International Women's Day is a chance to highlight outstanding women in the luxury community. We've chosen a group of fabulous women including fashion journalists, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and industry experts to share their insights on careers, brands, inspiration, and current trends. Here’s what they had to say.
Eshita Kabra-Davies, Founder and CEO of By Rotation, started the platform in 2019 to tackle textile industry waste.The successful platform has been dubbed the "Airbnb of designer fashion" and "Instagram of fashion rental." With a global community in the UK and US, it's the world's largest shared wardrobe. Eshita has been recognised as part of Forbes 30 Under 30 and other accolades, is an industry expert on the sharing economy and fashion.
Most rewarding part of your job? Hearing stories and case studies of how rotating has become a meaningful part of our community's lives: from funding their IVF journeys, saving up for mortgages to paying for childcare and more.
What did you learn from your last mistake? As a business owner, you are always pitching your business - don't miss out any relevant opportunities to do so!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? The Aeolian Islands off Sicily
Summer or Winter wardrobe?Summer wardrobe, without a doubt! I am still learning the art of layering...
Helen Leighton, Leads Luxury Brand Management & Marketing at Marriott International for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. She oversees all PR and Communications, raising awareness of Marriott's 30+ brands, managing crisis communications, and promoting global growth and innovation.
Your one word of advice is? Work in an industry you enjoy and are passionate about – then it won’t feel like going to work every day.
What’s a trend you’d like to see disappear for ever? Oversharing on social media.
What was your first job? My very first job was hoovering the floor in a pharmacy after school when I was about 15 years old – I think it gave me a strong worth ethic which has stayed with me my entire life.
Something people wouldn’t know about you. I nearly became a Police Officer but my passion for travel led me into the hospitality industry and I’ve never looked back.
Hetty Lintell, Founder of The Gift Consultancy and Luxury Editor at Country Life. Hetty joined Country Life as Editorial Assistant before going on to pioneer the magazine’s luxury pages and create ‘The Gift Consultancy’ specialising in beautiful luxury gifts.
What was your first job (how did it lead to your current role)? After lots of non-starter temp jobs, I wrote to every magazine I could think of for work experience, Country Life came back saying they had one week left that year and would I like it? I jumped at the chance, and the week led to an interview which led to a job as Editorial Assistant.
What’s a trend you’d like to see disappear for ever? Uggs, oh, and photographing one's breakfast -although I have definitely done both in my time.
Something people wouldn’t know about you. I cry at every episode of CallThe Midwife and am obsessed with smart wrapping paper (Memo press is my latest favourite)
What item could you never part with? A bespoke yellow gold and diamond cocktail ring I have just had made by Lylie; it features diamonds from one of my Granny's old rings which was passed to my mother then to me.
Monique Hodgson, Founder and CEO of Mumble Forum, a global platform supporting female-led businesses and working mothers. With expertise in luxury brand strategy and international affairs, she champions women's rights and entrepreneurship. Named the most influential women's industry platform CEO in the UK for 2023, she's paving the way for women in investment and entrepreneurship.
Describe a typical day? Most of my days I spend mastering the art of juggling many hats. As a mother, founder and CEO at Mumble Forum, I spend most of my time between work meetings, running after the kids and immersive brainstorm meetings with my team catering for our busy members social event calendar. If I’m not on a meeting a zoom or school run you’ll find me having a matcha latte at the gym or listening to an audio book. Currently listening to ‘Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds’.
What’s next for Mumble Forum? We are very excited for the recent launch of our Members APP. Helping us reach and cater for a global audience and expanding our members event internationally. Next stop Dubai. For the past 3 years we have been growing and running a successful Women empowerment community catering for a diverse mix of likeminded businesswomen, industry leaders and entrepreneurs. It is now our mission bringing together all our curated network, brands and location partners into one space to foster sisterhood, whilst providing a platform to grow their network and net-worth. Exciting start of the year indeed
Favourite City? Milan, I used to live there when I studied at Marangoni. A city I once called home, I loved the people, the food and the Italian sense of style impeccable!
Best fashion advice you have ever gotten? Focus on your personal brand. Fashion trends fade but style is timeless.
Caroline Jennings, Marketing and Communication Director at Cadogan with 20 years’ experience, primarily in luxury retail and destination marketing. As Director of Communication at Cadogan, she oversees all brand activity through storytelling, collaborations and events – working closely with the community on both this and Cadogan’s stewardship strategy to ensure Chelsea remains one of London’s most culturally rich, interesting and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Day in the life. I love the diversity of working in comms. It could involve planning for one of our big events such as Chelsea in Bloom or the new ‘StoriesFestival’ that we’re working on with the Evening Standard; meeting a partner for a catch-up (from Walpole to Wallpaper*, the K +C Foundation, BFC, ChelseaArt Society or NLA); editing copy for one or our magazines, newsletters or social channels; working with our Head of Sustainability on environmental and social impact; planning pop-up activations or public art pieces; development of local groups such as the Chelsea Heritage Quarter or King’s Road Partnership; popping in to see a new brand, or presenting our plans to hundreds of occupiersto ensure we’re working together to make Chelsea the best possible neighbourhood.
