Women Designers You Should Know

• 033. Nanna Ditzel and Kate Arends: Furniture That Sparks Conversation

  This dual feature episode explores the visionary work of Nanna Ditzel—who designed furniture for movement, conversation, and mental well-being—alongside Kate Arends, founder of Wit & Delight, as we discuss how design shapes our emotions, interactions, and everyday lives._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Sika Design — Nanna & Jorgen DitzelFredericia Furniture — 100 Year Tribute E-BookAbout NannaNanna Ditzel wasn’t just a designer—she was a revolutionary. The first woman in Denmark to carve out an independent career in furniture design, she shattered conventions and reshaped the way we interact with our spaces. While her male counterparts built rigid, functionalist structures, Ditzel asked a radical question: What if design made us feel free?She and her husband, Jørgen Ditzel, pioneered furniture without legs, believing that people think, feel, and connect better when they aren’t confined to stiff, upright chairs. The result? Some of the most iconic, boundary-breaking designs of the 20th century—from the cocoon-like Hanging Egg Chair to tiered seating landscapes that invited movement and conversation.But her story didn’t end there. When Jørgen died young, Nanna didn’t fade into obscurity—she became Denmark’s reigning queen of modernism. She mastered textiles, designed jewelry for Georg Jensen, and, at 70 years old, created the Trinidad Chair, a masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship that’s still a best-seller today.For decades, her male contemporaries stole the spotlight, but now, finally, the world is catching up. Nanna Ditzel wasn’t just part of Danish modernism—she expanded its very definition.About KateKate Arends is a designer, brand strategist, and the founder of Wit & Delight, a lifestyle brand that blends storytelling with intentional design. With a background in graphic design and advertising, Kate launched Wit & Delight in 2009 as a personal creative outlet, which has since evolved into a trusted voice in modern living, interiors, and mental well-being.Her work explores the intersection of design and emotion—how our environments shape our mood, creativity, and daily life. Through her platform, she shares insights on everything from home styling to personal growth, fostering a deep connection with her audience. With collaborations spanning major brands and a keen eye for cultural shifts, Kate continues to redefine what it means to live and design with purpose.Follow Kate:Instagram: @witanddelight_Website: witanddelight.com ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

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• 032. Elsa Schiaparelli: Where Fashion and Surrealism Began (w/ Darrian Wright)

  Hear the extraordinary life of Elsa Schiaparelli. From her rebellious youth and surrealist collaborations to her iconic designs like the lobster dress and shocking pink, discover how Schiaparelli redefined fashion as art and left a legacy of daring innovation, with guest and fashion enthusiast, Darrian Wright._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli by Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrierehttps://www.schiaparelli.comPodcast —  Dressed: The History of Fashion on SchiaparelliAbout ElsaElsa Schiaparelli was the ultimate rebel of fashion, a designer who turned shocking ideas into art. Born in 1890 to an aristocratic family in Rome, Elsa’s life was anything but conventional. As a child, she released a box of fleas under her parents’ dinner table and later staged a hunger strike to escape a Swiss convent. After a whirlwind marriage to a charming con man, she found herself as a single mother in New York, scraping by while mingling with avant-garde artists like Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray. It wasn’t until she moved to Paris and met legendary designer Paul Poiret that she discovered her true calling: inventing fashion. From surrealist collaborations with Salvador Dalí to creating her signature shocking pink, Schiaparelli defied norms, blending wit, art, and bold femininity. She gave us iconic designs like the lobster dress, the shoe hat, and the first wrap dress. A pioneer who refused to play by the rules, Elsa didn’t just make clothes—she made statements.Follow Darrian@iamdarrian ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

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• 031. Mary E. J. Colter: Fred Harvey’s Architect and the Fate of Altadena’s Past

