International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries and advocate for gender equality. In the world of design, women have been breaking barriers, shaping trends, and inspiring creativity. We spoke with renowned textile designer Clarissa Hulse and the talented team at Harlequin, represented by Flora Daly, Lead Designer for Harlequin, to explore their perspectives on empowerment, creativity, and the evolving role of women in design.
Breaking Barriers in Design: Clarissa Hulse’s Journey
For over 25 years, Clarissa Hulse has built a name for herself with her signature nature-inspired designs and vibrant use of colour. However, her path wasn’t always easy. As part of our conversations around International Women’s Day, we asked Clarissa about her journey.
“The role of women in the design industry has changed immensely since I first started my business,” she shares. “The textile business was run almost exclusively by men, and as a young woman, I did not feel taken seriously at all! Nowadays, I don’t think gender makes much difference at all in the design world. But this is only as a result of years of calling for gender equality and celebrating brilliant women.”
Clarissa’s work is deeply rooted in personal experience. She draws inspiration from childhood holidays in Greece and her mother’s love of gardening. “I think unconsciously, I was inspired by the incredible sunsets by the sea and the graphic silhouettes of seed heads that I saw growing everywhere. My mother was a really keen gardener and when I was tiny, she would place me in the flower beds while she did the weeding. She would talk to me all the time and taught me the proper Latin names for plants. Plants and bright colours have become the hallmark of my work.” Clarissa muses on the fact that her designs have become more intricate and involved over the years, helped in part by the advancement of digital printing. She explains “It means I no longer need to limit the number of colours I use”.
Clarissa’s advice to aspiring female designers?
“Find your unique ‘look’ whatever it might be. It can be anything at all. For example modern geometrics, ethereal pastel colour plants or native animals. But the most important thing is that you OWN it! Be the very best at it so people come to you first for that ‘thing.’ ”
Clarissa explains that while social media is an effective tool for building brand awareness, if you’re looking to become financially successful in the design industry, it is crucial to collaborate with larger companies. The key with securing those partnerships is honing your own unique and distinctive style. Hard work coupled with a drive to create, ensures that as a designer you continue to improve and be endlessly inspired.
Empowering Women Through Design: Harlequin’s Approach
While Clarissa’s journey highlights the experiences of an independent designer, the team at Harlequin takes a collaborative approach to female empowerment within the industry. With women playing a vital role at every stage, from design to production, Harlequin is committed to ensuring women’s voices are heard and celebrated, something that we were keen to look at in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
Flora Daly, Lead Designer for Harlequin, explains, “We are an all-female team at Harlequin. This creates a really strong supportive environment for us to foster creativity and bring the best in each other. Empowerment to us, is all about giving people the tools to express themselves and their individuality. We know that design plays a massive part in this and Harlequin’s ethos has always been to empower through colour and pattern.”
Harlequin encourages women to use interior design as a powerful form of self-expression. In terms of inspiring women to take creative risks and step outside of their comfort zones, a beautifully designed home can contribute so much to woman’s sense of confidence and wellbeing. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you create a space that reflects you. It brings happiness to your day and improves your overall wellbeing. Use colours and patterns which evoke a feeling for you. Whether its nostalgia or joy or calm, you want that space to reflect how you want to feel when you’re in it.”
Encouraging Women to Take Charge of Their Home’s Style
Both Clarissa and the team at Harlequin agree that taking charge of your home’s aesthetic is an empowering process. Clarissa suggests a ‘jigsaw approach’ to home styling. “Start by gathering all the things you love. Whether they’re long-standing possessions or a brand-new fabric or wallpaper swatch you’ve fallen in love with. Use these as the ‘corner pieces’ and build your colours around that. There are lots of theories and rules about colours, but I would say it’s best to limit your palette to around five or six to keep it cohesive.” She goes on to say, “I think above all it is important to remember that it is YOUR home, and you must feel happy and comfortable in it!” Clarissa advises not to be too swayed by the latest trends or social media, ensuring that your home tells your own story.
For those nervous about taking creative risks, Flora encourages a mindset shift. “Be true to what you really love and follow your heart with design. Don’t listen to trends or be afraid of what friends or family will think. Most of the time they will follow in your footsteps. It’s just having the confidence to follow your gut with design.” Remember that the best designs often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s a bold wallpaper, a vibrant curtain fabric, or an unexpected colour combination, making a statement in your home can be incredibly empowering.
A Shared Vision for the Future
While their journeys may differ, both Clarissa Hulse and the Harlequin team share a common goal: to inspire women to express themselves fearlessly through design. Whether through Clarissa’s personal connection to nature or Harlequin’s commitment to championing women in the industry, their work continues to shape homes in a way that is bold, beautiful, and empowering.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the creativity, resilience, and influence of women in design—past, present, and future. Let’s continue to champion their voices, celebrate their achievements, and create spaces that reflect our true selves.
Explore the range of stunning designer roller blinds, roman blinds and curtains from the Clarissa Hulse and Harlequin collections today.
