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In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD) this Saturday, March 8th, we have collated a selection of female founded brands. Ranging from shoes to homeware, this blog explores inspirational stories of successful brand journeys and how they have supported the IWD movement.
Many first wave feminist groups, such as the Suffragettes and Suffragists, played a foundational role in shaping IWD by championing women’s rights, particularly voting rights, and laying the groundwork for broader feminist movements.
In 1908, Women workers in New York march for fair conditions, followed by the Socialist Party establishing National Women’s Day in 1909. As of 1910, an international version was launched, leading to the first IWD celebrations in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911.
Fast forward to present day, IWD is a widely recognised by governments, brands and celebrities and is celebrated through events, campaigns and acts of activism worldwide. Through this event, many women are able to become inspired, leading to a rise in inspirational female founded brands.
Catherine Paver founded Pavers in 1971 with a £300 bank loan, starting with shoe parties selling clearance stock. The first shop opened in Scarborough, followed by stores in York, Hull, and Newcastle. The brand has since expanded internationally, including to India and the US.
In 2007, Catherine received a lifetime achievement award at the Drapers Footwear Awards. Today, 54 years on, Pavers continues to honour women making a difference.
To celebrate IWD 2025, Pavers has launched its first-ever Community Champion Awards, recognising inspiring women who uplift their communities. Finalists will enjoy an all-expenses-paid celebration event, and the winner will receive a year’s supply of Pavers footwear — plus a free pair for their nominator!
Though female-founded, Pavers remains a family-run business, now led by Catherine’s son, Stuart Paver, as managing director.
You can shop Pavers shoes at our Cross Hands or Melksham stores.
Founded in 1995 by globally recognised fashion and lifestyle designer Orla Kiely, the brand is best known for its iconic Stem leaf print, which has grown into a vast collection of nostalgic, joyful patterns. Described by The Guardian as “the Queen of Prints,” Kiely has cemented her place as a leading female founder in design.
Her signature style extends across furniture and homeware, bringing a touch of the ’60s and ’70s into everyday life. From the start, the brand stood out, influenced by Orla’s love of mid-century design. She scoured markets in Portobello and Montreuil, hunting for vintage treasures that shaped her distinctive aesthetic.
In 2022, the Orla Kiely brand launched an International Women’s Day inspired print to support the movement. Featuring a woman’s figure composed of signature Orla Kiely shapes and colours, it remains a truly inspiring piece.
Shop Orla Kiely products on our website or at your nearest store.
Kidston opened her first shop in London’s Holland Park in 1993, starting with hand-embroidered tea towels. Her signature floral prints quickly gained popularity, and by the end of 2013, the brand had expanded to 136 outlets, including a flagship store on Piccadilly next to Fortnum & Mason, as well as four stores in China. Today, the brand offers a wide range of products, from bedding and handbags to pet beds, allowing customers to embrace beautiful florals effortlessly.
In 2010, Cath Kidston sold a majority stake in the company to a private equity firm but retained a minority share and continued as the Creative Director, ensuring the brand remained true to her vision.
As part of its commitment to supporting women, the Cath Kidston brand celebrated International Women’s Day in 2022 by donating 20% of all mug sales over a set period to the Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women Initiative, helping to empower and uplift women across the UK.
Shop Cath Kidston products on our website or at your nearest store.
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Posted by Leekes on March 4, 2025 in News & Events and Seasonal