This International Women’s Day, Acler and Significant Other come together to honour the women who shape our brands, behind the scenes and beyond.

As female-founded Australian businesses, established by Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, women are at the heart of everything we do.

This year’s theme ‘Gift to Gain’, celebrates the reciprocal power of women supporting women. Recognising that when we give our time, knowledge, opportunity or resources, the collective impact is amplified.

The mentorship shared. The doors opened. The wisdom passed forward.

In conversation with Co-founders Kath and Jules, alongside acclaimed pianist and author Anna Goldsworthy, they reflect on what it means to give — and what we gain in return.

Q: How do you think giving support to others can strengthen the broader community of women around you?

Kath reflects on how generosity builds collective momentum:

“In fashion, we’re constantly refining and elevating each other’s work. That same instinct applies to women. When we champion one another, share knowledge and open doors, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community. Support creates confidence, and confidence creates momentum.”

For Jules, support begins with honesty:

“When one woman is brave enough to speak about the fear or self-doubt she’s carrying, it gives others permission to do the same. That kind of vulnerability in a work environment breaks down isolation and reminds us we’re not the only ones navigating those inner blocks and that’s where real growth starts.”

For Anna, the multiplier effect of mentorship is deeply personal and professional:

“I think there’s a special part of heaven devoted to women who reach down and help other women up. I've been the beneficiary of this countless times, not least from a wonderful colleague at Adelaide University, Professor Lisa Hill who announced almost as soon as we met: I like you, I'm going to help you. Over the years since, she has mentored me through two promotion processes, so now I’m in an even better position to help others. In my current role as Dean of the Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts I’ve been able to significantly increase the proportion of our women on our staff. Their contributions to our institution have been incalculable.”

Q: What is a lesson you gained from another woman that you now carry into your work or life every day?

Kath shares a lesson that continues to guide her creative direction:

“A female mentor taught me that emotion is a strength, but composure is leadership. In high-pressure creative environments, knowing when to lead with heart and when to lead with clarity has shaped how I show up every day.

Jules carries with her a quieter, but equally powerful insight:

“A woman who I deeply admire once told me there is real power in saying nothing. Listening fully, not interrupting, not rushing to fill the space and then speaking with intention. It gives your words weight and strength.”

Anna’s philosophy, passed down through music and mentorship, distils generosity into a life principle:

“My beloved teacher and mentor Eleonora Sivan always said to me only what you give is yours. It’s a lesson in generosity that sits at the heart of music-making, but also makes a pretty robust credo to live by.”

The wisdom gained becomes the wisdom shared. 

Q: What does being part of a female-led creative ecosystem in Australia mean to you?

To build from Adelaide, and to build as women, is both grounding and expansive.

Kath reflects:

“Being part of a female-led creative ecosystem in Australia feels both grounding and ambitious. There’s a shared work ethic, emotional intelligence and quiet determination. women building globally relevant brands from a place of authenticity and care.”

Jules adds:

“Being part of a female-led creative ecosystem in Australia feels like both a privilege and a responsibility. There’s no longer the same scarcity of space for women at the table, which means we can choose generosity over competition, creating room for others to rise without feeling threatened.”

And for Anna:

“I'm very excited to be part of the Acler family, and just have to pinch myself that such brilliant and beautiful designs are produced in my hometown of Adelaide, and by a female creative team. There's everything to love right there.”

Together, their perspectives speak to something larger than industry — a shared belief that creativity flourishes where women are empowered to lead.

The final measure of leadership is what we leave behind.

Q: If you could pass a piece of wisdom forward to the next generation of women, what would it be?

Kath offers clarity rooted in craft:

“Know your craft deeply and let your confidence be earned through mastery. When you understand your value and can articulate it clearly, advocating for yourself becomes natural, not forced.”

Jules encourages action over perfection:

“You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin. So often we hold ourselves back waiting for the idea, the plan or the version of ourselves to feel perfect, but growth actually happens in the messy middle. Progress is built in the quiet, unglamorous moments, when you keep showing up before it’s polished or certain.”

Anna’s call is direct and resonant:

“It might be something my Dad said to me – that when he was young he imagined if you were good enough at what you do, the world would beat a path to your door. But this is not enough: you have to put yourself out there. This is particularly important advice for women, who don't always back themselves as readily as men. So the advice is: step up and be counted. It's time.”

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Gift to Gain’, reminds us that success is rarely solitary. It is built in shared rooms, open conversations, mentorship offered freely and courage modelled visibly.

Today, and every day, we honour the women of Acler and Significant Other. Our team, our collaborators, our community, and every woman who chooses to wear our designs.

Together, we give. Together, we gain.