  Explore the life and legacy of Mary Colter, a groundbreaking architect and interior designer who crafted iconic buildings at the Grand Canyon and beyond, blending Native American traditions with innovative architectural design, who also lost a home in a 1968 Eaton Canyon fire, which felt oddly topical._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Cowgirl MagazinePioneering WomenLegends of AmericaAbout MaryMary Colter (1869–1958) was a pioneering American architect and designer known for her work with the Fred Harvey Company, where she designed several notable landmarks, including the Hopi House and Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon. Colter was one of the few women in her profession during the early 20th century, and she gained a reputation for her ability to merge architecture with the natural landscape and Native American culture. Her designs were not only functional but also deeply respectful of the local environment and history. Colter's commitment to integrating local materials and employing indigenous builders reflected her dedication to authenticity. She was a visionary who shaped the aesthetic of the American Southwest and remains a defining figure in the architectural landscape. ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

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• RERUN 006. Gail Anderson: On Racism, Resilience, and the Power of Mentorship

  This episode didn't get nearly as many listens as it should, probably being that it was only episode 6, so now is a good time to push this rerun out into the world. Especially since LA is on fire, and I've been temporarily displaced by the fires. Enjoy!Renowned graphic designer Gail Anderson shares her journey from creating magazines in her youth to working at Rolling Stone and beyond, discussing her experiences as a woman of color in the design industry and the evolution of her career. Listen in on how Gail's mentors shaped her path and the fulfillment she finds in seeing her designs in the world._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay____About Gail:Gail Anderson is a distinguished designer, writer, and educator, renowned for her impactful work at Rolling Stone magazine where she served as senior art director. She’s an AIGA Medalist, has authored 14 books and currently chairs the BFA Advertising and BFA Design departments at the School of Visual Arts. Anderson's creative portfolio extends to Broadway, where she has designed posters for notable productions, and she has several awards, including the 2018 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement​In this episode, Gail shares her journey, starting from her early years as a creative in grammar school to what it was like navigating the challenges as a Black woman designer in the 80s and 90s, while breaking barriers in the industry.Join us as we explore Gail's career, her inspirations, and her thoughts on the evolving world of design. Today, we’re bringing you a firsthand look into the mind of a true design trailblazer.A massive thank you to Gail for sharing her incredible journey, insights, and wisdom with us. It’s been an absolute honor to have her on the show and to learn from her experiences and expertise.  Her story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and passion. Highlights:Gail's creative beginnings and inspirations in the BronxHer education at SVA and women teachers like Paula Scher, Carin Goldberg, Louise FiliNavigating the design industry in the 80s and 90s as a black womanIconic work at Rolling Stone and BroadwayThe importance of writing books on design for continual learningReflections on her career and legacy in the design worldLinks:Learn more about Gail Anderson's work at her websiteSubscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifySocial Media:Instagram: @amberasayInstagram: @WomenDesignersPod ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

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• 030. Mary Blair: Designing Disney’s Worlds (w/ Mike Asay)

  Explore the extraordinary life and career of Mary Blair, the visionary artist behind Disney classics like Cinderella and It’s a Small World, whose bold use of color and modernist style transformed animation and design history, with special guest, Mike Asay._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay_______Sources:Book: Magic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John CanemakerLittle Golden Book Compilation: A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden BooksLittle Golden Book: I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss (Illustrated by Mary Blair) About MaryMary Blair wasn’t just an artist—she was a design visionary who transformed Disney’s visual language during its golden age. With her bold use of color, clean lines, and modernist sensibilities, Mary brought a fresh, imaginative approach to classics like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. Her work challenged the traditional realism of animation, introducing a playful, graphic style that still resonates today.Beyond the big screen, Mary was the creative force behind the iconic It’s a Small World attraction, where her vibrant, harmonious designs celebrated global unity and joy. She also applied her design genius to murals, advertising campaigns, and book illustrations, always pushing the boundaries of what design could achieve.In a male-dominated industry, Mary often faced challenges, but her influence was undeniable. She has even been said to be Walt Disney’s favorite artist, with him entrusting her with some of the studio’s most visionary projects. Mary Blair didn’t just design beautiful things—she pioneered a new visual language that shaped animation and continues to inspire designers worldwide.If you’re ready to uncover the story behind one of Disney’s most groundbreaking designers, listen to this episode now and step into the colorful world of Mary Blair. ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

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