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- International Women's Day 2023
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With International Women’s Day upon us, ANNE FONTAINE is focusing on amplifying women’s voices and acknowledging those who support and endlessly inspire us.
We are grateful for every woman who has helped us build this brand and continues to inspire us with her uniqueness, strength, and style.
Join us as we celebrate 7 of these extraordinary women and their voices.
Deepa Dadlani is the founder and CEO of BrandMX, the leading full-service wholesale marketplace for premier brands. After many years as an investment banker, Deepa set up this venture to build a systemic solution for international brands to enter and expand in the American retail market. In addition, Deepa serves on New York City’s Small Business Advisory Commission. Deepa lives in vibrant NYC with her family.
Why is it important to you that women empower and build each other up?
There is strength in being part of a collective. A coalition of empowered women with a unified, amplified voice can secure freedoms, conquer oppressors, and win basic rights. As such, I believe we need to inspire women in our local circles to reach their potential so they can support their own circles thus creating a mosaic that reaches the far corners of the world.International Women’s Day reminds us to act; we need to show our support now so our actions can shape the next generation towards equity, equality, and empowerment for all women.
How do you handle your work / life balance?
My work and life “avatars” are balanced by following a discipline to time-box activities across this plurality. That said, my family always takes priority as work can simply wait another day, and equally, if I have an urgent work task, my family supports me with words and deeds.
What’s your proudest achievement?
I cherish my appointment to New York City’s Small Business Advisory Commission, and I am proud to serve with my fellow cohort of business leaders and elected officials. The Commission, established by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, is a critical link between small businesses and the City government, and serves to support their growth in this post-covid period of resurgence. The Education and Outreach committee, which I am a member of, proposes actions so 200,000+ small businesses can learn and avail of the City’s comprehensive resources and programs.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
“Your focus determines your reality”; this is a quote from Star Wars. In the growth phase of our company, it is easy to get distracted with the “eye candy” of opportunities that present themselves each day. My team and I tell ourselves to stay focused so we can achieve the reality of our end goal.
What is your style signifier?
I like tailored and classic wardrobe items, as well as timeless accessories that can change a look from basic to elevated. I would summarize my style signifier as “forever” items.
How do you find peace?
I find peace by expressing my thoughts using a fountain pen and my notebook. Writing enables me to reflect as I write and synthesize what I have written. The resulting pattern and detail calms my mind, guides my thoughts, prepares me for action, and reminds me of all the things I am grateful for.
What is the last book you read?
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson (I listened to this as an audio book). It is a fascinating biography of how his ordained early life and societal prescriptions made an obsessively curious da Vinci a self-learner across myriad subjects. He was a genius of his own making.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
Do not hesitate to ask for help; it is an act of courage. Seek a resource or a community that you can access – family foremost, but also invest in a positive-minded network of friends, peers, or mentors. It is not easy when things get hard. Adopt the credo that problems can be eventually mitigated or resolved. The words of Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes to mind: “Everything will be alright in the end, so if it is not alright, it is not the end.”
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
Be the tortoise that sticks its head out to move itself forward. Do not be afraid to step outside the safe and familiar. Taking risks can lead to new opportunities and experiences that you did not fathom possible.
Iman M’Fah-Traoré is a French-Afro-Brazilian writer living in New York. She was born in Paris and raised in New York, Iman writes personal essays, articles, and is working on her first book, a memoir. Her work has appeared in independent publications such as NeverApart and Papers Publishing.
How do you handle your work / life balance?
Work/life balance is tough. Since I work from home, I try really hard to instill a balance while forgiving myself when the scale leans more towards work than life. My partner always says that “life isn’t work and work isn’t life.” While work is a big part of life, I value the importance of keeping it just that, a part and not the whole. I handle my work life balance by sectioning my day. Some things that have helped me feel stable, healthy, and calm while remaining productive include: carving out time before work for yoga and a sit-down breakfast, sticking to it when I decide the work day is done, and prioritizing time with loved ones after work.
