Automotive Design: Tisha Johnson and Slate Pickup Truck
Tisha Johnson, a rare female leader in automotive design, is the head of design at Slate, an electric vehicle (EV) maker. Her pickup truck, starting at just under $25,000, is the cheapest EV on the market in the US. Despite its affordability, the Slate has won design awards and is praised for its thoughtful design, which includes modular and add-on-friendly features. Johnson’s focus on creating a vehicle that is both functional and loved has resulted in strong shoulders, approachable headlamps, and a design that is both attractive and practical. The Slate’s aluminum version, which has gained popularity, offers a 32-liter capacity, dual TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, and an internal compression system, making it perfect for overhead bins.
Fashion: Away Carry-On Bag
Away, founded by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, has seen a remarkable rise since its inception in 2015. The Softside Carry-on, a stylish and affordable suitcase, has topped WIRED’s best buy list. The aluminum version of this roll-aboard bag is built to be tough yet perfectly sized for overhead bins. It features a 32-liter capacity, dual TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, and an internal compression system, along with signature hidden laundry bags. The aluminum version of the Away Carry-On is a perfect choice for those who value durability and functionality.
Outdoor Gear: Jelenew Mont Blanc Ultralight Long Windproof Jacket
Jelenew, cofounded by Marion Clignet, combines female-specific articulated shaping, recycled nylon, mesh ventilation, and an adjustable hem in a windproof shell. The jacket is designed to be loved and is built with a 94% recycled nylon, PFAS-free water-repellent treatment, UV protection, and mesh ventilation. The generous waist pockets and adjustable drawstrings add practical detail, making it a versatile and comfortable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sports Equipment: Kaela Golf Driver
Kaela, designed by Michelle Penney, is a golf driver that offers more performance than traditional men’s clubs. The 460 cc carbon driver is 44 inches long with 11.5- or 13.5-degree lofts and a lightweight 47-gram shaft designed to help generate speed without making the club harder to control. The Kaela is a perfect choice for women who want to improve their golf game without compromising control.
Personal Care: Natural Cycles Birth-Control App
Natural Cycles, cofounded by CERN physicist Elina Berglund Scherwitzl, is the world’s first FDA-cleared birth-control app. It uses a NC° Band, a screenless device that syncs health readings to the app. The NC° Band tracks temperature, heart rate, and movement during the night and automatically syncs data to the user’s phone in the morning. The app’s algorithm provides accurate daily fertility guidance, with a claimed 93% accuracy.
Technology: Ladyada’s Multifunctional Running Top
Ladyada’s multifunctional running top combines an unpadded sports bra, a vest, and much of the carrying capacity of a small hydration pack in a single layer. The top is designed with five well-positioned pockets to hold up to 30 fluid ounces of water, a phone, a rain shell, and up to six fuel gels, all while keeping the load close to the body to minimize bounce. The top is designed around female anatomy and includes laser-perforated chest panels for ventilation.
Wearable Technology: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Watch
Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas self-winding watch is a perfect example of the swing in watch sizes. At 34.5 mm, it is a nearly exact shrunken version of the 41 mm model. The watch is available in stainless steel or pink gold and features a quick-release bracelet, two extra quick-change straps, a 40-hour power reserve, and a sapphire caseback. The watch’s automatic movement ensures ultra-consistent airflow and temperature monitoring, with the ability to adjust power and heat based on the attachment.
Beauty and Wellness: Dreame Hair Dryer
Dreame’s hair dryer is a smart and innovative product. It automatically adjusts temperature, heat, and airflow to ensure consistent and effective styling. The dryer includes a conditioning essence atomizer and red light therapy to take extra care of the scalp. The dryer’s four magnetic attachments—nozzles for styling, smoothing, and defrizzing, and a diffuser—are designed to improve styling outcomes.
Music and Art: St. Vincent’s Signature Guitar
Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, designed her signature guitar using angles that combine midcentury retro-futurism with the bold triangular tuxedo worn by avant-garde performer Klaus Nomi. The guitar’s body is heavily beveled with an exceptionally narrow waist, designed to sit comfortably against a woman’s torso. The guitar is built from lightweight okoume wood and features a roasted maple neck for easy access to upper frets, along with three custom DiMarzio mini-humbuckers controlled by a five-way selector.
STEM Education: KiwiCo’s Creative Projects
KiwiCo, founded by Sandra Oh Lin, makes hands-on science, engineering, and creative projects fun, practical, and easy to tackle at home. The company offers kits for babies, kids, teens, and adults, with age-appropriate builds ranging from simple sensory play and mechanical grabbers to animatronics, marble roller coasters, and working desk lamps. The company’s kits come with everything needed to build each device, including clear instructions and explanations of the projects’ underlying principles.
Health and Fitness: IDA’s High-Performance Boots
IDA, cofounded by Laura Youngson, builds high-performance boots around women’s feet using specific fit and lightweight materials. The Helia Pro combines these elements with a lightweight mesh upper, a highly responsive soleplate, and tech features. The boots are designed to provide a comfortable fit for women, with a focus on both performance and practicality.