FR ONT ROW

What’s wowing us this week

We can’t help but think that this year’s International Women’s Day – on Wednesday – has never felt so apt. Top billing then for five fabulous designers who are donating all profits on specific designs to Women for Women – a charity that has caught the imagination of the fashion world for its support of women in war-affected regions around the globe. Front Row caught up with three of the tastemakers involved (from top left), Alex Eagle, Amanda Wakeley and Mary Katrantzou, to talk about our all-time favourite subject – women who rock.

THE WOMAN YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? AE Diane Arbus – my ambition was to be a photo-journalist. AW A vet – I grew up in a family of medics in a house full of animals but I realised I couldn’t stomach the sight of blood. MK Aliki Vougiouklaki, Greece’s biggest movie star from the 1950s to the 80s. I grew up watching her films and was lucky enough to know her personally.

THE WOMAN YOU MOST ADMIRE? AE My grandma Ma – she is always immaculately turned out, even with five children and 14 grandchildren. On top of that, she is a social worker and is always giving back. AW I admire women who are passionate about what they do. My summer campaign features dancer Kate Byrne who is the perfect metaphor for the pain and glory we all endure. MK Natalie Massenet [Net-a-Porter founder and chairman of the British Fashion Council] inspires me to push forward and think big.

THE WOMAN YOU WOULD MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH? AE [Aviator] Amelia Earhart – I’d ask her about her solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. AW My customers! I’d love to be able to know them all. MK Elsa Schiaparelli – she was a designer with such a unique vision and I would love to hear her view on fashion today.

THE WOMAN YOU COULD HAPPILY BE STRANDED WITH ON A DESERT ISLAND? AE My mother – we could talk about my son Jack (which she never tires of) and work (she is director of my company) and sit for hours in comfortable silence. AW My black labrador Lola. She’s gorgeous and the chattiest dog I have ever owned. MK My best friend Marily – we have shared so much I can’t think of anyone else that I would want to be with on the island.

THE WOMAN YOU’D MOST LIKE TO DRESS? AE Diane Sawyer [US TV journalist] – it would be nice to see something beautiful on the news for once. AW It’s always a buzz when a celebrity such as Angelina Jolie chooses to wear Wakeley, and seeing a woman transformed after going into the changing room is a lovely feeling. MK [US Vogue’s] Anna Wintour.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR TEENAGE SELF? AE He’s not worth it. AW I’d tell her how complex life, business and people are. It’s quite a wake-up call. MK Life turns out just the way it is meant to. internationalwomensday.com; womenforwomen.org.uk. For more designs in aid of International Women’s Day, see page 13