The Dawn of Women, an official British Fashion Council event showcased during London Fashion Week on the 19th September, in the heart of London’s West End at Hinde Street Methodist Church.
Organised by a coalition of progressive organisations House of Kind, Rise – London Tech Ladies, Videos for Humanity and CC Girl, this empowering evening celebrated collaboration, visibility, and solidarity whist shining a spotlight on female-led brands.
The catwalk showcased a diverse array of brands, including House of Kind, Handmade Stories, Monice London, Sloafer, Kathy Kyle Studio and Palomita Jewellery. Each brand brought its unique aesthetic to the runway, exemplifying the creativity and talent within the female entrepreneurship space.
The runway looks were styled by sustainable fashion stylist Sophia Lorimer of Fine-Tuned Wardrobe, featuring special outfits created in collaboration with Ann Summers. Notably, volunteer models included Juanita Ingram, the first Black Mrs. Universe, embodying the crucial themes of representation and visibility that were at the heart of the show.
This London Fashion Week event was not just about fashion, it was a platform for philanthropy. A full 100% of the proceeds were donated to Dress for Success (DFS) Greater London and Women for Women International. DFS empowers women re-entering the workplace by providing clothing, coaching and pathways to independence, while Women for Women International supports female survivors of war in rebuilding their lives through skills training, resources and support networks.
In a poignant moment, House of Kind unveiled its partnership with 50:50 Parliament, modelled by Alison Cork, launching the limited edition ‘Seat At The Table’ t-shirt. Proceeds from the t-shirts will support 50:50 Parliament’s mission to increase women’s representation in Parliament and Local Councils. For over a decade, this non-partisan organisation has been advocating for equal representation, echoing the event’s calls for inclusivity and empowerment.
Sonica Beckmann Founder and CEO of House of Kind is very committed to a compassionate ethos. I have been a strong supporter of Sonica since she launched her brand House of Kind and love her ideology. Sonica is much admired and also supported by fashion royalty Scott Henshall. You can read more about Sonica Beckmann and her numerous achievements in my previous article about her in Just News international. “The Dawn of Women isn’t just a fashion show,” explained Sonica Beckman. “It’s an invitation to join a sisterhood in the workplace that helps women feel empowered and confident. My goal is to collaborate, to spread kindness, and encourage women to take your seat at the table.”
The majority of the showcased female-founded brands are part of the Buy Women Built movement, created by Sahar Hashemi. This movement emphasizes the philosophy of being ‘stronger together,’ highlighting how consumer support for women-owned brands can create a stronger and fairer world.
The Dawn of Women stands as a bold and beautiful celebration of style, strength, and solidarity.
The Dawn of Women was not just a fashion show; it was a movement towards creating a more equitable and empowered future for women everywhere, underlining the importance of community, visibility, and collective strength.
Brands Showcased
House of Kind, a women’s workwear fashion brand with a difference. It aims to create a ‘sisterhood’ through clothing; to help further women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace. @houseofkind.london
Handmade Stories, a
female-owned slow fashion brand and social enterprise that supports women in rural communities in the Andes, artisans, and men in prison in Peru so they can reach economic independence and keep their traditions alive. @handmadestoriesworld
Monice London, a luxurious fashion brand designing elegant flattering dresses. @monicelondon
Sloafer, a footwear brand. With new designs Sloafer combines the best of sneakers and ballerina pumps for comfortable, casual, and stylish footwear. @sloaferofficial
Kathy Kyle Studio, a brand where stories are hand painted and transformed sustainably into wearable art and stationery. @kathykyle_studio
Palomita Jewellery, a bohemian brand inspired by the eccentricities in nature often using curious elements such as beetle shells, parrot feathers, porcupine quills, semi precious stones and emblems from around the world. @palomita_jewellery
Sponsors @annsummers @crosstown @embelchocolates @drpawpaw @royalmash @letterbox_cocktails #ShaktiLawn #ClarkMorgan #FTW #CCGirl #Palmomita
For more information on the charities supported by this event, visit:
https://www.dressforsuccessgl.org/
https://womenforwomen.org.uk/
For more information on the limited edition ‘Seat At The Table’ t-shirt click on :
written by Kim Grahame
main photo: brand Monice London / photo Julius Just, Just News International
