The W.

When we talk about modern minimalist fashion — the kind that celebrates simplicity, sharp tailoring, and understated elegance — it’s impossible to ignore the quiet but powerful influence of women. Whether they've been creative directors, muses, stylists, or working behind the scenes in ateliers, women have always had a hand in defining what we see as timeless and chic today.

And it shows. The rise of trends like “clean girl makeup,” the “old money aesthetic,” and pared-back wardrobes isn’t random — it’s a response to years of loud, fast, and flashy fashion. This shift toward simplicity isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about a deeper, more nuanced understanding of femininity — something women designers bring to the table naturally.

Names like Sarah Burton, Louise Trotter, Phoebe Philo, Mary-Kate Olsen, Veronica Leoni, and even the eternal style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, all come to mind. These women have shaped fashion not just from the spotlight but from the sidelines, championing the minimalist woman — one who values quiet confidence, impeccable tailoring, and refined design.

Today, we're seeing a real change of guard. Women are stepping into top roles at major fashion houses and rewriting what power dressing looks like. Just take Veronica Leoni, for example. She’s not only the founder of QUIRA and a 2023 LVMH Prize finalist, but she’s also got an impressive resume that includes Jil Sander, Céline, Moncler, and The Row. All brands that have helped define the minimalist, capsule-wardrobe aesthetic we now crave.

Veronica’s design sensibility — clean lines, smart tailoring, and a certain sensual restraint — is reshaping what elevated basics look like. Her debut for Calvin Klein earlier this year hinted at this perfectly: think car coats with fluid silhouettes, relaxed collars, high-waisted denim, and razor-sharp skinny trousers. Everything felt modern but timeless, luxurious without being loud.

So while the trends may shift, one thing’s clear: women have been leading this quiet revolution in fashion for years. And now, more than ever, their vision of femininity — one that’s strong, subtle, and deeply.