Upcoming projects for Cadogan? We are working to finish the transformation of Sloane Street and planning creative uses for The Gaumont our new landmark on King's Road, which will be launching with some exciting public art later this year.
In a digital world, how do you recharge? Reading. But not online. ‘Proper’ books and magazines! Digital is fantastic for news, but nothing will replace the pleasure of actually turning the pages of a brilliant book or glossy supplement. I love seeing society’s seeming insatiability for online content balancing with soaring sales of vinyl and books.
Best fashion tip? “If you love something, wear it all the time. Find things that suit you. This is how you look extraordinary." – Vivienne Westwood
Venetia Archer, Founder and CEO of Ruuby, the UK’s leading on-demand beauty and wellness services platform. Following a career change from researching Somalian piracy to beauty tech entrepreneur. She launched the business in 2016 and was quickly recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30. Ruuby, inspired by the allure of red, connects over 1,000 skilled beauty professionals with clients across London, offering a variety of services from blow-dries to massages and makeup.
Most satisfying moment of your career? Recently we hit 400,000 services delivered and that was a great moment!
A female that inspires you. Anya Hindmarch - always innovating and following her own beat. I'm always excited to see what she does next.
Favourite evening spot? Bar Des Pres for dinner
Name one thing on your bucket-list? I want to do a beauty research trip to Seoul.
Katy Wickremesinghe, Founder KTW & The Wick, a British-Sri Lankan entrepreneur and art expert, founded KTW & The Wick, connecting the culturally curious and promoting art engagement in businesses. KTW incubates businesses and individuals into the global art market while The Wick offers education and navigation of the art world. Katy is also a regular speaker, cultural ambassador, and trustee for art institutions.
Most satisfying part of your job? Working consistently between the cultural and business arenas to fuse them together and open up new conversations for business and education. It’s a privilege to work closely with artists, brands and creative business leaders to develop them in the art market and build cultural resonance. I also find learning everyday incredibly fulfilling. I know no other place where I can be in an artist studio one day and a boardroom the next. The Wick is also a great tool for my team to be able to access and learn with me, so I love seeing that progression in knowledge of the people who I work with. I feel inspired by my work daily.
What is your key takeaway from your last mistake? I have learnt that it’s important to reflect and take self-responsibility. To look at our part in a conversation, or a moment, when something has gone wrong. As I age, I find it much easier to say to my team or clients if something hasn’t gone as planned.We are all fallible – being a good leader is being able to be transparent and authentic to strive for greatness in our industry or personal leadership. I’ve also learnt the importance of de-briefing and reflection, discussing with the team what can be done better.
When are you most productive? My days can be extremely long indeed. Often at least 3-4 times a week I am working across client events or attending art exhibitions or auctions with clients so it’s important I build my working day to be as efficient and productive as possible. I tend to try as much as possible to chunk my days out into time areas. Generally, early in the morning is a time when I get to use my gratitude journal, take a walk on the common and listen to some podcasts and do some meditation or yoga. I find on the days I do this Eastern start to my day I am much more productive.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? My other homeland SriLanka. As a half British half Sri Lankan Island girl, I feel at home in the heat and spirituality this island has to offer. I love the fact that Colombo isa small city– you can jump to gallery, to beach, boardroom or the tea plantations. I love the inter-generational conversation and the unique history – from Geoffrey Bawa to the Sapumal Art Foundation. It’s exciting tosee that it’s back in a stage of growth and rejuvenation after some difficult years.
Summer or Winter Wardrobe?
Tough one! I am a fashion junkie and it’s a big part of my working world, especially given lots of my work is public and ‘on show’ or linked to evenings where I need to look and feel my best. If I had to pick I would say Autumn – I love the move into soft knits, knee high boots and lots of materiality and wide billowing sleeves.
I tend to favour European and British brands but more recently I’ve been wearing Sri Lankan and Indian labels such as Raw Mango or from the Design Collective. I also urge people to check out museum stores as there are so often artistic fashion and jewellery pieces – I bought a beautiful, quilted jacket from the V&A. Other favourites include: LaBrum ,Isabel Marant, Marfa Stance, Bash, Lisou and Anna Mason.
Holly Goodchild Leading celebrity, talent and brand strategist with over 20 years’ experience across client & talent & VIP relations, events, brand partnerships, publicity and campaigns.
Most fulfilling part of your job? Working and collaborating with close friends every day! Working across industries (entertainment talent and brands) for many years, I've built a network of contacts who are also my closest friends. It makes work so much more enjoyable when you have a genuine connection with the people you are communicating with daily.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Las Vegas. I know some people hate it there, but I love it. I must have been a showgirl in my previous life … I’m obsessed with its history, and it has some of the best entertainment, restaurants, hotels and shopping you could ask for.
Summer or Winter wardrobe? Summer. I can experiment more.
When are you most productive? I'm at my best, when I am at my busiest. I seem to thrive on being under pressure and find that I achieve best results when I don't have time to second guess myself.
International Women’s Day is first and foremost dedicated to furthering conversations about gender equality, but it’s also acts as the perfect platform to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, teams and communities.
Moriarty is filled with incredible women so International Women’s Day is a cause we feel so passionately about. We love working and supporting women whose values, of inspiring confidence & empowerment, align with ours. Woman supporting women creates meaningful change and connections the world.
