INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
According to the UN, International Women’s Day is “a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.”
Name: Julie Lingard
Profession: Managing director at AQ/AQ ltd
Current location: London
Hometown: Lincolnshire
Most inspirational woman in your life? My mother
Proudest moment of 2017? Getting investment for AQ/AQ
Biggest goals for 2018? Supporting & mentoring my team to their full potential.
Favourite fashion icon? Gia Carangi, worlds first super model.
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? Who was the first person who took you down that dark path, wish we could hold them accountable for your spoilt youth.
Unofficial uniform: yoga gear.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Use the shine theory in every part of your life. When you meet women who are successful, beautiful, don’t shy away or be jealous, befriend them, enjoy their company, surround yourself in their success, if they shine, then you shine too. #shinetheory.
Favourite restaurant? Noma in Denmark
Best way to spend a rainy day? With my dog.
Favourite accessory? My dog.
Dream vacation destination? Diving the Great Blue Hole, Belize.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff it’s just too small.
Name: Georgia Murray
Profession: Fashion & Beauty Writer at Refinery29 UK
Current location: London
Hometown: Leamington Spa
Most inspirational woman in your life? As cliché as it is, my mum. We talk everyday, she’s the hardest working woman I know, and she’s nearly always positive. There’s no issue her sage advice won’t sort out.
Proudest moment of 2017? Getting my job at Refinery29. I’d been reading the site every breakfast and lunchtime since it came to the UK and I now get to work amongst some of the coolest and smartest women out there.
Biggest goals for 2018? Stop checking emails past 6pm, move my body more, and stress the little stuff less!.
Favourite fashion icon? Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, Siouxsie Sioux…anyone with a badass attitude that doesn’t come naturally to me!
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? How do I get your confidence?!
Unofficial uniform: Midi floral dresses, Chelsea boots in any colour, and some kind of outrageous coat.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Your path won’t look as straightforward as someone you admire’s does in retrospect!
Favourite restaurant? Mildreds – the biggest, heartiest vegetarian food out there.
Best way to spend a rainy day? In the bath with a good podcast and a glass of red.
Favourite accessory? Rings of all shapes and sizes, all worn together.
Dream vacation destination? Since watching Call Me By Your Name I’m hankering for a summer spent in Northern Italy.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My mum told me that your friendship group is a net that you cast out to sea at every point in your life – school, university, work, etc – and that while you may bring many out of the sea, only a few from each stage will make it onto the boat. I think that’s pretty true, and a really nice way of acknowledging that not all friendships have to be for life. I’ve got some pretty excellent fish on my boat.
Name: Anouska Beckwith
Profession: Fine Art Photographer/ multidisciplinary artist
Current location: London
Hometown: London
Most inspirational woman in your life? My best friend Flo Morrissey, she is really just one of the most incredible women I have ever met. She is not only so talented as a musician but is equally a wonderfully kind and loving person. She also just gave birth to the most divine little boy in December and of course is now a fantastic mother. There are no limits to the strings to her bow.
Proudest moment of 2017? Having a solo exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, supported by Serena Morton and sponsored by Elicap.
Biggest goals for 2018? Giving birth to my daughter in July.
Favourite fashion icon? Vanessa Paradis & Lou Doillon. I have a love affair with all things French, after living there for six years my appreciation for French women’s style has only grown. I have always thought that Vanessa Paradis effortless transition from quite grungy/90’s style in the day to 1920’s chic in the evening is something to marvel at. Whereas Lou Doillon’s style is clearly influenced by Patti Smith and her own icon mother Jane Birkin both of whom are very androgynous and timeless
Unofficial uniform: Black t-shirt, flared vintage levis and a pair of Chelsea boy boots with a velvet jacket.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Believe in your gifts and never give up even when you feel like your going nowhere.
Favourite restaurant? For breakfast I love going to Grace, Belgravia as it’s an amazing women’s club set up by Kate Percival and the food is delicious but healthy. Its perfect for a work meeting as it has a calm atmosphere. For Lunch Farmacy in Notting Hill is the perfect spot and for dinner I love going to Hampstead Heath to Jin Kichi.
Best way to spend a rainy day? Walking around an exhibition with someone you love then getting something delicious to eat.
Favourite accessory? My new Tory Burch burgundy shoulder bag.
Dream vacation destination? Bali, it looks like heaven.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Embrace your uniqueness.
