You may have noticed that this month all 17 global editions of GLAMOUR feature Zendaya wearing an exclusive Stella McCartney T-shirt, co-designed by us to benefit The Girl Project. Here, we talk to the British designer about her badass worldview.
Your special T-shirt for GLAMOUR — running in all 17 of our editions worldwide — says “Women Power Love.” Explain!
I wanted to design a T-shirt that empowers women and encourages them to look inside and to love themselves and others. I also wanted to make a statement that speaks to the rippling effects of what’s happening around the world. It’s time to speak out, woman to woman.
What does it mean for women to lead a powerful life today?
I think when the words powerful and women go hand in hand, certain generations believe it’s not a compliment. But this [belief] was something generated by men to make women feel bad if we have something to say. That’s not the case anymore. Young women see power as something to be celebrated and to be proud of. I feel powerful when I’m being honest and when I’m not compromising who I am. Also, when I speak for other women who don’t have a voice—that’s when I feel that I’m being the best woman I could be.
Your mother, Linda McCartney, was such a role model for you. How did she help make you the woman you are?
My mom led by example; she was an honest human. She wasn’t afraid to fight for creatures and fight for people who didn’t have a voice, and she was willing to put her own reputation on the line. I find it incredibly empowering to [see] a man or a woman who is able to inspire others to leave behind a positive mark on the planet.
Who are your other female role models?
I find all women incredibly inspiring: From the beginning of time, we’ve had a place that has not been comfortable for us, and we’ve been constantly trying to create a path forward for the next generation. I’m excited to see what happens for the future of women. We must not forget that the majority of women on this planet are mistreated, some have experienced violence, some are not afforded an education, some aren’t able to be equal to a man, and it’s unacceptable. We have a long fight ahead.
In the beginning of your career, did you ever notice you weren’t treated the same way as your male counterparts? I’ve been very fortunate that, from day one, I was in control of my career. At Stella McCartney, it is nearly 80 percent women on both the creative and on the business side of the brand. But in other businesses, there are more men in the boardroom and women in the creative room. We have to remember that the majority of people who create demand for products are women, and they must be respected. It’s time for women to see that they have a lot of power and they need to actually use it.
What do you try to instil in your own daughters when it comes to feminism?
I see in my daughters so much hope. I explain to them that women are looked down upon in some cultures or that we’re not treated equally and that they, my daughters, are very privileged. They believe the future is equal for them; they’re lucky to feel that way.
You’re talking to GLAMOUR’s audience of over 40 million women worldwide right now: What’s your message for them?
Love yourself. Never ever bow down to anyone if you don’t believe in it. Also: Women don’t always work [to help] other women, and it’s critical we support and love each other, that we create a community that is safe, where we pass on knowledge, and where we [can] open our arms and wrap them around each other to create a strong unit. We are a tribe of women.
She debuted her beautiful T-shirts at her Ready-to-wear SS18 collection, by gifting all her models one to wear backstage. Check out the pictures here:
Taken from GLAMOUR US. Click here to read the original.
Want more from our #PoweredByWomen edition? Watch the campaign video and then see this sneak peek inside the issue!
