2024 marks 49 years since the UN first recognised International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is titled, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. With this in mind, we’re celebrating five contemporaries paving the way for gender equality in design.
CARLOTTA DE BEVILACQUA
Named as one of Forbes Magazine’s “Top 100 Women in Italy” in 2020, president and CEO of Artemide, Carlotta de Bevilacqua, has been leading the company with technological innovation and a sustainable ethos. With a background in design, Carlotta graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano.
In the field of lighting she’s introduced innovative technological perspectives, characterized by sensory experience, with an emphasis on health and wellbeing. A human-rights and animal-rights activist, her mindset blends humanism and science, embracing new digital technologies including AI. Shop Artemide.
SILKEBORG ULDSPINDERI
Family-owned Silkeborg Uldspinderi is a third-generation design company established in 1987. With a strong focus on fine craftsmanship and sustainable design, Silkeborg represent the best of Danish textiles, they collaborate with expert designers and skilled artisans to develop their collections. Every material is handpicked and carefully processed to obtain the utmost quality and sustainability.
MARGRETHE ODGAARD
Deeply intwined with nature, colour designer Margrethe Odgaard keeps a colour diary, constantly reflecting the vibrations of the environment with different hues.“My childhood in Jutland, close to the North Sea, has deeply anchored in me. Up there the weather is very unpredictable. I thrive on being reminded of how small and insignificant we are versus nature. It’s where I do my best work. Back then my mother and grandmother combed the wool from scratch and spun it, we had a spindle and everything.”
WORLD OF CRAFT
World of Craft, was founded in Stockholm in 1967. They champion artisans across Africa, Asia and Latin America, to promote and develop traditional crafts.Their goal is to support fair trade practices and create new job opportunities in regions where craftsmanship plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of local people. Our collection of cushions by World Of Craft is made by Mayan artisans of Guatemala with traditional techniques.
IRIS APFEL 1921-2024
Regarded as one of the greatest style icons of the 20th-century fashion, Iris Apfel’s career traversed the fields of fashion and interior design. Having studied art history at New York University, she was an avid collector of clothes and costume jewellery, mixing haute couture with flea market finds, acquiring a personal collection of over 1000 pieces.
Photo: Instagram @iris.apfel
Iris Apfel rose to fame in 2005 after being invited to curate an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, going on to publish the book “Rare Bird of Fashion” in 2007. A firm believer in self-expression through clothing, Iris made dressing a delight. Having passed away on the 1st March, aged 102, Iris leaves behind a fashion legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Read more about our exhibition dedicated to Iris Apfel for London Design Festival 2018.
CONSTANCE FRAPOLLI
Constance Frapolli studied interior architecture and design at the Camondo school in Paris. Since graduating in 2016, she’s already collaborated with established design studios including Patricia Urquiola and Ligne Roset. Her designs are founded on a search for balance between the poetic and the practical, where form and materials tell a story. Discover Frapolli’s designs include the Lauze Coffee Table & Agosto Rug for Ligne Roset.