Name: Mary Fellowes
Profession: Creative Director
Current location: London
Hometown: London
(!Most inspirational woman in your life? Phoebe Waller Bridge (I am her stylist
Biggest goals for 2018? Make change where possible.
Favourite fashion icon? My first boss Isabella Blow.
Unofficial uniform: Vintage or thrift mixed with Prada.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Don’t succumb to the weird rules and meanness in this business, make your own rules, be principled and don’t measure you yourself against, or lower yourself to, other’s standards.
Favourite restaurant? The Waverly Inn, New York.
Best way to spend a rainy day? Vegan food + gallery + museum + cinema.
Favourite accessory? My grandmother’s cameo and diamond ring - it once belonged to a British prime minister.
Dream vacation destination? India.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Be brutally honest with yourself and others, and the rest will fall into place.
Name: Charina Scott
Profession: Global Partnerships Manager @REVOLVE
Current location: Los Angeles
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Most inspirational woman in your life? I’m constantly around so many amazing women its hard to pick just one! If I had to choose it would be my mom. She has the biggest, kindest heart, and she goes above and beyond for her family, and she considers anyone who walks into her home family.
Proudest moment of 2017? When we opened the doors to our REVOLVE festival event and we had a huge swarm of people rush the gates, the police had to put up the riot barricades. That moment I thought wow, this is THE party to be at. I’ve worked on our festival events since 2014 & we started with 1 house 5 bloggers, so seeing it go from that to a party of 3,000 people was incredible.
Biggest goals for 2018? I don’t have one big goal, but a lot of mini ones. I’m trying to take better care of myself for 2018. Both physically and mentally. Doing less late night/early morning calls & emails before I even get into work, taking actual no phone call/emails day offs. I think because we are always connected there’s so much pressure to do more, be “on” always.
Favourite fashion icon? Drew Barrymore in Poison Ivy. She was grunge, posh, clubby, even a little western all in one character, all with a staple leather jacket. I mean really Drew Barrymore in the 90s is my everything.
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? How to achieve that messy but sexy curly crunchy hair.
Unofficial uniform: sneakers + skirt + hoodie in varying shades of black.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Value every relationship you make. That person who is someone’s assistant today can be your boss tomorrow.
Favourite restaurant? If we’re talking LA it would have to be Sugarfish!
Best way to spend a rainy day? In bed with a good book, currently reading Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Favourite accessory? GOLD HOOPS, I own about 30 different kinds.
Dream vacation destination? I’m fortunate enough to have traveled to so many amazing places, but I still have yet to visit Tokyo which is my absolute dream place!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and give your opinion! Confidence is gained through validation of your opinions, but you’ll never know if you don’t try!
Name: Natasha Bird
Profession: Digital Editor, ELLE UK
Current location: London
Hometown: London
Most inspirational woman in your life? My mother inspires me (and many other women) every single day – she’s a female leadership coach.
Proudest moment of 2017? Being awarded a big international reporting grant by the EJC, to complete a project covering women’s rights and feminism globally. We’ll be visiting between 9-12 countries around the world, focusing on female pioneers making a difference in their country.
Biggest goals for 2018? Completing the above in a way that initiates lasting change in at least one of the countries we’ll be visiting, if not more, of course. But mostly just giving a platform to these incredible girls and women to tell their stories to an audience they might not have otherwise reached.
Favourite fashion icon? Jenna Lyons.
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? Where do you buy your shirts?
Unofficial uniform: Drainpipe jeans, an ironic slogan tee and a blazer (and red lipstick).
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Don’t overthink it. Sometimes it’s ok to do a good enough job and put it to bed.
Favourite restaurant? Frankie Goes to Bollywood.
What are you currently listening to while on the go? Flight Facilities.
Best way to spend a rainy day? Hanging out in my new apartment. It’s taken a long time but I’m finally really houseproud about my flat and I just love being in it, looking out of the huge window.
Favourite accessory? GIANT earrings.
Dream vacation destination? Mexico.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I’ve been lucky to have received a lot of really good advice from a lot of really great women. There’s been the odd unsavoury colleague, but mostly I’ve encountered amazing and supportive people. I still speak to my first ever editor who gave me my first ever journalism job and I’m proud to still have that connection. I feel like my career might be a sum of ALL of their good advice.
Name: My name is Florence Otedola popularly known as “CUPPY”
Profession: DJ, Producer, and Entrepreneur
Current location: London
Hometown: Epe, Lagos State. Nigeria
Most inspirational woman in your life? My Mum “Mama Cups”.
