On International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the women in the design industry who have shaped and continue to shape the world of creativity. From pioneering female designers to today’s women creative leaders, women have long been at the forefront of innovation—pushing boundaries, redefining aesthetics, and proving that design is as much about storytelling as it is about decoration.
A Legacy of Innovation
Throughout history, women in design have revolutionised textiles, interiors, and print. Sonia Delaunay brought bold, rhythmic patterns to life, inspired by modern art movements.
Lucienne Day transformed post-war Britain with her abstract, optimistic prints that breathed fresh energy into interior fabrics with her love of stylised nature and the colour mustard!
Florence Broadhurst, the radical bohemian, redefined wallpaper with her fearless use of scale and intricate motifs. She lived a life of constant reinvention and innovation. Read more about her incredible life and be inspired!
“I was once asked, ‘How do you know you are living?’ and I said, ‘I create, so I know I am living.’”
- Florence Broadhurst
Their work wasn’t just about beauty—it was about breaking conventions and empowering women in creativity. In an industry often dominated by men, these women carved out their own creative spaces, blending art with commercial success. Their influence laid the foundation for today’s generation of women creative leaders, who continue to push boundaries and innovate in the world of design.
Women at the Forefront Today
Today, the influence of female designers is stronger than ever. From independent brands to high-fashion collaborations, women-led studios are driving trends, blending traditional techniques with digital innovation, and steering the industry towards sustainability and inclusivity.
Yet, the numbers tell us there’s still work to do. The Design Council’s 2022 Design Economy report found that only 23% of designers are women, with even lower representation in leadership roles. In some design sectors, the gap is even wider—just 19% of industrial designers are women, and only 11% hold design leadership roles. However, studies indicate that diverse teams perform significantly better than homogenous ones; research from Harvard Business Review shows that teams with high cognitive diversity are more innovative and solve problems faster. McKinsey’s findings further highlight that companies with higher gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform competitors in profitability.
The shift is happening—digital platforms and social media have given female designers direct access to audiences, allowing them to build successful careers on their own terms and challenge gender equality in design. More companies are recognising the value of diversity in design, and the impact of women’s leadership in the creative sector is undeniable.
Inclusive gender diversity isn't the only factor; intergenerational teams add more power too. Our team is diverse in age, with the youngest being 17. Each member brings a valuable lens, varied experience, and insight to our decision-making and creativity.
Collaboration Over Competition
One of the most striking aspects of women in the design industry is their emphasis on community over competition. From collectives that champion emerging talent to knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentorship, and collaboration are at the heart of women’s success in the industry.
At Print Pattern Archive, we believe in lifting each other up. We hold skill-sharing sessions where we exchange knowledge, insights, and design hacks—because collectively, we are stronger. This mindset fosters innovation and ensures that creativity is not just gatekept, but passed forward, strengthening diversity in design.
Looking Ahead: A Future Shaped by Women?
The future of print and pattern is bright, flexible, and more female-led. With more diverse andvoices shaping the industry, we’re seeing a shift towards more inclusive, experimental, and socially conscious design. As more businesses embrace sustainable practices and flexible working, women creative leaders are leading the way in creating organic, fluid ways of working that support creativity and life balance.
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This International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the legacy, resilience, and creativity of women in design—past, present, and future. To the female designers redefining the industry: we see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to see what you create next!
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