What’s your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is building a healthy, long-lasting, mutually supportive relationship with my partner. While I realize the controversial nature of that statement as women are still battling to be on fair ground as it pertains to building a career, as a gay woman, I aim to challenge the notion that having a healthy relationship shouldn’t be regarded as an achievement. Having a stable relationship is a foundational achievement as it positively impacts all other aspects of my life, most importantly, my career. I believe I am more than capable of succeeding on my own, but cannot deny that having an encouraging woman by my side helps me advance faster and more confidently.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?
Equity is different from equality. If equality means to give everyone the same opportunities, equity means to give everyone the right tools and resources needed so they may be able to reach the same opportunities. Equity is about adjustment. Equity is about acknowledgement. To me, #EmbraceEquity means a step towards a better mentality, one that is more equipped to handle the spearheading of the progress that needs to be made.
Which women inspire you the most?
In general women who strive to find a healthy balance between work, life, and everything in between, inspire me most. Of women like these, my mother, cheesy I know, and my partner come to mind. Women who choose happiness and work hard to enact the lives they want also inspire me greatly. Of these women, my mother and Anne Fontaine come to mind. As a writer, successful women writers inspire me beyond as my eyes glow a child-like shade of shimmer when I think of them: Roxanne Gay, Ann Patchett, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Toni Morrison, Annie Ernaux, and many more. These women inspire me because they believed in themselves,worked tirelessly, learned and learned and became what they aspired to be.
What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
I look at my little sisters, 14 and 7, and am grateful for the progress made since I was their ages, yet I only find myself wanting even more for them. I would like to see young girls be able to stop living in opposition, for their achievements to no longer be compared to that of their male counterparts. I would also like young girls to break free from the imposter phenomenon (termed coined by Pauline Clance) that they are disproportionately impacted by.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
I was talking to one of my closest friends and kept repeating, “I can’t, I can’t.” I could’ve been talking about my job, a hard time writing a piece, difficulty with family, it doesn’t matter,the following piece of advice applies to everything. In a calm, syrupy tone, she said, “Instead of saying ‘I can’t,’ say ‘I try.’”
How do you find peace?
I am not sure I can say I have achieved peace. I can say, however, that I continually work towards getting closer to feeling inner peace through yoga and meditation. The beauty of yoga is the incremental progress it provides. It is a practice. It is adaptable. I have found consistency through yoga which I am now able to apply to all aspects of my life. In a sense, consistency is peace, peace in the certitude of steady growth.
What is the last book you read?
Some notable books I’ve read recently include:Bad Mariea novel by Marcy Dermansk (a Roxanne Gay favorite),This is the Story of a Happy Marriage a collection of Essays by Ann Patchett,Lost & Found a memoir by Kathryn Schulz, and Brain on Fire a memoir by Susannah Cahalan.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
If there is a lot going on in your life, try to remember that not everything can be tackled at once.Can you eat an entire pizza, cake, or camembert in one bite? No. Same goes for personal troubles. Take things piece by piece, slice by slice, breathe through it all, and, most importantly, lean on your loved ones. The hardest part of getting out of struggling is realizing you can’t and don’t have to do it alone.
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
You will learn to accept unconditional love. You will learn to ask for help. You will learn to completely open up to the ones you cherish. These will be your greatest strengths.
Tatyana Franck is the President of the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) since March 2022. Tatyana Franck’s mission is to promote francophone cultures and French language. Her wish is to make FIAF a beacon from New York to the world.
Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?
It is important to remember that women's rights are never guaranteed forever. There are many examples in history and nowadays around us that show that there is always a risk of backlash for women.
What’s your proudest achievement?
To have built the biggest European photography museum: Photo Elysée (Switzerland) and having participated in the creation of a new area in town dedicated to art, Plateforme 10. It has changed the city of Lausanne.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?
At FIAF this year we wanted to stand for all women who risk their life to fight for Freedom and Equity. For IWD, we will present a global art project initiated by Atelier Prune Nourry where people from all over the world cut a hair strand as an act of solidarity.
