Celebrating the Women in our Design World

In celebration of International Women's Day we are honoured to recognise those we represent in the international design world. 

We sat down with Alejandra Gandia-Blasco Lloret, Creative Director of the Gandia Blasco Group, to discuss creativity and leadership in the design industry.

Image: Alejandra Gandia-Blasco Lloret

Over the course of your career, have you seen a positive shift in the inclusivity and representation of women in the creative industries? How do you see this evolving in the next decade?

I believe that in creative industry environments, we are now experiencing more organic and sensitive processes. The world of sensations and the concern for the well-being of others, which were classifically attributed to the role of women, have become normalized in spaces outside the domestic sphere. In visual language, this is also increasingly seen in the femininity of forms, the inclusion of minorities, and the care and protection of our environment. This awareness, attributed to women according to classic social stereotypes, seems to be recognized in men as well, further integrating the masculine with the feminine in societies. This stance helps to normalize the presence of women in creative environments without prejudice or threats, although we are all aware that misogynistic countries still exist.

I hope that this equality between women and men continues to advance, regardless of regressive coercive policies, gender roles, and sociocultural stereotypes.

The Gandiablasco collections have this beautiful way of merging different textures and materials to highlight the design intent and tell its story. With outdoor furniture becoming increasingly architectural, how do you approach designing pieces that feel both emotionally warm and structurally rigorous?

Yes, we have 5 or 6 senses (maybe 7) and tactile sensations are very important. I believe this characteristic is not incompatible with architectural forms. Each design has an aspect and an archetype that we attribute to a series of sensations materialized in the forms and finishes, to express one emotion or another. The sense of touch and visual language are emotional.

Image: Alejandra Gandia-Blasco Lloret's ERNO collection for Gandiablasco

The Gandia Blasco group often partners with other female designers, like Patricia Urquiola and Charlotte Lancelot, for your collections across GAN and Gandiablasco. How do you find working with other female designers in this collaborative matter?

I believe they are women capable of conveying a strong emotional charge through design; you can perceive that it is their form of expression and part of their personality, of their inner world. Their processes are very fluid and intuitive, without fear of showing their feelings, without prejudice, although also very rigorous—one thing does not take away from the other.

How can businesses and organisations in the design and creative industries better support and uplift women, especially in leadership roles or positions of influence?

In my view, it doesn’t matter if they are men or women. I believe everyone proves their worth through their actions -not because of their gender, but because of their determination. It’s a matter of recognizing women’s talent in their fields of work without prejudices or classist roles.

Image: Alejandra Gandia-Blasco Lloret's NOMAD Collection for GAN

As a leader in your field, how do you maintain a work-life balance, and how can other women in the industry create a sustainable and fulfilling career without compromising personal well-being?

I love my job. It’s not that it’s my whole life, but it definitely makes up a big part of it.

What legacy do you hope to contribute to the future of design and what advice would you give emerging female designers looking to build confidence in their creative voice?

To be honest, that’s a very difficult question to answer. I believe that anyone dedicated to creativity in any discipline is a lifelong self-learner. This requires passion and calm, a continuous training without losing curiosity and wonder, driven by determination. It’s a humanist, conscious, an collaborative attitude.

Image: Alejandra Gandia-Blasco Lloret's VALENTINA UP Collection for Diabla