Each year, International Women’s Day offers an opportunity to recognise the women whose leadership, creativity and determination strengthen the UK fashion and textile sector. Across manufacturing, design, sustainability, retail and education, women continue to shape the industry’s future while preserving the skills, heritage and values that define it.

This year our team wanted to recognise a group of individuals whose work is making a meaningful contribution across the sector. Some are widely known names, while others are quietly driving change behind the scenes. Together they represent the breadth, resilience and ambition of the UK’s fashion and textile community.

It is also important to note that this is by no means an exhaustive list. We have the privilege of working with many outstanding women across the sector, including many who have been recognised in previous years, and their contributions continue to shape the industry every day.

Building responsible and forward-looking businesses

At Marks & Spencer, Katharine Beacham has played an important role in advancing sustainability within one of the UK’s largest retailers. Beyond her work internally, she is also recognised for sharing knowledge openly and contributing to collaborative initiatives that support the wider industry.

Caroline Attwood has brought fresh perspective and thoughtful leadership to Margaret Howell, balancing innovation with respect for the brand’s long-standing values. Her collaborative approach and support for emerging brands and retailers reflects a wider commitment to the health of the sector.

Danielle McDonald, founder and CEO of Athletesia, exemplifies dedication to building a responsible brand from the ground up. Her focus on compliance, transparency and long-term sustainability runs through every aspect of the business. Even while recovering from surgery, she continues to push forward with determination, demonstrating both commitment to her brand and a deep understanding of the sector she operates in.

Championing British textiles and craftsmanship

In the world of British cloth, Lindsay Taylor at Holland & Sherry has become a passionate advocate for the quality and reputation of UK textiles. Working within what has historically been a male-dominated space, she has helped raise awareness of British fabric internationally while supporting the next generation of businesses.

Tailoring on Savile Row continues to evolve thanks in part to pioneers such as Su Thomas and Kathryn Sargent. Both have worked tirelessly to challenge long-standing barriers and open doors for women entering the craft of tailoring and cutting.

In knitwear manufacturing, Jess McGuire Dudley leads John Smedley, the world’s oldest continuously operating manufacturer. Founded in 1784, the company began long before women had a voice in business. Today, under her leadership, the brand continues to expand internationally while safeguarding its heritage and craftsmanship.

Across Scotland, Margaret MacLeod has overseen major transformation at Harris Tweed Hebrides, strengthening the business and ensuring that one of Britain’s most recognisable textiles continues to thrive globally.

In Wales, Lisa Wood has helped guide Corgi Hosiery alongside her brother, modernising the business while preserving its reputation as the largest manufacturer in its sector in Wales.

Meanwhile, Amanda McLaren has been instrumental in bringing new energy to A W Hainsworth, helping modernise the business while championing initiatives to attract younger talent into the textile workforce.

Leading with sustainability and responsibility

Sustainability leadership often happens behind the scenes, and several of the women recognised this year are driving significant progress in this area.

Emma Collings has played a key role in advancing sustainability across Stephen Walters and Sudbury Silk Mills. Her work helped the company achieve OEKO-TEX STeP accreditation, embedding sustainability across carbon, water and waste management while ensuring transparency and credibility in communications.

At Fermoie, Marlene Braizier has led major initiatives around sustainability and operations, helping guide the company to B Corp status and establishing its first impact report.

Working at Barbour, Katie Ridley manages sustainability and regulatory responsibilities for a large organisation, balancing multiple priorities while helping the company adapt to evolving industry standards.

Similarly, Sarah Coleman ensures that sustainability principles remain embedded in product development at Margaret Howell, aligning design thinking with responsible production.

In recycling, Jaz Sindhu has shown remarkable resilience, continuing to manage the day-to-day operations of Collections 4 Clothes while raising her children following the loss of her husband last year.

Driving manufacturing, retail and sector growth

Few individuals have done more to advocate for UK manufacturing than Jenny Holloway from Fashion Enter, whose long-standing commitment to domestic production has supported skills, employment and supply chain resilience across the country.

On the global stage, Jenny Packham continues to represent British luxury fashion internationally through her dedication to craftsmanship and export growth.

Retail leadership is also represented by Lela Nair of Liberty London. Known for her hands-on approach, she combines strong commercial leadership with a willingness to support the next generation entering international trade and export markets.

Trade exhibitions remain an essential platform for the industry, and Karen Radley has ensured that Scoop International continues to thrive as an independent fashion exhibition in the UK, sustained through determination and private investment.

