Thoughts from leading women in fashion

Today marks the 111th anniversary of International Women’s Day, but much remains to be done. As of 2020, Berlin is the only German federal state where March 8 is a public holiday. For many years, the sense and nonsense of the women’s quota has been discussed in German politics and business. In many fashion companies such as Puma and C&A, 50 to 90 percent of employees are already women, but the overall ratio is not yet reflected in senior management.

Many powerful women from the German fashion world are involved in the presidency and on the board of the Fashion Council Germany (FCG). Read what the style boss of Burda’s style segment, Manuela Kampp-Wirtz, and FCG president, Nadja Swarovski, think about being a woman in 2022 – and what premium boss Anita Tillmann advises today’s young women.

How do you feel about International Women’s Day?

Christiane Arp, CEO FCG, former editor-in-chief of German Vogue: In my opinion, International Women’s Day should be every 365 days of the year. Equality and justice should apply.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in 2022?

Manuela Kampp-Wirtz, Chief Publishing Officer at Burda Verlag: For me, being a woman in Germany in 2022 means having (almost) every opportunity. I am very happy to be a woman and I am grateful for the generations before us who have already fought incredibly hard in terms of equality.

At the same time, there is still a lot to do when it comes to equal opportunities (also in Germany). Unfortunately, even in 2022 we are not yet where we need to be. I am convinced that companies can only be economically successful in the future if they are diverse and integrative.

Chris Stricker, CEO & founder of the lifestyle agency Haebmau: I am proud to be a woman and above all I like it! I was an independent entrepreneur right from the start and in my decades-long role as a manager, equality was never a foreign word for me, but conviction. The partners in my community are genderless for me. Woman, man or diverse – who cares? I have lived by this principle for over 30 years. For me personally, being a woman means: flexibility, more opportunities and diversity. Nevertheless, equality for women is far from state of the art, not even in 2022: This has been shown not least by the #metoo debate, among other things.

Nadja Swarovski, President FCG and first and former board member at crystal manufacturer Swarovski: The year 2022 is a great opportunity to further cement the already great lead of equality. We live in a free country where we have many opportunities. We just have to climb them.

How are you spending International Women’s Day 2022?

Mandie Bienek, Founding Executive Director of PR agency Press Factory: I’m going to do what I’ve been doing for the last twelve days now. I spend the day with news and devote my thoughts to Ukrainian heroines.

Keyword equal rights: As an industry expert, how would you assess equal rights in the German fashion industry?

Mandy Bienek: There are definitely more women along the value chain and more men on management levels. But relatively balanced in the design area. Definitely still room for improvement.

Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner of the trade fair organizer Premium Group: There are still far too few women in management positions! Despite legal requirements, social pressure and many cool role models, we are still a long way from true equality in 2022, especially on the higher floors. A quota for women is more necessary than I thought – and it would certainly make the world a better place!

Claudia Hoffmann, Fashion Consultant & Stylist: Equality in fashion is far from being achieved. However, I believe that whoever is best suited for a job should also get the job. However, the prerequisite here is that everyone must be taken into account equally! The beginning of all equality is education, which everyone should have on the same terms!

Keyword leadership: To what extent has your role at FCG changed over the years?

Chris Stricker: My commitment to the Fashion Council Germany has not fundamentally changed in recent years. I am still looking forward to contributing my communication expertise and my personal network as part of the Executive Committee and thus making the German fashion industry heard.

Mandy Bienek: From management and day-to-day business, I now work in an advisory capacity and provide support where I am needed.

Anita Tilman: As a founding member, I worked on the board for a few years together with my fantastic colleagues and I am proud to continue to accompany the FCG as a member of the executive committee.

What advice would you give to young women today?

Anita Tilmann: Independence, self-determination and education are the greatest good.

Chris Stricker: Fight for your rights, stay yourself and don’t bend yourself. We all have to fight for our rights in our own way, so it is important to always keep your goal in mind and not to let yourself be diverted from your own path. Realize yourself, be happy and convince with good arguments!

Mandy Bienek: Finding your own way and finding yourself is one of the greatest and most beautiful challenges of growing up. My advice is focus on you. Don’t get lost on the outside. Consume less and stay with you. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. And find out for yourself.

And don’t forget to look left and right as you go along for those who need your help.

Nadia Swarovski: Study as much as possible, because education not only gives knowledge, but also self-confidence, which is necessary to be able to lead in business. And to be able to assert oneself with knowledge. Works together as a team. Support each other as women because with a strong backing you can support all who need it.

A contribution from the Fashion Council Germany. the FCG is the advocacy group for fashion “designed in Germany”. Founded in Berlin in January 2015 on the initiative of national industry experts, the FCG promotes German fashion design as a cultural and economic asset.