Women driving change: Emerging creators collaborate for big impact

It’s no secret that women have the power to create the biggest waves – especially when they’re using their creativity to do so. Yet, when we think of change makers, we often think of established voices – those with the biggest platforms and greatest reach. But what if the richest source of inspiration comes from those emerging?

Such is true for fashion stylist Lizda Fathia and designer Frances Dandan, who are laying the foundation for a new era where emerging women creators lead from the front and inspire generations to come.

In recent collaborations with photographer Nicoline Malina and designer Chi Gibbs, these emerging creators were recognised not only as a source of inspiration but a driving force for positive change.

Nicoline and Lizda: Embracing a shared vision

With a mutual passion to see better representation and diversity in the fashion industry, Nicoline and Lizda forged a powerful partnership to create Project Puan.

Since it began in 2021, Project Puan has been a celebration of the beauty, power and courage that lives within every woman. Bringing together 100 women from diverse backgrounds across Indonesia, Nicoline and Lizda spent time styling, photographing and listening to the unique stories of each woman to create a series that honours the diversity and depth of beauty - something that has often been overlooked in traditional representations of women in the past.

“We wanted to break the stereotype of women being judged solely on their looks and instead highlight their accomplishments and unique experiences,” says Lizda.

More recently, Lizda and Nicoline reignited Project Puan with a reunion photoshoot powered by an all-women team - from production to glam, featuring eight inspiring and powerful Puan.

“Every small action can create a ripple effect and contribute to positive change in the world. The seed that you put into this world will grow and have an impact on your life later. Never forget your roots,” Lizda says.

While Lizda may only be at the beginning of her career, she has made her mark with Project Puan and continues to be a source of inspiration for Nicoline: “Working with Lizda is always an amazing experience. She continuously inspires me, not only from her immense talent and work ethic, but also with her kindness and patience,” says Nicoline.

At the core of their collaboration is a strong foundation of trust and empathy. For Nicoline, partnering with Lizda has meant trusting that your collaborator is there to add value to the vision in equal amounts as you are.

Chi and Frances: Finding the inspiration to reimagine

Frances and Chi came together with a shared vision to reimagine traditional workspaces often constructed by male-dominated industries. Their dreamscape, created with Adobe Photoshop, Fresco and Dimension, puts women front and centre, celebrating the remarkable strength and boundless talent of those in the creative fields.

According to Frances, they wanted to "create a space that's bolder, unapologetically feminine and unconventional, and where women are empowered to collaborate and share ideas."

Acknowledging that many spaces aren't thoughtfully built for women and their creativity, the duo believes that reimagining can act as a catalyst for change.

"Reimagining allows us to point out the things that don't work for us, which then makes us think of solutions for them. Obviously, we won't change the world just by imagination, but starting the conversation and putting innovative work out there is a really good start."

Inspired by Frances's whimsical style and unique point of view, Chi saw an opportunity to fuse their creative energies. Together, they aimed to break free from the limitations imposed by traditional norms, infusing boldness, femininity, and eccentricity into their work. Through their collaboration, they sought to empower women to dream big, defy stereotypes, and embrace their creative expression without apology.

By partnering with Frances, Chi wanted to bring her unique voice and perspective to the forefront, helping to amplifying Frances’s impact and create a more inclusive creative landscape.

As we look to the future, let us celebrate and support the emerging and talented women redefining the world around us with their creativity.

Their unique narratives, innovative approaches, and fearless spirit are reshaping industries, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring future generations.

See how other women in Asia Pacific are celebrating emerging creators here.