Industry champions and educators

In the intimate apparel sector, both Pamela Scott of Underlines and Lucy Litwack of Coco de Mer are recognised for championing innovation, design and global visibility for the UK lingerie industry.

Creativity and print design remain central to British fashion heritage thanks to designers such as Orla Kiely, whose work has become synonymous with bold pattern and whose charitable contributions continue across the UK and Ireland.

Emerging designers also play a vital role in shaping the future. Tolu Coker has steadily built recognition for her distinctive voice in fashion, demonstrating persistence and creative integrity as her work gains wider acclaim.

Technology and education are equally important for the next generation. Laura Fish, through Fashion Toolbox, is helping designers and students embrace 3D design technologies while maintaining the importance of traditional craftsmanship.

At the Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), Anna Pangbourne has expanded the charity’s reach and fundraising efforts, strengthening its support for families within the industry.

Within government, Ayesha Patel at the Department for Business and Trade continues to champion the strengths of the fashion and textile sector across policy and international trade conversations.

Research and innovation

Alongside the designers, manufacturers and business leaders shaping the sector today, research and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in defining the future of fashion and textiles. Across universities, laboratories and start-ups, women are leading work that challenges conventional thinking and explores new solutions for sustainability, materials and production.

At Northumbria University, Dr Alana James, associate professor in fashion and director of the IMPACT+ Network, is recognised for her research exploring responsible social and environmental practices in the fashion supply chain from a design perspective. Her work brings together brands, consumers and researchers to examine how collaborative approaches can support more sustainable industry practices.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, Susan Postlethwaite, professor of fashion technologies and director of the Robotics Living Lab at the Manchester Fashion Institute, is advancing the role of robotics and automation in fashion production. Her work explores how emerging technologies can transform manufacturing processes, improve efficiency and support the development of more resilient and innovative supply chains.

Innovation is also happening within specialist facilities and industry-led initiatives. Salli Deighton has been pioneering new approaches to responsible denim production through LaundRE, the first denim finishing lab of its kind in London. With a strong focus on reuse, local manufacturing and education, the initiative provides a platform for brands, students and manufacturers to explore more sustainable finishing processes while keeping production knowledge within the UK.

In the field of materials innovation, Charlotte Gruender at Epoch Biodesign is working to develop virgin-quality recycled polymers with ultra-low emissions, beginning with nylon 6,6. Her work contributes to the growing effort to scale textile-to-textile recycling technologies, and through engagement with the Textile-to-Textile Alliance she is helping inform policy frameworks that could support a circular textile economy across Europe.

Gabriele Verikaite of Solena Materials is a key part of the team that is aiming to  commercialise a new class of fibres designed to deliver a lower environmental footprint. She is also passionate about to building a collaborative community of innovators in London, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and industry partners to advance more responsible materials for fashion and textiles.

Honouring those who paved the way

Finally, it is impossible to reflect on women in British fashion without recognising the influence of Vivienne Westwood. Her career demonstrated that conviction, creativity and determination can reshape an entire industry. Her legacy continues to inspire designers and entrepreneurs across the world.

From heritage craftsmanship to modern leadership: the women sustaining and advancing the sector

The individuals recognised here represent only a small portion of the women contributing to the success of the UK fashion and textile sector. From global brands to specialist manufacturers, from sustainability leadership to emerging design talent, their work strengthens the industry every day.

As we mark International Women’s Day, this recognition is both a moment of appreciation and a reminder of the importance of continuing to support and elevate the women shaping the future of fashion and textiles in the UK.

Women in Trade Associations Powerlist

Finally, it is our pleasure to confirm that our very own Celia Thornley has been recognised in the 2026 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist!

The Powerlist is a collaboration between FSB, CBI and TAF to celebrate and recognise inspirational women in the Association sector.

We’re delighted Celia has been selected for her massive contribution to skills development and workforce engagement across the UK fashion and textiles sector. With more than 30 years of industry experience, she has progressed from industrial sewing machinist to senior skills leader, shaping national training strategies through roles at Sector Skills Councils, CapitB and The Alliance Project.

At UKFT, she has led nationwide careers and jobs fairs to attract new entrants, developed an online production sewing machinist course to widen access to technical training, and worked with the prison service to create alternative pathways into employment. Promoted to Head of Skills and Training in 2023, she continues to strengthen workforce development initiatives that support long-term industry resilience. Her professionalism, consistency and commitment to maintaining sector skills have earned the respect of colleagues and partners alike. Well done Celia!