Beatrace Angut Oola’s Post

It's International Women's Day. I attended an event in Oakland today hosted by an incredible class of middle school aged young women. It was an awesome celebration of women, empowering women, and allying as and with women. They presented on many of the incredible but under-appreciated women in science, arts, fashion, space travel, and more. Many of them were not known to me and some, like Beyonce and Emma Watson, are household names - Taylor Swift somehow didn't make the cut... One name that really stuck out for me, as an entrepreneur, was their slide on Coco Chanel (Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel). It really resonated and inspired me so I want to share a little of what I learned as a tribute to the young women this morning. Coco Chanel was born in 1883 and was born into poverty in a poor house and at the age of 11 entered an orphanage. Long, and fascinating, story short, she grew up and became a fashion designer, retailer, and entrepreneur before eventually becoming one of the most iconic figures in history. What really astounded me was the way she designed fashion for women, as a woman, when women's clothing was designed for men to suit their idealized vision. Indeed, at first, women often rejected her designs. She was a pioneer, a visionary, and a legend who created a new category of fashion, beauty, perfume, and overall style. That's a legendary entrepreneur, creating a new category of clothing - without a corseted silhouette. So much of the world is still designed by men for men, even when for women's bodies (seatbelts are just one every day example). 141 years later, we're still working on following Coco's example. There so much to do. In 2024, I'm confident in the future progress thanks to the women I heard this morning and billions like them. Today is #IWD but every day we are all called to the work. To the rest of us, think about how you can support entrepreneurs changing the world, not just to be better for women but different, as Coco did. #categorydesign #cocochanel #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024

A friend asked me the other day, “Why do we talk so much about women in fashion?” My response was simple: “Because it’s not just about clothes; it’s about breaking barriers.” Fashion has always been an industry where creativity thrives, but behind the scenes, women have had to fight for their place at the table. Today, things are changing. Women are leading global fashion houses, launching their own labels, and using style to make powerful statements. Another question I got was, “What’s the bigger picture here?” The answer? Empowerment. It’s about resilience, challenging the status quo, and creating space for more diversity and inclusion, not just on the runway but in boardrooms, too. So, next time you think about fashion, remember it’s more than what you wear—it’s a platform for change, led by incredible women. What’s your take on women breaking barriers in fashion? Would love to hear your thoughts! #WomenInFashion #Empowerment #BreakingBarriers #DiversityAndInclusion

Embracing the Kamala Phenomenon: A Reflection on Women Empowerment in Fashion and Leadership As the dust settles from the whirlwind of recent political events, one cannot ignore the emergence of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, creating a wave of empowerment that has been nothing short of explosive. The Kamala internet trends have brought about a new wave of creativity and expression, from "Brat Green" to coconut-themed memes flooding platforms like TikTok. Amidst all this, it has reminded me of a monumental project I had the privilege of collaborating on - a Historical Project for Madame VP Kamala Harris and her iconic inauguration outfit with my dear long time colleague, friend Priscella Shum It was a true display of femininimenon - women supporting women with unwavering unity and no ego determined to excel together through sweat, blood and tears. Reflecting on this epic collaboration, I realized that amidst the chaos of a Covid-stricken world, the celebration of such a momentous occasion was subdued. We faced challenges of isolation, lack of resources, shipping delays, and virtual fittings, navigating through the storm with resilience and dedication. As a fashion designer in an industry rife with challenges, especially for women of color, we have fought against toxic environments, imbalanced structures, and self-doubt. The journey has been arduous, but the resilience and talent of women in the industry shine through. Looking ahead, I am hopeful that Kamala's influence will pave the way for more opportunities for women in leadership roles, amplifying their voices and contributions. It's time to break free from the shackles of gender stereotypes and empower women to be recognized for their capabilities, commitment, and multitasking abilities. Hopeful the impact of Kamala's leadership extends beyond politics into societal norms, inspiring a new era of inclusivity and equality. As I embark on new creative endeavors and seek fresh opportunities, I am excited to be part of a company that values a healthy work culture & purposeful design. Mentorship and empowering the next generation of designers hold a special place in my heart, ensuring a legacy of creativity and innovation. If indeed Kamala becomes the first woman president, the anticipation of her sartorial choices looms large. Which designers will grace her roster? I eagerly await for the tailored #officecore moments that will undoubtedly redefine power dressing. I am open to new collaborations & conversations, ready to embrace the winds of change and pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future. Let's connect and embark on this journey together towards a more equitable world. If this post resonated with you pls Share, comment and like. #openforwork #trendforecasting #fitexpert #production #fashiondesign #technicalpackages #womenswear #menswear #childrenswear #luxurygoods #handbagdesigner #outerwearspecialist #productdevelopment #sourcing #socialmedia