Which women inspire you the most?
Women who fight for justice and dignity, like Simone Veil. She is such an inspiring figure for me, and I am proud that FIAF will present the American preview of the very moving French movie Simone, with actress Elsa Zylberstein. Survivor of the Holocaust, Simone Veil became a top political leader in France and Europe who fights to gain new rights for women.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
It is actually a piece of advice that I found in a poem of the French author, and Resistant, René Char: “Impose ta chance, sers ton bonheur et va vers ton risque. A te regarder, ils s’habitueront."
What is your style signifier?
The white shirt. I often wear Anne Fontaine. Classy but with a little something of eccentricity.
What is the last book you read?
Le Crépuscule des Licornes: the first, and fascinating novel of Julie Girard. She mixes with her unique style love, tech, ambition and futurism in the Manhattan of the pandemic.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
Nelson Mandela said it the best: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
I love you!
Christine Kelly is a journalist for the Canal Plus group, presenter of Face à l'info and Les Grands Destins on CNews. She is the member of the board of directors for the French National Commission for UNESCO, the Engie foundation or the Press Club, President of the association K d'urgences which supports single parents for 13 years. Christine has written 6 books including the last one " Libertés sans expression " published by Cherche Midi.
Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?
It is disheartening that we need a day to celebrate Women. It is an oppurtunity that should be celebrated everyday.
What does it mean to be a woman today?
For me, being a woman means facing responsibilities and difficulties that must often be hidden or ignored in order to progress. The fact of being a woman should not encourage victimization which inhibits any action.
How do you handle your work / life balance?
By putting my priorities in order. My priority is my family. It is because my work helps me to better enjoy my family that I do it with pleasure, passion, fun and respect. Each of my activities has "a box". And organization is the key to avoiding the mental burden that awaits any mom who wants to be her best.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Not to have a daughter but to raise a daughter. To take time to transmit values to her. To give her the tools to face an unjust society. Hoping for justice without depending on this hope.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?
Honestly? The desperation of having to show that the sky is blue, that water is wet, that a woman is a human being.
This International Women’s Day we’re focused on amplifying women’s voices – and acknowledging those who support and inspire us. Who would you like to recognize and amplify this IWD?
I would like to support the cause of all single moms. I have been defending their cause for 13 years. These women, forgotten by society, often have a child to raise and suffer from the situation of single parenthood. Their loneliness, their mental burden, their financial and legal suffering is too often passed under silence. I have been saying for 13 years that behind a woman there is a child. By not helping them, a social time bomb is being created.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Dare to be different. Don't automatically follow others. Be yourself. Be humble. Fit in with yourself. Be determined.
What is the last book you read?
L’obstacle est le chemin, from Ryan Holiday (« The obstacle is the path »)
What is your style signifier?
Respect
How do you find peace?
By praying. By singing. By meditating. The most difficult thing to obtain is peace. Happiness comes from peace and by encouraging woman by my side helps me advance faster and more confidently.
Salomé Chaboki is a Fashion Stylist and Social Media Expert from Duesseldorf, Germany. The enthusiasm she developed in her youth for fashion and styling turned her passion into a career.
Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?
This celebration is a kind of demonstration for our rights as a woman and human being on this earth and to thank to all the women who fought for us 100 years ago, and took to the streets so that their daughters would have it easier in life. On this special day women worldwide unite, regardless of religion, culture, sexuality or skin color. We're actually celebrating alongside billions of other women for our natural rights, which are still partially or entirely a dream in many countries. I'm talking about equality and justice
What does it mean to be a woman today?
Today's woman is a decision-maker and is self-reliant. She is self-confident and knows her own strengths. She doesn't have to give up her feminine beauty and good looks to be accepted by conservative society privately or professionally. She proves herself with her skills and strengths, even if she likes to wear a miniskirt.
How do you handle your work / life balance?
