IWD 2024: Inspirational Female Founders Who Make A Difference | Bianca Spender

Introduction

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we are honoured to kick off our series of interviews with inspiring women who have not only conquered the challenges of entrepreneurship but have also redefined the narrative in their respective fields.

Bianca Spender, a stalwart in the fashion industry, has not only curated a distinctive aesthetic but has also become a symbol of empowerment and inspiration for women. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur, exploring the intricacies of her journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the milestones that define her success.

Bianca's International Women's Day Collection

---

AirRobe: Reflecting on your journey as the founder of your eponymous brand, what inspired you to enter the world of fashion, and how has your unique perspective influenced the brand's identity and design philosophy?

My journey wasn’t a direct route into fashion. I started with business and followed this with wanting to say something personal through design. My love of nature leads into organic drape and my love of maths and physics leads into the architecture of the form.

AirRobe: Bianca, with sustainability as a cornerstone of your brand, could you share key challenges and victories in embedding eco-conscious practices at Bianca Spender? How do you see this commitment contributing to empowering women and driving positive change in the fashion industry?

The challenges we face are around balancing creative evolution of design and sustainable practices. Creativity is inherently wasteful. You need to make mistakes and this uses resources.

Developing everything to its highest level of resolve is key for me and making tough choices to slow down the cycle to allow for the use of 50% deadstock fabrics within each range.

Our pull to beauty is intrinsic and the clothes that we wear affect how we feel - making things that celebrate creativity and female form and at the same time tread lightly on the earth.

AirRobe: International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women's achievements. Can you highlight a particular milestone or accomplishment in your journey with Bianca Spender that you are especially proud of, and how it has contributed to empowering women in the fashion industry?

In 2022 Bianca Spender opened Australian Fashion Week with a cast of women who represented a broad spectrum of females. This was a really proud moment for me and to hero that on a catwalk and for a broader audience to connect to the clothes through this representation.

AirRobe: Empowering the next generation of female leaders is crucial. What advice do you have for aspiring women entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to make their mark in the fashion and design realm?

Surround yourself with curious enquiring minds that challenge and support you in equal measure.

Work in the industry before you start, as there is so much to learn. I am still learning everyday!

Be true to you - to your ethics, aesthetic and vision.

AirRobe: We recently launched our partnership. How do you see this collaboration contributing to a more sustainable and accessible future in fashion?

I am so excited about this collaboration as it is a way for people to see fashion as an investment and consider the life cycle of the piece of clothing they are going to buy. There is so much that goes into each garment - from growing the cotton, to refitting for final touches to make it perfect.

It is also women who are doing the majority of this work. Viewing quality fashion and design as a valuable good that can have a second and a third life and be invested in really heroes this.