In honor of International Women’s Day on 8th of March, we spoke to three women —Zuzia Botalik, Eline van Haasteren, and Noni Madeleine Camero— about empowerment, the influence of fashion on their identity, and the impact of a positive voice on social change.
All dressed in our Modström Favorites collection

Zuzia Botalik / @byzuziaa
• What advice would you give other young women when it comes to expressing their true selves?
Experiment, stay curious, and try things out. The only way to truly know yourself is to explore beyond what feels familiar. Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is where real growth happens.
Try new styles, hobbies, ways of thinking—see what resonates. Some things will feel right, others won’t, and that’s okay. Every experience, even the ones that don’t fit, helps shape who you are. Without embracing the unknown, we’d never discover what truly belongs to us. So be bold, trust the process, and give yourself the freedom to evolve.
• How does fashion influence the way you express your identity?
Fashion has played a huge role in shaping how I express my identity. For me, it has always been a journey, and you can see that in the way my style has developed over the years.
When I moved abroad, fashion became a tool for exploration. Experiencing different styles and cultures gave me the freedom to experiment, try new things, and step outside my comfort zone. Through that process, I discovered what truly resonates with me. Now, my style reflects a more stable sense of self. There’s still a part of my mum in it—some of my staple pieces come from her wardrobe—but I also integrate fresh, exciting elements that represent who I am today.
• How do you think women can use their voices and creativity to inspire positive societal change?
Being creative means bringing new perspectives to yourself and the world around you. In most of the women I’ve encountered, I’ve noticed that creativity gives them a unique ability to navigate unexpected circumstances.
Creativity is about thinking outside the box, breaking barriers, and finding new ways to express thoughts and emotions. Growing up surrounded by strong, independent women, I quickly understood that this is one of our greatest strengths. The ability to adapt, to create, and to share our voices is how women inspire and teach. Through art, words, fashion, or innovation, women shape society by offering fresh perspectives and challenging the status quo.

Noni Madeleine Camero / @nonimadeleine
• What advice would you give other young women when it comes to expressing their true selves?
My advice to other young women is to connect with their feelings and intuition and to cultivate this connection as a daily practice. Think; Journaling, meditation, yoga or creative expression. When you move from intuition, you naturally align with your authentic self. The more you nurture this inner connection, the easier it becomes to express who you truly are in every aspect of life.
• How does fashion influence the way you express your identity?
A big part of my identity is being a sensitive, soft woman. Fashion helps me embody that through silhouettes, fabrics, colors, and an aesthetic that reflects my feminine nature. It allows me to move in a way that feels natural and in tune with who I am.
• How do you think women can use their voices and creativity to inspire positive societal change?
I believe it starts with awareness and reflection, recognizing the unique gifts you’ve been given in this life. Whatever this talent might be. These gifts aren’t just for you: they hold the power to inspire and uplift others. There’s a natural exchange in giving and receiving, and by sharing what you have, you create a ripple effect in the world around you.

Eline van Haasteren / @elinevanhaasteren
• What advice would you give other young women when it comes to expressing their true selves?
Take up space and don’t apologize for it. I used to think I had to fit a certain mold, but the more I embraced everything that makes me, the more powerful I felt. The world needs more women who fully own who they are.. loud, quiet, soft, strong, all of it. Own your voice, your style, your weird little quirks. The things that make you different? That’s your power.
• How does fashion influence the way you express your identity?
Fashion moves with me. When I surf, it’s oversized tees and salty hair. When I dance, it’s baggy pants and sneakers straight out of hip-hop culture. It’s like every part of my life leaves a mark on my style. I guess I just don’t dress to fit in, but to reflect who I am and what I love.
• How do you think women can use their voices and creativity to inspire positive societal change?
By being real. Whether it’s through fashion, music, art, or just speaking up, creativity has the power to shift perspectives. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room.. sometimes just showing up as your authentic self is enough to inspire change!