Proudest moment of 2017? My proudest moment for 2017 was when I won the New York University Artistic Alumini Achievement Award.
Biggest goals for 2018? Biggest goal is to send 10 people to university, I’ve completed with 3. 7 more to go!
Favourite fashion icon? I love Rihanna’s style although I don’t think I can be as risky as she is… But she is a BAD GYAL!
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? What are your pre performance routines, apart from styling, hair and makeup of course! How do you prepare for such EPICNESS.
Unofficial uniform: Joggers and a matching top. So comfy for my flying and just running errands… Also NO MAKEUP.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Always do YOU. Regardless of whether or not you’re following the grain. If you’re good at what you do, they will come to you. TRUST ME.
Favourite restaurant? My favourite spot is Ping Pong…. I can’t get enough of their dim sum, it’s my go to spot when I’m in London! So many branches, so its convenient. Plus the have a the yummiest lemongrass cocktail.
What are you currently listening to while on the go? My new song with Tekno “Green Light” is always on repeat.
Best way to spend a rainy day? At home, sitting in bed with my laptop and mini DJ decks, practicing!
Favourite accessory? My DJ headphones, they’re blinded out with Swarovski crystals and have them in every single colour. They make an outfit!
Dream vacation destination? I would love to go to Hawaii… I’m all about that tropical life.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Make a difference, inspire others and change the rules.
Name: Ilaria Urbinati
Profession: fashion stylist
Current location: Los Angeles, CA
Hometown: Rome, Italy
Most inspirational woman in your life? My client & friend Shailene Woodley. As an activist, she really puts her money where her mouth is. She isn’t adding to the noise, she actually shows up & takes action.
Proudest moment of 2017? Owning my own home for the first time.
Biggest goals for 2018? To embrace the chaos & adventure of my big beautiful messy unpredictable life and to feel everything - good and bad.
Favourite fashion icon? Right now, Ben Cobb.
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? How low is too low (when it comes to those shirt buttons :).
Unofficial uniform: 90s dresses with boots or my boxing clothes.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? Working and struggling towards your goals is even more fun than the achievement itself. The overcoming of obstacles towards your goals is the meat. It’s the adventure. So stop whining cause you will look back wistfully on these days.
Favourite restaurant? In the world? The restaurant at Il Gambribus, my family’s beach club in Ostia, Italy. In LA... The Bar at Hotel Bel Air.
What are you currently listening to while on the go? Joe Rogan podcasts.
Best way to spend a rainy day? In bed!
Favourite accessory? My Lina Noel necklace with my daughter Wylder’s name.
Dream vacation destination? The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. I have been itching to go see the incredible work they do first hand. And to cuddle with Some Elephants:).
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The only way to get a lot done at once is to tackle one thing at a time.
Name: Alexis Bennett
Profession: InStyle, E-Commerce Editor
Current location: NYC
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Most inspirational woman in your life? My mom. She’s Superwoman to me.
Proudest moment of 2017? Getting engaged to my best friend.
Biggest goals for 2018? Breaking records at InStyle and becoming a millionaire.
Favourite fashion icon? Rihanna.
If you could ask them anything, what would it be? Can I have all of your hand-me-downs, please?
Unofficial uniform: Anything sexy, yet polished.
Advice you wish someone had told you when you were starting out in your industry? I wish someone told me how much actual experience outweighs any college class or degree.
Favourite restaurant? I’m a southern girl, so I love soul food. For me, it’s a tie between Amy Ruth’s in NYC and Pappadeaux in Atlanta.
What are you currently listening to while on the go? Right now, I’m listening to Canadian singer Tory Lanez non-stop and taking breaks for a little bit of Sabrina Claudio, too.
Best way to spend a rainy day? Naps on rainy days are THE best.
Favourite accessory? I love a statement handbag. It doesn’t have to be huge, but I love ones with unique silhouettes and unexpected details.
Dream vacation destination? My dream vacation would be traveling to any island and spending everyday at the spa getting facials, massages, and eating Mac & Cheese. Hey, it’s a dream, right?
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice that I’ve ever received came from Oprah. Obviously she didn’t directly tell me, but her message on surrendering completely changed my life. Instead of being anxious and worrying about my career or the things I want to accomplish, Oprah taught me to simply Let. It. Go. That doesn’t mean don’t work towards your goals, but it means to come to a mental state of peace. There have been so many times in my life when I’ve practiced this. And, I swear, the moment I stopped worrying, the thing that I wanted manifested.