Hanae Mori (c. 1926-2022), known in the fashion world as “Madame Butterfly,” broke barriers between East and West. She was the first Japanese designer to show a collection in New York City — and the first to officially become a part of the “haute couture” world. She helped paved the way for the many Japanese fashion houses and designers that have since achieved global acclaim. 

Further Reading:

• Hanae Mori obituary | Fashion | The Guardian
• JAPAN'S MADAME COUTURIER - The Washington Post
• Remembering Hanae Mori, the First Asian Designer Invited to the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture | Vogue
• Hanae Mori, pioneering Japanese fashion designer, dies aged 96 | CNN
• “Women in Business” by David Evans 

This month, we're talking about Trendsetters: Women whose vision, style and willingness to break barriers changed culture — from what we wear to how we behave.

History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more.  Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures. 

Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, and Abbey Delk. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. Original theme music composed by Miles Moran.

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