People and community are at the heart of everything Moda stands for. So, since International Women’s Day is this weekend, we wanted to celebrate some of the incredible women who make Moda what it is.

 

Lucy Green, Marketing Manager

How did you get to where you are now?

I studied Fashion Marketing at University and am so lucky to be able to find a job that goes hand in hand with that. A lot of late nights, early mornings and hard work!

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

Sounds cliché but my mum, she is always so positive and inspires me every day. I always look to my mum for advice, and somehow, she always knows the answer.

What does gender equality mean to you?

Working together; this isn’t just about women, this is about men and women working together. We shouldn’t be defined by our gender, we need to support each other.

How does fashion empower you?

I love being able to dress for my mood, fashion is how I express myself. It gives me the ability to adapt to different scenarios.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Only do what makes you happy, this is key. Set yourself goals and work towards them. If you believe in yourself and what you do, you will always succeed.

 

Sam Reynolds, Executive Assistant to the UK Regional Director, Julie Driscoll

How did you get to where you are now?

I began working in retail stores whilst studying, to earn more, I freelanced as a dresser and backstage assistant at fashion shows which led me into a job being a personal assistant and event manager rolled into one. I’m highly organised, love planning ahead and getting things into line so here I am at Hyve! Every day is different, it’s a great place to be and progress, and I’m blessed to be surrounded with so many talented and passionate people.

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

In my personal life my mum, she is my number one and never fails to be there when I need the smallest of things. In my eyes she’s my hero and everything a mum should be.

In my career, Julie Driscoll is one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met. She is kind and warm whilst being driven and ambitious.. her ability to command a room is a great skill of hers! When she speaks people listen, and come away from any talk, meeting, or conversation feeling inspired.

What does gender equality mean to you?

All people being treated the same and being as valuable as one another, regardless of their gender or how they identify.

I think society does have a long way to go, but I also think some of it is down to the person. If you feel inferior to a person of another gender, then you will be. Change your mindset, change your life!

How does fashion empower you?

When I love my outfit that’s when I feel the best, I have pieces in my wardrobe that I’ll wear again and again, and every time I put them on, I feel amazing. There are definitely timeless pieces that are guaranteed to make you feel good. Put me in a blazer and a heel and I’m on top of the world!

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Do what inspires you, find a career and a place that you want to wake up and go to everyday. Even if you are not where you want to be at the moment, find joy in that, whilst you work towards the big goal.

 

Alex Brocklehurst, Head of Digital Content

How did you get to where you are now?

After doing my Masters in Publishing and Communications in Melbourne, I went into magazine publishing and worked my way up to become the Managing Editor of the company’s flagship bridal magazine. I then moved into a role as the Lead Editor for a creative content marketing agency for a few years. This gave me more experience in strategic content planning in the digital space for clients in a bunch of different industries. About a year ago, I decided it was time to try my luck in London, so packed up and moved over here. I now work as the Head of Digital Content for the digital marketing team at Hyve, where I manage a team of six digital content producers across our events portfolio.

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

While it’s tough to name just one, when it comes to success, it would have to be Elizabeth Day. She’s an author, journalist and podcaster who is best known for her podcast and book ‘How to Fail’. She explores the importance of recognising and understanding our failures, and how learning how to fail in life not only makes us stronger, but ultimately helps us to learn how to succeed, better. I think this is invaluable to remember both in your personal and professional life – and I highly recommend her book and podcast to everyone!

What does gender equality mean to you?

It means being a champion for myself and the other women in the room. And as I learn more about intersectional feminism, it also means sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to shut up and let someone else who usually wouldn’t have their voice heard be able to speak.

How does fashion empower you?

I’m starting to understand more and more the detrimental environmental impact of fast fashion on the planet, so I’m focusing on celebrating clothes I already own, purchasing second hand or vintage clothes, and learning more about where my clothes come from. In that way, fashion is empowering me to bring my clothing choices into alignment with my ethics and how I want to live more sustainably.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Be brave, not perfect.

Damla Gecili, Key Buyer Relationships Manager

How did you get to where you are now?

I know it sounds very typical, but I believed in myself. I came to the UK as a student 8 years ago and I worked at many different jobs, most of them weren’t my preference. People kept telling me to go and live in London and to never give up on what I wanted. Finally, today I am able to prove to myself and the people who didn’t believe in me that I have made it and am doing the best I can at the start of my career.

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

My sister!

What does gender equality mean to you?

Humanity and empowerment for everyone.

How does fashion empower you?

Fashion is character. I think that everyone dresses according to their character and personality, so it’s a way of expressing yourself. Fashion makes me feel strong and confident.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

All I can say is know what you want and trust yourself. Never listen to others’ negativity, just focus on your own feelings and reality.

 

Ali Hood, Digital Content Producer

How did you get to where you are now?

I started my career in the art world, specialising in Russian art. I tried it all – auction houses, galleries and museums in both the UK and Russia – before becoming Deputy Editor of a cultural magazine. My language skills led me to work on Hyve’s Russian exhibitions and now I work across a wide range of shows including those covering fashion, travel, and build & interiors.

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

I’m inspired by a whole range of different women who’ve had successes that vary massively – from Emma Watson and Safia Minney, to Shauna Coxsey, Lizzie Carr, and Holly Rose (Leotie Lovely).

What does gender equality mean to you?

To me, it’s just common sense. For everyone to have equal opportunities and rights, and to be treated fairly without restrictions or prejudices based on gender – how can you argue with that? Sadly, it’s still something that needs addressing both in the UK and across the world.

How does fashion empower you?

I try to vote with my wallet to ensure the clothes I wear empower the people who make them. I gave up fast-fashion four years ago for ethical and environmental reasons – my wardrobe’s now around 80% second-hand with a few conscious brands thrown in. Although I’m just one person, I hope my support of Fairtrade brands can make a small change in empowering other women.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

If something’s not right, fight for change. We’re all responsible for our own actions and can actively challenge stereotypes and behaviours or stand up to inequalities, however small. Don’t be afraid to play your part.

 

Ilaria Basile, Operations Coordinator

How did you get to where you are now?

This is my first job straight after University – I studied International Events Management and therefore knew where I wanted to be, and it looks like I found it.

Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?

Marilyn Monroe, with her mix of beauty and businesswoman style that has inspired thousands of women

What does gender equality mean to you?

I do not think about gender equality much as I do not like to think there still is inequality – I act as both men and women have the same opportunities and my actions are going to change my life rather than some external preconception.

How does fashion empower you?

I’m not sure whether to call it fashion or my personal style, but I dress in a way that makes me feel good, although of course, it’s always nice to receive compliments from other people too!

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

As mentioned before, women just have to act as there are no inequalities, as their power will be the same as any other person if they care enough and they take enough action.

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About Moda

The heart of UK fashion, Moda is the key meeting place for mainstream fashion, delivering a high quality and cost-effective platform for mid-market brands and ensuring a commercially viable and convenient buying environment for retailers across the UK and Ireland. Bringing together over 1,200 collections under one roof at the NEC Birmingham, to deliver the complete season's overview to over 9,000 fashion buyers, the show also brings fashion to life on 16 catwalk shows throughout the three days to inspire buyers and sell brands, alongside a comprehensive retail-focused seminar programme, interactive workshops and networking events.