My work is divided into two worlds. I work as a social media expert for a social media agency and have an average of 6-7 clients and projects on my desk per month - a real full-time job. And in the other world, I'm the person who makes fashion vibrate with styles on social media, at events and on the streets. I work as a fashion stylist and content creator - more than a full-time job. It's not easy. If you consider what organization and management you need to meet both claims. You have a huge responsibility.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Having the courage to take a different path and quit the job I don't identify with. From a technical point of view, I have a master's degree in business administration, specializing in classic marketing and live communication. The world of fashion and the social media empire came along many years later. We all know that the fashion world is not easy to enter. But at some point at the end of 2018-19 I was so convinced that I belonged, I did everything to walk in this direction... I knew it wouldn't be easy, but the fact that it felt right convinced me to keep going and that still applies today.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?
I'm a native from Iran and I think since last September 22 everyone on this planet has known what a woman goes through when she is coming into the world in Iran.The word equity is an unknown word for Iran and many other countries on this earth.What is a nightmare for the western world is everyday life for many people in other countries. However, in all the negative events that have happened in countries like Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, ... over the last year, I have seen something that is closer to this attitude, people have stuck together for the equity of others... it means that weare much further than we think. We are getting much closer to unity #EmbraceEquity.
This International Women’s Day we’re focused on amplifying women’s voices –and acknowledging those who support and inspire us. Who would you like torecognize and amplify this IWD?
On this special day, first of all I would like to thank my mother and grandma who Iove the person I am today. I learned a lot from them, developed and continued to do so. I want to say thank you to icons like Gabrielle Chanel, to whom we have to thank that today we can feel and dress as fashionably as we want. Last but not least, I would like to thank the strong women of Iran who, despite all the risks and dangers, took to the streets and fought for equality and justice. Many of these young women have already been killed by the government, tortured or are still in prison. I want to be her voice.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Fashions fade, style is eternal.
What is your style signifier?
Bold, confident and elegant.
How do you find peace?
Minimizing negative influences and turning to positive things and circumstances.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, because you are wonderful just the way you are - start loving yourself.
Katrina Markoff Founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Markoff is the recipient of numerous accolades including Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Fortune Magazine's 40 under 40, the Bon Appétit Food Artisan of the Year Award, and being named "THE innovator in chocolate to lead the US through the next 30 years" by Food & Wine Magazine.
Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?
When women are in positions of power and leadership, a cooperative and open environment blossoms. Our ability to wear many hats and offer fresh, new perspectives is what drives our successes. Women’s day shines the light on these attributes and brings people together to celebrate and inspire.
What does it mean to be a woman today?
Females are known for fostering a culture of longevity. It is incredible to be a woman and be a part of this international environment and community.
Why is it important to you that women empower and build each other up?
Feminine energy is so powerful. Using that energy to support other women lifts each of us higher towards our goals.
How do you handle your work / life balance?
The best I can. Some days I am on fire and others I do the very best I can knowing that it is a sign I need to center myself, meditate or do a ritual to set a path forward and be present for myself, my family, my team and those around me.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Is it cliche to say my two young boys. They are my proudest achievement. I learn from them daily. They inspire me to grow.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?
It goes beyond the face value of equality with men. To me it means, embracing and striving for equality for all personally and in the workforce. Treating everyone you know and meet as dear family and friends. Giving back and supporting.
This International Women’s Day we’re focused on amplifying women’s voices – and acknowledging those who support and inspire us. Who would you like to recognize and amplify this IWD?
Julie Smolansky of Lifeway Foods. Candace Nelson of Sprinkles. Kerry Diamond of Cherry Bombe – she is a true leader and maverick for women in food!
Which women inspire you the most?
My mother, of course, an entrepreneur from day one who inspired me and taught me tenacity and the power of positivity.
What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
Appreciating the journey as much as the destination – it is the joy, the experience, the fun. Take time to be present, to breathe, to soak it all in.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Hearing the word No is an opportunity.
How do you find peace?
Daily Rituals
What is the last book you read?
