Liz Claiborne: The Visionary Who Empowered Women

Celebrating Liz Claiborne fashion designer

Happy Birthday Liz Claiborne! 31st March is Liz Claiborne birthday (b. 1929 – d.2007). Liz Claiborne was a Belgium-born visionary fashion designer who launched her own fashion label in America in 1976. In 1986, Liz Claiborne Inc. became the first Fortune 500 company to be founded by a woman and boast a female CEO. Liz provided women with a new take on workwear. She replaced the traditional, expensive dark-coloured suits with brightly coloured and comfortable sportswear. Her women’s fashion was stylish, comfortable and affordable.

Liz Claiborne’s designs broke free from the confines of traditional women’s workwear. The conservative and rigid suits that once dominated the professional wardrobe were replaced with fresh, colorful, and versatile separates that empowered women to mix and match pieces, allowing for endless outfit possibilities.

Her signature separates allowed women to effortlessly blend professional attire with a touch of femininity. She also broke barriers by popularising trousers for women. Claiborne’s approach to fashion was practical yet innovative, and her mission was clear: she wanted to make women feel confident and comfortable in their attire.

Why I admire Liz Claiborne

Liz’s brand’s success paved the way for a new era of female designers and entrepreneurs who aim to challenge norms and redefine the industry.  I consider myself to be one of those women. The Candis Creations lingerie brand is centred around a similar ethos to Liz Claiborne’s fashion. Candis undies are stylish, comfortable, colourful and affordable.

Like Liz, Candis underwear challenges the status quo of traditional everyday briefs and sexy lingerie. Sexy lingerie is primarily dominated by expensive lingerie brands that focus on style rather than comfort. But Candis panties redefine women’s underwear by combining comfortable everyday undies with stylish sexy lingerie to create everyday sexy.

Liz Claiborne was a true trailblazer who made the world a more fashionable place, one stitch at a time. Her legacy continues to inspire both designers and consumers alike.