What does International Women’s Day mean to us?
International Women’s Day celebrates the move towards a more conscious, respectful and united future for women, while paying homage to the achievements and success of women worldwide.
Here at Mi Piaci, we’re proud to celebrate all that International Women’s Day stands for, with our AW18 campaign: ELEVATE, EMPOWER.
When storm clouds are brewing, we reach for that which gives us strength: hope, unity and courage. The advent of Autumn in particular, has us searching for an inner fortitude and a sartorial arsenal to communicate this.
“Women are the basis of everything we do… It’s so important to celebrate diversity among us and to come together, to empower each other as women.”
– Sarah Street, Mi Piaci Designer and Brand Manager.
We went behind-the- scenes to ask what International Women’s Day and ELEVATE, EMPOWER means to the women who created our AW18 campaign…
Why did we choose this as the theme of the campaign?
Women are the basis of everything we do. Before I even pick up my pencil to begin sketching the new season, we develop a seasonal theme that we think will not only embody and cater to our diverse range of customers, but also inspire them; the women who choose us to be a part of their journey. “Elevate, empower” really felt to me like such a relevant and timely campaign theme to develop our collection around. Globally, we’re seeing movements that speak to equal rights for all, and inspire a sense of unity and courage, a feeling of hope that is really empowering.
I think now more than ever it’s so important to celebrate diversity among us, and to come together, to empower each other as women, which is why we felt so strongly about the campaigns theme this season.
What would be your one piece of advice to other women, trying to achieve their career ambitions?
Know what you know and what you don’t know and go from there. Find courage in embracing the unknown and reaching for help to get you where you want to go, either by way of learning or by collaborating with other brilliant minds. Also know your worth - don’t ever let anyone tell you that you should / shouldn’t do something, especially if it’s because you are a woman. Chase the career you want, and carve the path you want to walk down.
What does it mean to you, to be a woman in 2018?
Today women have a voice that is stronger and louder than ever before. We are seeing multiple global movements around the world that are uniting women and empowering each and everyone of us to love and support each other, and to know our worth. It’s not yet enough and it’s taken far too long for the voice of women to rise up above the noise and be heard, but to be a women in 2018 is empowering and exciting because the progress for ALL RIGHTS, not just women’s rights; is finally visible.
As a new mother having recently given birth to my son it’s encouraging to know that he will grow up in a world that is more open minded, supportive and inspiring, and that he will be taught the value of all people, and given the courage to be himself.
Sarah Street - Mi Piaci Designer and Brand Manager
What does it mean to you, to be a woman in 2018?
Being a mum to a one year old and working I feel, especially now that our PM is pregnant, people are more tolerating that I do both.
What changes are you seeing for women, in society and the world around you?
Women standing up for themselves and for other women for a while now. But I believe the difference is now that people listen more than before. It seems like the society in general is more ready to accept women rights. Still a long way to go, but I believe we are on the right track.
What is the most important message you want to send to women – both in your peer group and around the world – on International Women’s Day?
Stand up for yourself, be what you want and accept that you are who you are.
Mara Sommer – Photographer of AW18 Elevate, Empower
What does it mean to you to be a woman in 2018?
It is both fascinating and disturbing to see the changes that have happened over the last 12 months with the US political structure swinging vastly to the right, and the subsequent challenges to women’s rights. Progress that women have taken for granted is now under threat….and it has happened so easily. For ALL women in 2018 but especially young women, who have until now lived lives that take the freedoms and advances that women have fought hard for over the years, for granted, we must remain ever vigilant and be prepared to fight for what has been achieved.
I am so proud to be surrounded by strong successful inspirational women in our business….they both enrich and enhance other women’s lives in the experiences we provide, and drive the success we achieve.
What would be your one piece of advice to other women, trying to achieve their career ambitions?
I think the most important thing for women is to take pride in whatever you do. Be prepared to start at the bottom, no job is unimportant and there is dignity in working hard with enthusiasm in any role. Decide what interests you and identify who is doing this best. Persevere to get your foot in the door, and be as proactive and interested in learning you can be. Opportunity will come to you if you are open, resilient and engaged. There is no magic bullet, success takes a lot of hard work, picking yourself up when the going gets tough and being prepared to take some risks.
Career success can be defined in so many ways, and women have many priorities to juggle, I am constantly in awe of so many women I know who manage to achieve a balance of family and career……a challenge worth pursuing for immense personal satisfaction.
What do you hope the campaign “ELEVATE, INSPIRE” inspires?
The campaign for Mi Piaci this season is so timely. It is a reminder to celebrate the strong capable women in our lives, to be kind to ourselves and others, and to be constantly inspired by the many women in our community who live a life of giving and selflessness for those around them.
Louise Anselmi – Director and Head of Design
What does it mean to you, to be a woman in 2018?
For me it’s about being aware about what is going on in the world around you, knowing what you stand for and not letting other people make you feel like you have to be put in some sort of bubble on how to act and dress and what to say and like and feel. It’s very important now more than ever to have a voice as an individual.
Who are your ideal female icons or inspirations?
I would have to say my mum, the amount she sacrificed for me and unconditional love and support has made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. If I had to say a celebrity it definitely would be princess Diana!
What would be your one piece of advice to other women, trying to achieve their career ambitions?
This quote is what I live by: “The temptation to quit will be the greatest just before you are about to succeed”
Raina Masters – Model, AW18 Elevate, Empower
Who are your ideal female icons or inspirations?
Malala Yousafzi. She is an incredible young woman from Pakistan who stood up for education for women and children. She is the youngest person to ever receive a Nobel Peace Prize at the age of just 17. Her resilience and determination for women’s rights is incredible, risking her life and giving a voice to millions.
What is the most important message you want to send to women – both in your peer group and around the world – on International Women’s Day?
Stop competing with each other and start supporting each other. We should be proud of each other’s confidence and success instead of being threatened by it. Complement each other more, you never know, it may just make someone’s day.
What would be your one piece of advice to other women, trying to achieve their career ambitions?
Never give up and be resilient. There will be setbacks, but it’s how you deal with those setbacks which will determine whether or not you get to where you want to be.
Sophie Turner, Mi Piaci Broadway Store Manager