Championing Women in Design.

5 Female Trailblazers Who Changed the World of Design

Here at KODA, we are passionate about championing women in design. Throughout history, women in design have faced significant underrepresentation, often sidelined and denied equal opportunities compared to their male counterparts. However, these remarkable designers defied odds, challenging stereotypes, and leaving an indelible mark on the design landscape.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight five trailblazing women from the 20th century who reshaped the world of design, transcending biases and stereotypes to create iconic furniture and lighting and interior designs that endure.

1. Ray Eames

Eames is a household name and is synonymous with design excellence that transcends mere functionality, embodying a harmonious blend of form, function and artistic ingenuity. Ray was an artistic powerhouse, alongside her partner Charles Eames, crafted timeless designs like the Eames Lounge Chair, showcasing her keen eye for abstraction and innovation. Despite often being overshadowed, Ray's contributions were fundamental to the duo's success, with Charles himself acknowledging her prowess and vital role in their collaborations.

From iconic furniture pieces to groundbreaking architectural contributions, Ray Eames’ legacy resonates across generations, inspiring awe and admiration for her shared visionary approach to shaping the modern aesthetic landscape. Her pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design continue to influence and inspire creatives worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of design history.

2. Charlotte Perriand

This trailblazing 20th-century designer broke barriers with her inclusive approach to design, striving to make good design accessible to all. Despite initial dismissal, she persevered and collaborated with renowned architect Le Corbusier, ultimately shaping the modernist movement with her radical tubular steel furniture designs. Perriand's retrospective exhibition at The Design Museum served as a testament to her enduring legacy and creative genius, finally receiving the recognition she deserved.

Charlotte Perriand's furniture is characterized by its innovative use of materials, functional design principles, and avant-garde aesthetics. She was particularly renowned for her pioneering work with tubular steel, which she utilized to create sleek and minimalist pieces that embodied the spirit of modernism. Perriand's furniture often features clean lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of simplicity that reflects her belief in design with form and function.

3. Greta Grossman

Grossman was a highly influential figure in the design world, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Her work attracted a clientele of Hollywood celebrities and affluent individuals, including notable figures like Frank Sinatra, who adorned their homes with her designs. These iconic designs were characterised by their sleek lines, functionality and the incorporation of Scandinavian design principles. She was known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques. 

Her furniture and lighting designs, including the iconic Grasshopper lamp and Cobra lamp, became highly sought after and garnered attention from both critics and clients. Her ability to bring Scandinavian style to the forefront of American design during this period was influential and helped shape the aesthetic of mid-century modernism. 

Despite her success, Grossman's contributions to the design industry were often overshadowed by her male counterparts. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in her work, and she has been recognised as a pioneering female designer who made significant contributions to the mid-century modern movement. Grossman's legacy continues to inspire emerging designers and enthusiasts alike and her designs remain highly collectible and relevant in today's design landscape.

4. Aino Aalto

Aalto's contributions to Finnish design, particularly through her work at Artek, are significant and often under appreciated. As the wife of renowned architect Alvar Aalto, she was closely associated with his work, but she also had a distinct creative vision of her own. Aino played a crucial role in shaping Artek's design philosophy, which blended modernist principles with elements of simplicity and functionality.

As Design Director and Managing Director of Artek, Aino Aalto left an indelible mark on the company's aesthetic direction. Her designs emphasised clean lines, organic forms and a deep respect for natural materials. She believed in creating timeless pieces that were both beautiful and practical, a philosophy that resonated with the ethos of the modernist movement. 

Aino Aalto's legacy deserves to be celebrated and recognised alongside her husband's achievements, cementing her as a pioneering figure in Finnish design.

5. Nanna Ditzel

Celebrated for her innovative chair designs and distinctive personality, Nanna Ditzel defied conventions with her organic creations, leaving an indelible mark on Danish design. Ditzel began her career by training as a cabinetmaker before furthering her studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.

Nanna Ditzel's work is characterised by its fluidity and innovation. She had a keen eye for combining natural forms with modern materials, creating pieces that were both visually striking and functionally sound. One of her most iconic designs is the "Trinidad Chair," which features a suspended seat made from woven strips of rattan, showcasing her mastery of craftsmanship and her ability to push the boundaries of traditional furniture design.

Throughout her career, Ditzel received numerous accolades for her contributions to design, including awards from institutions such as the Danish Design Council and the Milan Triennale. Her work continues to be celebrated and sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential figures in Danish design history.

KODA

Following in the footsteps of the most iconic female designers, Katherine, our creative director was determined to do furniture and interiors her way. After gaining a first-class honours degree in Interior Architecture from Westminster University, she honed her design skills on large-scale design projects across the UK and Europe. 

Taking inspiration from iconic female figures in design, she wanted to break away from interior design and co founded KODA. Committed to designing products that are ecological with form and function, Katherine explores the idea of how to design and manufacture furniture in more sustainable ways. She never goes anywhere without her pocket tape measure and is often seen carrying a notebook to scribble down anything that catches her eye.

“I’ll often play around with different furniture configurations and layouts until I’m happy with the overall balance and scale of the design. Then the fun begins with trying to fine tune what options to send to the customer! 

I find immense satisfaction in collaborating with my clients to create unique furniture designs that seamlessly integrates into the fabric of their lives.”

International Women’s Day

In celebrating the achievements of these five trailblazing women in design, we honour not only their individual talents but also their collective resilience in overcoming systemic barriers and challenging gender stereotypes. Their contributions have not only reshaped the landscape of design but have also paved the way for future generations of female designers to thrive and innovate. These remarkable women defied societal expectations to make their mark on the world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence today.

As we reflect on their legacies, let us continue to champion diversity and inclusivity in the field of design, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated. By recognising and amplifying the achievements of women in design, we enrich our understanding of the world and inspire positive change for generations to come.

Countless other women have made significant contributions to the world of design, challenging norms and inspiring future generations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognise and amplify the voices of women in design, striving for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Join The Conversation

We invite you to join us by sharing your favourite female designers with us on Instagram. Let's celebrate the contributions of women in design and continue the journey towards breaking biases and fostering diversity in the design industry. 

If you're interested in learning more about International Women’s Day and how you can participate, visit the IWD website.