COME TOGETHER

Bazaar’s International Women’s Day speakers share the secrets to their success

For this year’s International Women’s Day, friends of Bazaar congregated for an evening of wit and wisdom with a difference: instead of our usual glamorous get-together, participants celebrated at home, with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and serum from Clé de Peau. But while there was much to toast, the speakers weren’t afraid to address the big subjects, too. From the worlds of fashion, politics and business, our contributors share their insights and inspiring words of advice.

To read more about the event, visit www.harpersbazaar.com/uk. ‘Fashion is not in combat with feminism. It doesn’t mean you don’t wear lipstick or high heels – it is about you, and your choices. There is not only one way to express our femininity.’ Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director, Dior

‘When women are wounded, society is wounded. If men are the problem, they have to be part

of the solution.’ Elizabeth Nyamayaro, head of the United Nations gender-equality

movement HeForShe

‘The men we choose in our life are so important. My husband David Bowie was my biggest fan. Whenever I would say, “Oh, what if this fails?” he would

say, “And so what?”’ Iman, model, activist

and entrepreneur ‘Have courage. Leap before

you look.’ Helena Morrissey, financier and

founder of the 30% Club

‘Success is actually all about risks. How do you overcome them? Well, you just don’t give up.’ Anya Hindmarch, fashion

accessories designer

‘Keep on fighting. I’ve overcome all the adversities and broken down those barriers with the power of the smile. Because

winners smile.’ Floella Benjamin, broadcaster,

writer and politician ‘One thing that has been crucial

to my success has been surrounding myself with a fantastic team, who all worked together so closely to achieve our

collective goals.’

Jessica Ennis-Hill, athlete ‘Accepting failure is an amazing

part of knowing who you are, building up emotional resilience, succeeding on your own terms and connecting with others.’

Elizabeth Day, author, broadcaster and journalist