Celebrating the women of Pure London for International Women's Day 2020
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People and community are at the heart of everything Pure London stands for. So, since International Women’s Day is this weekend, we wanted to celebrate some of the incredible women who make the Festival of Fashion what it is.
Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director
How did you get to where you are now?
Lots of hard work, loving what I do, being constantly curious, constantly learning and knowing that every day is an opportunity to improve myself.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
Rather than one I am lucky to have a tribe. There are strong women in my family who help, inspire and nurture each other. In addition my female friends And colleagues are my daily inspiration and support network. Women who juggle motherhood with a career are all inspirational.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Sharing parenthood. Being equally supportive of each other’s careers. Not being judged because you work and are a mother and not being judgemental. Ditching old boys networks and truly embracing the talent around us regardless of gender, age or race.
How does fashion empower you?
As a teenager I grew up in a very grey inner city area with teachers who had largely written us off. Fashion magazines in exotic locations screamed escape, future and individuality. The models also seemed fearless and strong. It has always given me strength and it’s a way I express my character to the world.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
When women help other women great things happen... let’s do more of this
Gloria Sandrucci, Pure London Event Director
How did you get to where you are now?
I have always wanted to be in a big city and have a career so when I had the opportunity to do so I literally jumped on a plane and moved to London. A new world opened up to me, very different from my little town in north Italy and with lots of challenges that I was not expecting. It was hard, harsh and what kept me going was my drive, my resilience and my intention to succeed. I was following my heart.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
My grandma, my mother’s mum. She had a tough life, she went through the war and lost her husband, my granddad when she was not even 40. She had to raise her 2 daughters on her own and start working which was very unusual in Italy back in the 60’s. Despites all of that my grandma provided both my mum and aunt with an education and always made sure nothing was taken away from them. She was a truly inspiration for me
What does gender equality mean to you?
To me, it means that behaviours, aspirations and needs are considered, valued and favoured equally. There is no favouritism here and women have the same opportunities as men have.
How does fashion empower you?
Since I was a young little girl, my grandma used to tailor beautiful coats and skirts for me and I have always thought they were the most beautiful and most fashionable pieces allowing me to feel strong and confident at all times, but also special. And this is what fashion is for me. It is an opportunity to express my way of being.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Follow your heart, the only barriers that may exist are the ones you create for yourself. Be agile, be able to adapt and always look for opportunities even when times are hard, be resilient. Hard work will always pay off.
Emma Wilder, Fashion Content Editor
How did you get to where you are now?
Honestly, by pure chance. I graduated in 2016 with a degree in English and American Literature and I had always planned to teach after my degree. However, I decided to explore what else was out there and fell in love with digital and content marketing. Having started my career in Brighton, I decided to take the leap and move up to London and I've really never looked back.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
It's a cliche, but I couldn't say there's just one woman in my life who inspires me to succeed. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by strong, talented women within my personal and professional life who inspire me in new ways every day.
What does gender equality mean to you?
It means being recognised as a person, not as a representative of any gender (or any other label). Equality means we will all be characterised by how we act and what we do, not by any preconceived idea of who we should be.
How does fashion empower you?
Fashion allows me to express who I am and how I'm feeling. It's how I communicate my confidence and capability with the world.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
There is no such thing as a right or wrong path. Do what you love and make sure it makes you happy. Your happiness is your most important asset, so make sure it's always your top priority.
Suzanne Ellingham, Head of Content
How did you get to where you are now?
By always choosing roles that give me the space to grow professionally and learn something new. The second I have felt that I was in a place where I couldn’t grow, or try new things, has been the time I have known I have needed to make a change. That drive to do new commercial deals, or push myself into a new role, or move countries has meant that I don’t pigeon hole myself into a role. I may be a head of content today, but if I feel I want to move in a new direction there is nothing stopping me doing that either.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
I have been lucky enough to have very strong men and women in my family who instilled that I can do whatever I want to do. I don’t know if there is an iconic/famous woman that pushes me to succeed, although Ruth Bader Ginsberg embodies she is small but fierce and has led a remarkable life, I think she is the only person I would be star struck around...
What does gender equality mean to you?
That I have exactly the same chances and opportunities as anyone else.
How does fashion empower you?
I think a lot of the attitudes in fashion are generally empowering, the thought that you can look anyway you want whether its to use you fashion like armour, or make a statement, or just decide to make no effort. There’s no judgement in fashion, apart from to be true to your own aesthetic.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Back yourself and never be afraid to negotiate hard. A lot of women are not comfortable with salary negotiations or dealing with the financial side of their role. Always know the market value of your skills and never be afraid to ask for what your skills are worth.
Mei-Ann Bartram, Customer Success Executive
How did you get to where you are now?
I studied fashion all throughout school, sixth form and college, but never knew which path to go down within fashion. I decided that fashion events and a customer approach was the path for me and I have loved it ever since!
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
My mum for sure! She has always taught me to go for it and to not take a rejection or something that didn’t work out as a ‘failure’. Always take it as part of your experience and your overall journey to where you eventually want to be. She is also a really hard worker herself!
What does gender equality mean to you?
For me, it means that both women and men can behave the same way and have the same goals and values without being judged because we are all equal in that sense.
How does fashion empower you?
It gives me the opportunity to feel great! When you put together an outfit in the morning that you feel comfortable and fabulous in, you will always have the best day.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I would always say, when you feel a little bit stuck on which path to go down, always keep your options open and never be scared to try something new if you are passionate about it. Also, build as many connections with people you cross paths with, you never know when you may need advice from them!
Niamh Stone, Senior Content Producer
How did you get to where you are now?
With the support of some brilliant mentors and managers throughout my career who have taught be the best ways to approach and overcome problems. Also, a little hard work of my own!
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
My mum is an incredible inspiration to me – she’s super hardworking and creative. She’s also brilliant at standing up for what she believes in. She pushes me to really go for what I want.
What does gender equality mean to you?
For me, for true gender equality we need to support, encourage and empower women to have access to the same opportunities as men. From the boardroom to school, this means ensuring women have the space to progress and the support from above to get there.
How does fashion empower you?
Fashion is such an incredibly creative industry and that creativity and drive to make something new and innovative is really inspirational.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I’d encourage women not to be discouraged by the micro-pressures we face – we are getting there! Mentors have been incredible for my progress and having a strong woman to look up to and use as a sounding board has been so important. So – find someone who inspires you, and go for it!
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About Pure London and Pure Origin
We are the UK’s number one leading fashion trade event that brings together the entire fashion supply chain, right the way from fibre through to finished ready to wear garments.
No other UK show offers sourcing and brands together, making Pure London and Pure Origin the only event to cater to all your fashion buying needs under one central London roof.
Location & Opening times:
Olympia London,
Hammersmith Road,
Kensington,
London W14 8UX
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Sunday 19th July 2020, 09.30 - 18.00
Monday 20th July 2020, 09.30 - 18.00
Tuesday 21st July 2020, 09.30 - 16.00