This article is part of our new editorial package, which seeks to answer the question, “What would happen if fashion was more female-led?” Click here to read more.
Maternity, menopause, misogyny…these are all undeniable obstacles that prevent women from progressing in their careers. But is the fashion industry as tough for women as we think it is? We felt that the only people who could really answer this question were some of the industry’s top fashion executives.
He also gave me some career advice.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Officer
Photo courtesy of Kering
In my opinion, the fashion industry is progressing more rapidly than many other industries. Take Kering for example, we have several female CEOs leading our brands. Personally, I haven’t encountered many obstacles in my career. I chose engineering studies, traditionally considered a “male option”, but the atmosphere was friendly and supportive. Some of my male colleagues have become close friends.
I believe it’s crucial to have a diverse support network in the early stages of your career. Whether it’s a group or an individual who acts as a mentor, it’s essential to find sources of strength and inspiration to give you advice along the way.
What should we leave behind? Fear, for each of us. Prejudice against women, for all of us. I am not a big supporter of quotas, but there is no denying that at certain points in the journey they can accelerate progress.
Halide Aragoz, Chief Product Officer, Ralph Lauren
Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren
