Fashion is one of the most powerful industries in the world. It’s built on women…as customers, muses, and the creative force keeping everything running. Yet somehow, the top seats at major fashion houses are still mostly filled by men. Where are the women in women’s fashion?
Now, this isn’t to say men can’t design for women. Many of them do it beautifully. But it is interesting how often men are the ones deciding what women should wear, and what that says about the industry as a whole.
When You Can Tell a Designer Truly “Gets” Women
Every fashion month, TikTok revives the “you can tell when a designer loves women” trend — and honestly, it’s spot-on. You can feel it in the clothes. The cut, the fabric, the way something moves when you walk. Designers like Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Georges Hobeika deliver pieces that honor the female form. Their work feels intentional, elegant, and powerful, never an afterthought.
Louise Trotter’s Moment at Bottega Veneta
When Louise Trotter presented her first ready-to-wear collection for Bottega Veneta, the industry exhaled. Her work was confident and quiet. There were no loud pieces, no gimmicks, just craftsmanship, precision, and a deep understanding of how women want to feel in their clothes.
Every detail from the sustainable materials, the clean tailoring, to the way each piece moved, reminded us that true luxury isn’t flashy. It’s about longevity. Women everywhere felt seen, and the reaction said it all: we want more women designing for women.
When It Misses the Mark
Contrast that with Dario Vitale’s debut at Versace, a house long defined by unapologetic confidence and sensuality. His collection was casual and raw, but in doing so, he lost the polish that made Versace iconic. The unfinished hems, open zippers, and boxy cuts didn’t feel empowering; they felt disconnected.
It’s a reminder that designing for women isn’t just about trends; it’s personal. It’s about empathy, fit, and understanding how real women want to move through the world.
Balance Over Exclusion
Here’s the thing: this isn’t a call for men to leave fashion. It’s a call for balance. Women make up the majority of fashion school graduates, yet only about 12% become creative directors. That’s not a talent issue; that’s a pipeline issue.
More women at the top means more perspectives, more creativity, and more clothes that make sense for how women actually live. Fashion doesn’t have to choose between art and wearability - the best designers have always known how to do both.
At La Vestalia, we believe women deserve clothes and styling that reflect their lives, not just the runway. Our stylists translate high-fashion design into effortless, wearable looks that celebrate you every day.
The right styling isn’t about trends - it’s about understanding women. Work with a La Vestalia stylist who brings expertise, empathy, and an eye for detail to every look.
