anything green which is perfect this PreFall. It is such a beautiful colour that brightens every season, from rich emeralds and bright Kelly greens to lime– sign me up! I can’t wait for my super soft green leather blazer to arrive! One of several new additions to my wardrobe…(#addict!)

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I have had such amazing opportunities to travel over the course of my career, it truly broadens your horizons and I never fail to be inspired from the minute I step off a plane.

As a self-confessed people watcher, I love seeing how people all over the world dress, what they’re wearing this or that event, and the colours and prints different people gravitate too. I’m truly influenced by everything I come into contact with –I never switch off; the colour of a hill side on a weekend drive or a flower I come across on a walk can form the starting point of a new print instantly. I also love getting feedback from our customers; hearing what they loved and felt confident in and I’m constantly referencing these comments to influence future collections I’m working on.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Our aesthetic for Cooper is much more pared back than the Trelise Collection, I say it has a Desk-to-Dinner vibe. I’m a busy girl and I don’t have time to change between work and going out… so a flick of makeup and a new shoe has to do the trick. Cooper has a more off-duty and relaxed style with a fashion edge, it is less frilly and has a subtle femininity and I like to think a nice little dose of rock’n’roll to add some edge!  Think Tees and Denim worn back with your sequins and Leather layered over soft floaty dresses and a chunky boot.

How do you see the future of fashion?

I’m so excited to be part of an industry that is going to change so much in the coming years. I’m excited to see and work with more sustainable fabrics and watch the development of new technologies, yarns and techniques.

I think they ways we interact with fashion, in terms of how we create, produce and sell, is going to change a lot in the coming years and I’m really excited to watch it evolve!

CATHERINE HUNTER: HUNTRESS

Who are your style icons and why?

Gabrielle Chanel - classic, timeless, flattering silhouettes, beautiful boucle's and monochrome palette. As she said, "Fashion becomes unfashionable. Style Never Iris Apfel - creative, bold and colourful. She fearlessly expresses her personality in what she wears. Her zest for life at over 100 is incredible. "If you want to stay young, you have to think young!"

What are your favourite fashion trends for the coming season?

Large animal print for AW23.Match it back with a pop of colour in a knit or accessory. Wear a silky satin bias cut skirt or a cashmere jumper. It's a staple print for your winter wardrobe. Get the Huntress vibes on!

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

As the Head Designer for Huntress, I am 'she who hunts style'. I'm inspired daily by the world around me and hunt and collect inspiration everywhere. However the purpose of Huntress was to travel and bring back inspiration to each new collection from my latest adventures.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Huntress has three design themes we create each season. Pret - relaxed fashion forward daywear, something fun but more casual. Luxe - occasion wear in which sequins, metallics and velvets are a deluxe staple. Resort - The perfect capsule for travelling to a warmer climate in natural fibres like linen, cotton and silk.

How do you see the future of fashion?

The future of fashion is about making clothes that understand a discerning customer. Offering longevity, sustainability and is curated to match your lifestyle. I think customers also care about the ethical values of the brands they buy and want to support local businesses in a post COVID environment. At Huntress we employ many migrant women and empower them to support themselves and their family and are about to work with women in India where we support their community and save ancient artisan skills.

At Elle and Elka, we are proud to support female-led brands and to contribute to the growth and success of women in the fashion industry. This International Women's Day, we encourage everyone to support women in business and to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. Thank you for choosing to shop with us and for supporting our mission to make women feel their best through fashion.

Happy International Women's Day!