Day by day, technology changes the way we work. What’s more is, it is beginning to play an ever-growing role in the fashion industry. This evolution of tech in fashion has seen  an increasing number of women conquering this exciting emerging field and making it their own.

For me there is only one option, fashion and tech must co-exist together, and I have compiled a list of women who demonstrate such co-existence, inspiring the masses by exceeding the norm and making a meaningful impact in their chosen field.

Fashion pioneers, inventors and female tech extraordinaires, they have all had made an impact; redirecting the way we see the seamless merging of the fashion and technology industries globally.

NATALIE MASSENET

‘My personal ambition remains the same – to be creative, to be modern, to stay one step ahead, to enjoy life.’

Where would we be without the founder of Net-a-Porter? Her subsequent achievements since founding the mecca of luxury online shopping, also continue to amaze and inspire:

  • Chairwoman of the British Fashion Council;
  • The woman who made it possible for you to buy designer clothes from the comfort of your computer; and
  • Now executive Co-Chairman of Farfetch.

As one of the fashion industrys most-connected power players, and after joining Farfetch in February 2017, Massenet will be particularly focussed on growing the Farfetch brand and creating deeper links within the fashion industry.  Farfetch differs from many traditional retailers in that it doesn’t buy and hold stock, but acts as a giant shop window for brands and boutiques the world over, shipping to 190 countries. The business has grown by over 70% in 2016 and rumours are a rift that it is going to become public.

Working alongside executive co-chairman, founder and CEO of Farfetch, Jose Neves, I can’t wait to watch and experience how both Neves and Massenet collide to rebuild the future of online shopping.  With Neves’ innovative tech approach and Massenet’s expertise in creating a luxury shopping experience,  the results are sure to be more than exceptional.

GRACE HOPPER

Nicknamed the “Queen of Software” Grace Hopper’s influence on not only women in technology, but also modern software development and tech, is undeniable.

Her achievements are outstanding:

  • She joined the Navy as a reserve officer, and in 1944 was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer.
  • By 1952, she had created the term “computer bug” by inventing the first compiler for a computer programming language,. popularising the idea of machine-independent programming languages. This development led to the Common Business Oriented Language, or COBOL, a widely adapted language that would be used around the world.

In addition to her programming accomplishments, Hopper’s legacy includes encouraging young people to learn how to program. The Cray XE6 “Hopper” supercomputer at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, or NERSC, was named after her and if that wasn’t impressive enough in 2016, in light of her previous pioneering innovations in tech, Hopper was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

I am totally inspired by her intelligence and can-do attitude. She is certainly an example of an incredible woman who has led the way in innovation and tech.

MIROSLAVA DUMA

Also known as (@miraduma)

‘Digital is the future’ 

After identifying a gap in the market for a single Russian news platform covering fashion, beauty, art and film, Miroslava Duma co-founded Buro 24/7 in 2011.

  • In 2015, she organised a panel on the “New Era of Commerce and Trade” featuring Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba, for one of Russia’s largest economic forums, SPIEF.
  • She sits on the board of Natalia Vodianova ’s Naked Heart Foundation, is on the host committee of the 2017 Stanford Philanthropy Innovation Summit, and founded Peace Planet, a charity that provides urgent medical aid to children.
  • Her most recent achievement to date however, in 2017 she announced the launch of Fashion Tech Lab, a “hybrid that combines an investment company, a multinational accelerator, and an experimental laboratory”, specialising in the development of smart textiles, wearable and nanotechnologies.

One thing is for sure we can’t wait to watch Fashion Tech Lab grow.

CARMEN BUSQUETS

“So I’m half deaf – and dyslexic. How about that? Nobody’s perfect, and I’m proud of my defects.”

Carmen Busquets is the women who is at the forefront of disruptive ideas and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. An inventor, investor and entrepreneur, she is an avid supporter of craftsmanship, heritage and technology, and her company CoutureLab and investment portfolio has thrived as a ‘laboratory’ of disruptive ideas that continue to generate both income and inspiration in the fashion and technology fields.

  • Her desire has always been to discover and support the world’s top emerging entrepreneurs; the likes of Net-A-Porter Group, Farfetch, Moda Operandi and BOF (Business Of Fashion) to name a few.
  • Since Carmen’s entry into the industry in 1992, her investments have created approximately 10,000 new jobs.

“My creative side is identifying all these great entrepreneurial creative people that come up with great ideas, whether they are in fashion or technology or a new tool to improve ourselves.”

What an incredible woman – to be able to take people’s ideas, see the potential in them and help them grow. As the future of the relationship between tech and fashion becomes gleamingly clear, it seems Busquets empire will continue to flourish. I am intrigued and will be following her continuing journey with interest!