Empowering Women Through Fashion: Insights from long year FWX Alumna and true FutureMaker Angélique Van Gils "When asked what power means to me, I have a love-hate relationship with it. I've seen power misused by those seeking to enrich themselves. But on the flip side, power can be an incredible force for good. It provides strength, opens doors, and enables us to make meaningful changes. For me, that change is focused on empowering women with my company Pursuit. At pursuit.femmes, our mission is to help women around the world step into their power with confidence, through tailored suits that amplify their talents. By harnessing their strength and using their power for good, women can lead the way—becoming role models for the next generation of both girls and boys. Together, we can redefine power and ensure it's used for positive impact." Patricia, Anouk, Ellen, Victoria #futurewomenx, #futuremaker, #leadership, #entrepeneur

"Rethinking Fashion -A Runway for Real Stories of Empowerment" 🎬 This image recently caught my attention and got me thinking—what if we could use platforms like fashion shows for something more meaningful? Instead of promoting unattainable beauty standards, what if we showcased the resilience, strength, and untold stories of women who carry the weight of society—both literally and figuratively? Can Fashion be a Catalyst for Change? 👉 💨 Imagine a runway where instead of showcasing luxury, we show reality—turning the spotlight onto the struggles and perseverance of everyday women. This creative shift could raise awareness, spark compassion, and inspire action. For the Development Sector: Let’s use these creative platforms to engage new audiences and stakeholders, presenting real-world issues like gender inequality and economic hardship in ways that resonate. 📈💡 For Public Awareness: By transforming platforms like fashion shows into stages for humanity’s challenges, we turn what’s typically seen as entertainment into a moment of education. It’s an opportunity to confront the issues we usually ignore. ❤ 📢 For Policymakers and Leaders: This is a call to action. We have the responsibility to uplift the women who have held societies together for generations. Let’s fund programs, build infrastructure, and create policies that support and empower them. 📈 📜 Will We Choose Moral Upliftment Over Superficiality? 🚀 The choice lies with us. We can either uphold shallow narratives that diminish our values or harness these platforms to elevate human dignity and drive social progress. Together, let’s redefine the narrative. Let’s make the runway a stage for the champions of humanity. Let’s walk towards meaningful change with pride and purpose!! 🎯 #WomenEmpowerment #FashionForChange #SocialAwareness #DevelopmentThroughArt #ResilientWomen #HumanDignity #PolicyForGood

For us women, speaking up isn't just about making noise, it's about crafting our own story, building a personal brand that's true to who we are, and lighting a fire of inspiration in others. #SpeakUp #FindYourVoice #everydaywoman #weareone #iconicwoma #iconicwomanexperience #businessowner #visibility #nextlevel #worldwidesensation #worldwide #bemorevisible #visibilityexpert #roadtosuccess #womanempowering

This March, as we celebrate Women's History Month, MetaExperts is proud to spotlight the incredible achievements of women in our network Dive into the story of Simone, a remarkable MetaExpert, whose expertise turned the tide for Victorinox Apparel. Faced with significant challenges in their design and development process, VA was in search of efficiency and innovation. Enter Simone, who not only analyzed the existing process but also implemented groundbreaking improvements, resulting in a whopping $500,000 in savings and a 25% reduction in time for the clothing brand. Want to see how Simone did it? Click the link in to explore the full case study. https://lnkd.in/gKyskZND

This March, as we celebrate Women's History Month, MetaExperts is proud to spotlight the incredible achievements of women in our network Dive into the story of Simone, a remarkable MetaExpert, whose expertise turned the tide for Victorinox Apparel. Faced with significant challenges in their design and development process, VA was in search of efficiency and innovation. Enter Simone, who not only analyzed the existing process but also implemented groundbreaking improvements, resulting in a whopping $500,000 in savings and a 25% reduction in time for the clothing brand. Want to see how Simone did it? Click the link in to explore the full case study. https://lnkd.in/gKyskZND

This March, as we celebrate Women's History Month, MetaExperts is proud to spotlight the incredible achievements of women in our network Dive into the story of Simone, a remarkable MetaExpert, whose expertise turned the tide for Victorinox Apparel. Faced with significant challenges in their design and development process, VA was in search of efficiency and innovation. Enter Simone, who not only analyzed the existing process but also implemented groundbreaking improvements, resulting in a whopping $500,000 in savings and a 25% reduction in time for the clothing brand. Want to see how Simone did it? Click the link in to explore the full case study. https://lnkd.in/gKyskZND

Happy Women’s Day! 💜♀ Did you know that 60% of the impact-driven fashion entrepreneurs in the COSH! network are women? This Women's Day, we at COSH! are beyond proud to stand alongside 107 remarkable female entrepreneurs who are redefining the fashion industry with their unwavering commitment to sustainability. 🙌 Being a female entrepreneur in this challenging environment is not just about breaking barriers; it's about constructing bridges for the generations that follow. It's about holding the torch of sustainability high, even when the winds of change blow fiercely. It's about weaving the fabric of our future with threads of perseverance, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. These women have shown that leadership knows no gender. Let's celebrate their strength, creativity, and innovation today and every day. Because to be a woman is to be part of a team! Their impact stretches far beyond the fashion industry; they are shaping a more equitable and more sustainable future for us all. 💪💚 #WomensDay #SustainableFashion #FemaleEntrepreneurs #BreakingBarriers #COSH #Empowerment #Innovation #WomensDay2024