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
There is always a path forward. Write down your wins, no matter how small you may think they are. They are wins. Use those to give you strength. You are not alone. You are surrounded by people wanting to listen and support.
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
Smile. Be in the moment.
Luisa Diaz is the former Ms. Venezuela International, she immigrated to the United States and taught herself English. She founded the Luisa Su Voz Latina Foundation to help struggling families, especially through the holiday seasons.She also founded Mi Amor Gala, which she produces biannually to raise awareness for domestic violence and other social issues.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global platform to greatly celebrate women’s achievement, but most of all to raise awareness for gender equality.
What does it mean to be a woman today?
To be a woman in today’s society, that means we have more choices and also more opportunities. Yet we have a long way to go. Also we have, I do believe that the women today can be the president of the country, operate a multi-million dollar business in high heel looking fabulous and embracing and celebrating her femininity, because I do believe that is our strength. Femininity, I always say, "never confuse my femininity for weaknesses”.
Why is it important to you that women empower and build each other up?
It is so important that we women support each other and I do believe in empowerment each other. I do believe in supporting each other, motivating each other, inspiring each other, and that for us to really get the power that we deserve, that we want, we need to work together. That is, we cannot, I do believe that the rainmaker that they call it in business for men, I don’t think that we need that anymore. We don’t need a woman only to be on top and all the other women in the battle. I do believe that we should be sitting next to each other because in the union, that is why we are stronger and that it is what light our power and we are very good and collaborate with each other, if we choose to do so.
How do you handle your work-life balance?
I would call it my inner compass and we all need to do that. Self-care is extremely important and what I do is I like to take time for meditation. I love reading. I love reading as it relaxes me and one of the things is very important is to do something that you enjoy and can be a hobby. For me, it's dancing. I love dancing. And one of the reasons that it’s important is because I really enjoy it, makes me happy. And anything that you do just take a minute and be with your thoughts and feel good about yourself, that is self-care. And I believe sometimes we don’t do that enough because we think that self-care is distributed the time right between life, your personal life and your work life. But know about taking that specific time for you because when you take that time for yourself, you become more present, you become more want to live and enjoy life with the person of one.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is my foundation, my non-profit, the Luisa Diaz Foundation, which is a celebration of kindness. We celebrate the great things that people do for each other. And it’s like angels are in power. All the angels was broken place to the gifts of love. We had this beautiful galette, we raised money for survivor of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors as well.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #embraceequity, what does that mean to you?
That means that everyone decided to be treated with respect and kindness. It doesn’t matter what is your color or your background, it’s all inclusive. It is in the world that we need to embrace each other, embrace each other’s difference and respect each other. So we are so overdue about this, so it is time for equity.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I read is The Power of Intention by Dr. Wei Dian. Amazing book that teaches you what is the meaning of true intention and how you have the access to it. It’s a recommended book, it’s amazing.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling right now?
Don't give up, darling. Don’t give up. If you are really, really struggling, that means you are close. You have done such hard work and you have been in that journey so don’t give up, hang on there. And spend time to getting to know your mind, your thoughts, to become self-aware, to know how you are maybe self-sabotaging yourself without even being aware of it. So hang on there.
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
Well, I would say do not take yourself so serious. Never forget how beautiful and worthy you are. And take time to really get to know you because it’s extremely important to know your thoughts, to be self-aware, to grow, to evolve, to know that there is nobody who is going to make you happy if you are not happy with yourself. And to expect that other people from the outside to make you happy because the power is within you. And mostly to be kind to yourself and others.
SHOP THE LOOKS
ARABESQUE semi sheer lace shirt with black removeable tie
ACADEMIA long sleeve white floral lace shirt with ruffles
SMART tailored black jacket with lapel and single button
TABLEAU black sleeveless knit top with cutout detailing
SANDEAU long sleeve white shirt with black contrasting trim
SANTANA white long sleeve crepe shirt with knot tie blouse
BASTIDE white short sleeve shirt with jeweled front collar
INDIANA oversized white long sleeve shirt with drawstring details