March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women who have shaped industries, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. The world of fashion is no exception. From revolutionary designers to timeless style icons, women have played a defining role in how we dress, express ourselves, and embrace individuality.

At Shush London, we honour the legacy of fashion’s most influential women by offering preloved pieces from the very designers who changed the game. If you love luxury fashion with a story, keep reading - we’ve got a selection of iconic names and the designs that continue to inspire.

Trailblazing Fashion House Founders

Some of the biggest names in fashion were founded by visionary women who dared to do things differently. These designers didn’t just create beautiful clothes; they redefined femininity, power dressing, and personal expression.

• Coco Chanel – The pioneer of effortless chic, Chanel revolutionised fashion with the little black dress, tweed jackets, and the iconic 2.55 handbag.

• Stella McCartney – A champion of ethical fashion, McCartney proves that high fashion can be both luxurious and sustainable.

• Vivienne Westwood – The queen of punk, Westwood infused rebellion into British fashion, making a political statement with every stitch.

• Miuccia Prada – A master of reinvention, Prada took the family brand to new heights with innovative designs and bold creativity.

• Céline Vipiana – Founder of Celine, she set the tone for modern Parisian minimalism, creating timeless pieces that still influence today’s trends.

• Diane von Furstenberg – The woman behind the wrap dress, von Furstenberg empowered women with a silhouette that was as strong as it was feminine.

• Isabel Marant – The epitome of Parisian cool, Marant’s boho-meets-rock-chic aesthetic has made her one of fashion’s most beloved designers.

• Évelyne Chetrite – Founder of Sandro, Chetrite embodies understated luxury with effortlessly stylish, tailored pieces.

• Gaby Aghion – The mind behind Chloé, Aghion created a brand for free-spirited women who value both elegance and ease.

These women have left an indelible mark on fashion, and at Shush London, you can find preloved designer pieces that celebrate their enduring influence.

Iconic Women Who Inspired Designer Bags

Some of the most coveted handbags in history are named after women whose style and charisma captivated the world. Their influence continues today, with these timeless pieces remaining at the top of every luxury lover’s wishlist.

• Jane Birkin – The Hermès Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight in the 1980s. After Birkin’s straw bag spilled its contents, she described her ideal handbag to Dumas, sketching it on an air sickness bag. Spacious yet elegant, with a relaxed yet sophisticated appeal, the Birkin bag became an instant classic and remains one of the most coveted accessories in luxury fashion.

• Grace Kelly – The Hermès Kelly bag, originally called the Sac à Dépêches, became a fashion legend when Grace Kelly used it to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi. Today, it’s one of the most elegant handbags ever created.

• Jacqueline Kennedy – A true fashion icon, Jackie O’s impeccable style inspired the Gucci Jackie bag, a sophisticated staple for any wardrobe.

• Lady Diana Spencer – Originally known as "Chouchou," the Lady Dior bag was renamed in honour of Princess Diana after she was frequently seen carrying it at public events. First gifted to her in 1995 by France’s First Lady, its quilted Cannage stitching and signature alphabet charms reflect Dior’s haute couture elegance. Today, the Lady Dior remains a timeless icon, reimagined in new colours and sizes while retaining its classic silhouette.

• Jodie Foster – The Bottega Veneta Jodie bag was named after a press photo captured Jodie Foster shielding herself from paparazzi with a large, black Bottega Veneta hobo bag. This contemporary reimagining of the classic Hobo bag, featuring a distinctive knotted handle, has become a modern favourite.

• Anita Pallenberg – The Saint Laurent Anita bag, designed by Hedi Slimane for the 2015 Psych Rock collection, channels the free-spirited glamour of the '70s. Inspired by Pallenberg’s bohemian rock 'n' roll aesthetic, this suede and metal-accented bag blends western influences with timeless hippy-luxe appeal.

• Sophia Loren – The Salvatore Ferragamo Sofia bag was introduced in 2009 as a tribute to Loren’s enduring elegance. A longtime muse of Ferragamo, Loren’s timeless Hollywood glamour is reflected in the bag’s refined structure, signature Gancio metal clasp, and soft handle, making it a favourite among modern style icons.

 

At Shush London, we stock preloved designer handbags that have been inspired by these style icons. Whether you’re looking for a Birkin, a Jackie, or a Lady Dior, you’ll find beautifully curated pieces that celebrate fashion history.

The Sustainable Future of Luxury Fashion

Luxury fashion is more than just labels - it’s about craftsmanship, longevity, and timeless appeal. However, the industry is also one of the biggest contributors to waste. That’s why, at Shush London, we are committed to promoting ethical and sustainable fashion practices by giving luxury pieces a second life.

Buying preloved designer fashion is one of the best ways to shop sustainably. By choosing high-quality, timeless pieces, you not only reduce waste but also invest in items that hold their value and history. Whether it’s a vintage Chanel jacket, a classic Burberry trench, or a statement Dior bag, our collection allows you to shop consciously without compromising on style.

Discover Iconic Fashion at Shush London

If Women’s History Month has you feeling inspired, there’s no better way to celebrate than by investing in pieces that tell a story. At Shush London, we stock preloved items from all the iconic designers mentioned, offering you a chance to own a piece of fashion history while supporting sustainability.

Explore our handpicked selection of timeless designer pieces below, curated by the Shush team. Whether you’re drawn to Chanel, Prada, or Dior, we’ve got something special waiting for you.