Throughout history, women designers have played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics of our daily lives, though often without receiving the same level of recognition as their male counterparts. From designing exquisite jewellery and handbags to redefining mid-century modern furniture and fine porcelain, these trailblazers have left a lasting legacy in accessories, interior design, home decor, and decorative art.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we celebrate 20 of the most influential women designers who transformed their respective industries. Their creations remain timeless, collected, and admired worldwide, many of which can be found in Around the Block’s carefully curated inventory.
Top Women’s Designers in Fashion Accessories
From bold jewellery to iconic handbags, these female designers revolutionized how we accessorize, combining artistry with everyday luxury. Here are just a few of the most influential.
Coco Chanel (1883–1971)
A revolutionary fashion designer, Coco Chanel liberated women from the constraints of corseted fashion, pioneering effortless elegance. Her contributions include the Chanel No. 5 perfume, the quilted Chanel handbag, the two-tone shoe, and the little black dress. She was also instrumental in popularizing costume jewellery, blending high and low fashion in a way that remains influential today.
Elsa Peretti (1940–2021)
Originally an Italian model, Elsa Peretti turned to jewellery design and found her calling at Tiffany & Co., where she introduced sensual, organic forms in silver that became instant classics. Her Bone Cuff, inspired by nature and human anatomy, remains one of the most recognizable jewellery designs today. Peretti's minimalist yet fluid style revolutionized contemporary jewellery.
Jeanne Toussaint (1887–1976)
A Belgian-born visionary, Jeanne Toussaint became Cartier’s first Here female creative director in 1933. Known for her Panthère collection, she infused Cartier with the boldness and glamour that remains a hallmark of the brand today. Nicknamed “La Panthère,” she was known for her keen eye for design and high-profile clientele, including the Duchess of Windsor.
Paloma Picasso (b. 1949)
Paloma Picasso, the daughter of Pablo Picasso and Françoise Gilot, inherited her parents’ artistic genius. She launched her own line with Tiffany & Co. in the 1980s, infusing jewellery with her signature bold shapes and vibrant gemstones, such as her celebrated Graffiti collection, inspired by New York street art. She also designed the signature Paloma Picasso Red lipstick for L'Oréal.
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973)
Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel's Italian rival, introduced surrealism into fashion. She collaborated with Salvador Dalí on lobster-print dresses, shoe hats, scarves,and eye-shaped brooches. She was also the first to introduce the colour “shocking pink,” which remains a staple in high fashion.
Judith Leiber (1921–2018)
A Holocaust survivor who fled Hungary, Judith Leiber later founded her namesake handbag brand in New York. She became famous for her crystal-encrusted minaudières, shaped like animals, food, and fantasy objects. These bags became collector’s items, carried by First Ladies and Hollywood royalty.
Vera Neumann (1907–1993)
An American artist and textile designer, Vera Neumann revolutionized scarves by signing them with her first name, making them instantly recognizable. Inspired by nature, travel, and abstract art, her bold patterns and use of vibrant colour transformed everyday accessories into wearable art. She was also the first designer to trademark a signature on fabric.
Women Designers in Mid-Century Modern Furniture & Home Décor
Women played a crucial role in shaping the sleek, functional aesthetic of mid-century modern design, influencing interiors for generations. Here are our picks for the most influential.
Ray Eames (1912–1988)
A polymath, Ray Eames worked alongside her husband Charles to create some of the 20th-century's most iconic furniture designs. The Eames Lounge Chair, introduced in 1956, remains an icon of comfort and style, blending modernist aesthetics with everyday functionality. She was also a pioneer in experimental filmmaking and textile design.
Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999)
When Charlotte Perriand applied for a job at Le Corbusier’s studio in 1927, she was initially dismissed with the words, “We don’t embroider cushions here.” However, once he saw her work, she became an integral part of the team, co-designing minimalist, industrial-style furniture like the LC4 Chaise Longue. Her work was instrumental in bringing modernist design to mass audiences.
Florence Knoll (1917–2019)
As a trained architect and interior designer, Florence Knoll played a major role in defining modern office interiors. She believed furniture should be beautiful and practical, a philosophy that shaped the aesthetic of post-war corporate America through Knoll Associates. She also introduced the concept of the “total design” approach to architecture and interiors.
Greta Magnusson Grossman (1906–1999)
A Swedish-American designer, Greta Magnusson Grossman was among the few women shaping the male-dominated mid-century modern movement. She is best remembered for the Grasshopper Lamp, a sleek, functional lighting design that became a staple of modern interiors. Her designs bridged European modernism with Californian aesthetics.
Eileen Gray (1878–1976)
An Irish-born pioneer of modernist design, Eileen Gray worked independently, unlike many of her male counterparts. She created the E-1027 Table, an adjustable height table that remains a staple in contemporary design. A champion of functionalism, Gray’s work only gained widespread recognition later in life.
Gae Aulenti (1927–2012)
An Italian architect and designer, Gae Aulenti reshaped modern interiors with projects like the Pipistrello Lamp and the renovation of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. She transformed a railway station into one of the world’s most visited museums. Her work redefined how public spaces could be transformed.
Women Designers in Porcelain Figurines & Fine Ceramics
From intricately painted figurines to revolutionary ceramic designs, here are just a couple of the women who transformed decorative arts into collectible treasures.
Clarice Cliff (1899–1972)
A true innovator, Clarice Cliff took British pottery in a bold new direction with Bizarre Ware, characterized by vibrant Art Deco patterns. She broke barriers as a woman in the ceramics industry, rising from an apprentice to a lead designer at Wilkinson Pottery. Her designs are now highly collectible.
Susan Williams-Ellis (1918–2007)
A passionate environmentalist and artist, Susan Williams-Ellis founded Portmeirion Pottery in the 1960s. Her Botanic Garden collection, featuring intricate floral illustrations, remains one of the most popular and enduring tableware designs. Her company was one of the first to emphasize sustainability in ceramics.
Why These Women Designers Matter
Each of these designers reshaped their industries, from the jewellery we wear to the furniture we sit on and the decorative pieces we treasure. Their contributions continue to inspire collectors and design lovers alike. Whether it’s an Eames chair, a Judith Leiber handbag, or a Royal Doulton figurine, their designs remain relevant, cherished, and valuable.
At Around the Block, we celebrate the artistry of these remarkable women by offering carefully selected vintage and consignment pieces that reflect their legacy. This International Women’s Day, we honour their creativity, resilience, and timeless influence.
Are you looking to add a piece of design history to your collection? Explore our latest inventory and bring a touch of iconic design into your home.
