As we approach International Women's Day, let’s take a moment to honor the women who redefined design with their audacious ideas, relentless determination, and revolutionary impact. These women didn’t just follow trends—they created them. From Scandinavian minimalism to sleek modernist architecture, Lena Larsson, Charlotte Perriand, Eileen Gray, Valentine Schlegel, and Ray Eames didn't just change the design world—they transformed it.
1. Lena Larsson: Sweden’s Quiet Revolution in Furniture Design
Did you know that Lena Larsson's designs were so ahead of their time that they’re still the epitome of Swedish design? Her furniture didn’t just look beautiful—it was built for life, with sleek lines and a sense of tranquility that feels just as fresh today as it did in the 1950s. Larsson’s work introduced a new minimalist aesthetic that was more than just visually appealing; it was functional, sustainable, and accessible.
Iconic piece: With her Grandessa rocking chair and armchair, Lena Larsson expertly blended aesthetic elegance with exceptional comfort and support. These pieces weren’t just designed to look beautiful—they were crafted to enhance the seating experience.
The Grandessa rocking chair was a pioneering design, one of the first to merge natural materials like wood with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, setting a new standard for both form and function.
Cultural impact: Larsson's work helped define Scandinavian modernism. She envisions a family-friendly, practical home in which children are free to roam both outdoors and indoors. She traveled all over the country, spreading new ideas regarding functional interiors
and sensible purchasing habits.
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2. Charlotte Perriand: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Modernist Design
It’s hard to imagine today, but Charlotte Perriand was once turned down by the great Le Corbusier—not because of her talent, but because she was a woman!
After a few months at the Salon D'Automne, he was at "Le Bar sous le toit", a steel, aluminum, and glass rooftop bar that Perriand had designed. He was amazed at the construction, and he hired her as a furniture designer.
Iconic piece: The "Bar sous le Toit" (Bar under the Roof) is just one example of Perriand’s groundbreaking work. She designed the entire space, incorporating innovative furniture and lighting to create an environment that felt like a work of art.
Cultural impact: Perriand didn’t just design furniture—she designed lifestyle.
As well as changing design, she also sparked social change, and undoubtedly shaped the 20th century, and pushed the boundaries of what design could be.
Her work with Le Corbusier revolutionized interior design, especially in urban spaces.
3. Eileen Gray: The Architect Who Was Decades Ahead of Her Time
Number 3 of the 5 Female Design Icons is Eileen Gray, a self-taught architect and designer, designed the legendary E-1027 house on the Côte d’Azur for architect Jean Badovici in the 1920s.
Gray’s minimalist designs and use of modern materials like glass, steel, and lacquer were far ahead of her time, challenging the preconceptions of what architecture and furniture could be.
Iconic piece: The E-1027 house in the south of France wasn’t just a building; it was a revolutionary manifesto. Gray blended architecture, furniture, and interior design into a seamless vision of modern living.
Eileen Gray's Non-Conformist chair, designed in 1926, exemplifies her commitment to comfort and ergonomic design. This innovative design was created for the bedroom of E-1027. The chair's unique form and functionality reflect Gray's philosophy of integrating art into everyday life.
Cultural impact: Gray’s work was deeply influential in shifting the way people lived. She didn’t just design for modern living; she designed how we should live. Her architecture was a precursor to the open-plan homes that are now commonplace, where every element is designed for efficiency and freedom. Her vision sparked a cultural shift that made modern living synonymous with simplicity and elegance.
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4. Valentine Schlegel
Valentine Schlegel was a French sculptor and ceramist renowned for her innovative designs, seamlessly blending functionality with artistic expression. Her work is celebrated for its organic forms and the integration of art into everyday life.
Iconic Piece: One of Schlegel's most influential contributions is her Sculptures à Vivre (Sculptures to Live With) collection. This series of ceramic sculptures was designed not only as art pieces but also as functional objects, such as vases and lamps. The collection exemplifies her philosophy of making art an integral part of daily life, blurring the lines between utility and aesthetics.
Cultural impact: Schlegel's work has had a lasting impact on the design world, inspiring a movement that values the beauty of everyday objects. Her approach encouraged designers to consider the artistic potential of functional items, leading to a more holistic view of design that encompasses both form and function. By elevating utilitarian objects to the status of art, Schlegel challenged traditional boundaries and opened new avenues for creative expression in design.
5. Ray Eames: The Creative Powerhouse Who Revolutionized Modern Living
Here’s a mind-blower: Did you know Ray Eames was the mastermind behind some of the most iconic pieces of modern furniture—and she did it while balancing design with motherhood? Yes, Ray, along with her husband Charles, co-designed the groundbreaking Eames Lounge Chair—a piece still considered a symbol of mid-century modern design.
Iconic piece: The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are some of the most recognizable pieces of 20th-century design. Its sleek contours and luxurious leather upholstery created the perfect balance of comfort and style, changing the way we think about furniture as both functional and artful. Ray’s work in graphic design also revolutionized the way we engage with visual communication in advertising, film, and furniture catalogs.
Cultural impact: Ray and Charles Eames didn’t just design for function; they designed for joy, comfort, and livability. Their work celebrated human connection and made the everyday object an art form. Through their innovative use of materials like molded plywood and fiberglass, they made modern design accessible—shifting the cultural perspective on what good design could look like in the home. Today, their influence is evident in everything from tech products to modern office furniture.
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Why Their Legacies Still Matter
These women didn’t just create things. They created movements. Despite facing the gender biases of their time, they dared to think differently—breaking boundaries and turning what was once impossible into the new standard.
From innovative furniture to transformative architecture, they shaped the world we live in today. Their pieces didn’t just change the design industry; they changed culture itself.
These women redefined what home, work, and leisure could be. They were pioneers who showed us that great design has the power to reshape the way we live, think, and interact with the world around us.
Intrigued by how women like them have forever changed design?
Their legacies prove that creativity knows no gender and that true design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about transforming lives.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s not just admire their genius—we should all strive to channel their fearlessness, creativity, and boldness into everything we do.
These women showed us that design is power, and the world is ours to shape.
If you didn’t know all this, imagine what other powerful women’s stories are out there, waiting to be uncovered. Get inspired, break barriers, and remember: It’s our turn to design the future!
Cake is a lifestyle brand offering unique homewares and accessories that celebrate culture and individuality. Founder Laurine Brugman designs products that withstand trends and fads - creating timeless pieces that you’ll treasure forever.
We’re passionate about preserving traditional crafts and passing on a little bit of love with our hand-made items. All of our items are produced in limited runs to eliminate waste and ensure quality.
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