Jill Bryant - Dazzling Women Designers

Design is all around us. You can find it in our homes, our schools, our parks, and on our streets. Everything you see that was made by people was designed. Each new design begins as an ideaa flash of light that flicks on in a designers brain. It evolves into a rough sketch, sometimes drawn on a napkin, or a scrap of wood, or a computer screen. Then, through many revisions, failed prototypes, and intricate models, the idea slowly transforms into something three-dimensional with form and substance. Something real that people will use.

Think for a minute about the look of a human-built object, something a person has crafted. Does it much matter what that notebook or flashlight looks like? Now, give that object a second glance. Consider its shape, form, style, color, sound, and texture. Does it sparkle, or rumble, or feel good in your hand? Does that please you? Lastly, judge the object by its usefulness. Does it work? Does its design enhance its function? Good designs do. The look and feel of a desk, cushion, vacuum cleaner, or mp3 player is important, even though you may not notice it immediately. It is as important as the way it works. It is part of the way it works.

At some point, you may have yearned for something (e.g., a certain pencil case or T-shirt) because everyone at school has one. Or perhaps you value individuality, and prefer to seek out one-of-a-kind items that no one else has. Whatever the case, you cant deny that the way a thing looks is important. But no matter how good it looks, if you buy something attractive, like a cool water bottle for instance, and the seal leaks the first time you use it, then that design is a failure. It is a double failure, because now the water bottlebought to encourage eco-friendly livingis going to end up in the landfill after one use. Designing products carries a deep social responsibility. Designs must be functional to be effective. Part of the beauty of any design is the excellent way it works.

Design is a profession where the boundaries of art overlap with those of science, engineering, and technology. There are many kinds of designfrom furniture and textiles, to fashion and architecture. Designers need tremendous problem-solving abilities. Strong math skills complement their drawing abilities and allow their imaginative ideas to be realized in concrete and glass, paving stones and peonies, metal and wood, or cotton and silk.

The ten women you will meet in this book are world-famous designers, renowned for their outstanding achievements. These designers have earned their fame through their imagination, daring, hard work, determination, and admirable strength of character. They are all people who think outside the box.

There is an amazing variety of designers and design fields across the globe. This book profiles women from Japan, India, Iraq, Senegal, Canada, the U.S., and the UK. Indian fashion designer Ritu Kumar and Senegalese textile designer Aissa Dione both possess a tremendous pride in their cultural roots, which is clear in their designs. English furniture designer Eileen Gray, who lived in Paris, and Iraqi-born international architect Zaha Hadid, were both unafraid to experiment with new materials.

This international list also spans a century of time. No matter when they worked, where their cultural roots lie, or what their field of design is, all ten designers share a common need to try bold ideas, and to express themselves with beautiful forms, lines, and shapes. Good design is universal and timeless.

In addition to facing gender challenges within their fields, some of the designers in this book experienced extra hardships that shaped their careers. Landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander had to flee her homeland with her family when their lives were in danger. Urban planner Jane Jacobs was arrested during a demonstration to stop the construction of an expressway. Designer Ritu Kumars first collection of garments, which took her many years of planning and effort, was a failure. For most of her career, car designer Suzanne Vanderbilt earned less than her male co-workers. Graphic artist and costume designer Eiko Ishioka endured insults from male rivals. Fashion powerhouse Vera Wang gave up an Olympic dream shortly after she and her partner lost an important figure skating competition. Textile and furnishings designer Aissa Dione struggled financially to keep her unique company afloat. Dedication, passion, and perseverance kept these women striving to attain their goals.

Have a look at several Canadian designers whove made their mark around the world:

- fashion designer Marilyn Brooks (1932 )

- womens clothing designer Linda Lundstrm (1952 )

- furniture and housewares designer Martha Sturdy (1942 )

- rug-designing duo Carol Sebert (1957 ) and Donna Hastings (1957 )

Without a doubt, it is difficult to choose just ten designers from a long list of incredibly talented candidates. There are many other brilliant women designers who have made a big impact on the world. Take a trip to the library or search the Internet to find out more about other women designers. In Sources & Resources, at the end of the book, youll find websites, books, and videos that feature more information about the designers you are about to encounter. By exploring the actual designs these women have created, youll gain insight into their amazing talents. Even better, perhaps youll find yourself inspired to try out your own special design ideas. But for now, read on, and prepare to meet some truly dazzling women of design.

Jill Bryant