Ruthie Davis Comes to Bowdoin

Ruthie '84 and Kelly '11

Ruthie Davis '84 delivered a great talk on women entering the fashion business entitled "Girl Power," tonight. Of course, Ruthie stressed that even guys can find something productive in the mantra - about setting goals and achieving them no matter what anyone says. When she told the crowd that if someone is complaining you that you are doing "too," much of something, then you probably have something really good going.

Davis has built a thriving luxury women's footwear brand and she is currently expanding her business to markets outside of America. Her footwear, inspired by high-technology, sportswear, modernist architecture, and edgy design have increasingly donned the feet of superstars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and many other celebrities.

It was great having her come to Bowdoin to speak and encourage people who are considering entering fashion that there is a market out there. All you need is a unique idea and the energy to make it happen! Find a void in the market, do the research, organize your approach, and make it happen. It's easy to write, but Ruthie stressed that if you are willing to deal with the nitty-gritty hard work, it all pays off in the end.

It was also nice having dinner with Ruthie. She was truly down to earth, dishing out advice on everything from launching job searches to the virtues of "blending in," when you travel abroad. (Sometimes it's good not to attract too much attention.)