The Women Taking Fashion to Web3
Meet Public Pressure’s thought leaders
Founders Giulia Maresca and Francesca Versace
Giulia Maresca
Q: Tell us about Public Pressure and how you see the future of Web3?
A: Public Pressure was originally launched in London in 2015 as an online magazine dedicated to giving a voice to emerging artists and labels. Today, we’re a global Web3 media company with a carbon neutral marketplace designed to support the transition of music and fashion to Web3.
I think today we’re on the edge of shaping the future of the digital world and Web3. Through blockchain technology and the Metaverse I believe Web3 will have an impact not just on creative industries but eventually across all industries.
Q: Do we need more women in Web3 and how can Public Pressure help?
A: Yes, we do need more women in Web3 and the tech industry in general. It is still a very male dominated space, but I think the time has come to move forward and learn from past mistakes with regards to gender and equality. This is our time to shorten the gender gap with STEM companies and encourage young girls that technology is not just a career path for men.
At Public Pressure, we strive to create a digital presence that fully supports gender equality through music, fashion, and technology. By designing brand experiences that are fully inclusive across Web3 ecosystems, we are encouraging more of a female presence in the Metaverse and gaming industries. We believe we can make a positive change by being good role models, setting an example to empower like-minded women to reach their potential. In the Metaverse you can be anyone or anything you want to be!
Q: Do you have many females working for Public Pressure?
A: Yes, around 50% of our team are female, representing varying roles such as A&R Director, Social Media Manager, Head of Product Design, Operations Director, and Copywriting. It’s a good balance, and a must-have in any workforce. We strongly believe in equality and by embracing gender equity, we can bring success for all.
Q: What about your journey from the fashion world to Web3 and how does working at Public Pressure differ?
A: Fashion is known to be a female space, yet women don’t seem to hold their fair share of senior management roles, and more than half of major womenswear brands have men at the helm. My early career in the fashion world was surrounded by powerful men and not many opportunities for promotion. As a woman I had to be strong and determined to succeed and eventually I became Fashion Director at luxury brands such as Emilio Pucci, Christian Louboutin, All Saints, Tod’s and Moncler. But like Francesca, my other main love in life is music which ultimately led me to Public Pressure. I’m excited to be CEO of a forward looking Web3 company with a level of passion that I haven’t seen in a long while. We have some amazing brand partnerships in the pipeline celebrating fashion, music, and technology. Public Pressure is a culture hub that’s growing organically and for all the right reasons!
Francesca Versace
Q: Tell us about your journey from the fashion world to Web3 and what inspired you to take on a leading role of a Web3 music platform?
A: I grew up surrounded by incredibly creative people and inspiring art and there was always a strong sense of community within our family. I’ve loved working in the fashion industry as a freelance designer and throughout my career I’ve travelled extensively soaking up different cultures, collecting art and being a free spirit.
Music has always been another great love of mine and that along with my sense of discovery led me to meet Public Pressure, a Web3 music platform. The more I learnt about blockchain technology as a new way for artists to create music and visuals, I realised that Web3 projects can build bridges across multiple industries.
The fashion industry is rethinking its strategy and embracing Web3 projects to adapt in a digital era. So, I feel I’m in the perfect place, and see Web3 as an opportunity for a decentralised and creative industry that’s all about freedom of expression and empowering and building communities. And that really inspires me!
And so, my journey from fashion to Web3 is underway! My world of fashion and my love of music and community has come together.
Q: With more women coming into Web3, how do you suggest we break the narrative that it’s a male dominated environment?
A: The fact is, now, the Web3 environment is dominated by men, but the more women that get involved and are recognised for their talent and ability the easier it will be to break that narrative. Any blockchain investor who overlooks female founders and CEOs are missing an opportunity to make the Web3 digital world a place for diversity and equality.
Q: Can women help one another to break these barriers?
A: Yes, I believe if we find ways of helping one another, working together and empowering one another we will forge a path and prepare for the next generation of female creators, artists and developers in the tech industry. It’s happening naturally already with women led Web3 companies like Boss Beauties, World of Women (WoW) and HUG that are helping women understand the space.
Q: How important do you think education is for girls with regards to STEM, robotics and coding?
A: Education is key and now that STEM is becoming more available to young girls worldwide, the tech industry will hopefully change for the better and become a more inviting space. But I do still think we have a long way to go — robotics and coding after school classes are still attended predominantly by boys!
