The Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) will be uniting for its Celebrate Success event on 21st January 2025, at 5:30pm at the Social Studio in Hall 2 at the January Furniture Show (JFS), NEC Birmingham, the UK’s biggest furniture event.
WIFN has again brought together an impressive line-up of individuals for the panel discussion, after which attendees can network over drinks. The panellists are:
Sarah Bianchi – owner and lead buyer, Arighi Bianchi
Sarah is the fourth generation of the Bianchi family to run the 170-year-old furniture and interiors business, and has worked for the family business for 25 years. After her ascension to CEO in April 2021, Sarah has led a 5-year growth strategy and significant investment in the brand and shopper experience, with the aim of cementing the brand's legacy in 2024 (the 170th anniversary year of Arighi Bianchi) and beyond.
Victoria Darnell – international furniture designer and merchandiser, Hooker Furnishings
With a BA in Product Design from the London College of Fashion, Victoria moved from fashion to furniture and spent nine years at The Cotswold Company as a furniture buyer, specialising in product design, sourcing and range building. Her passion for furniture design and product development drives her current consulting role with Hooker Furnishings, where she is set to launch a new collection with the brand, debuting at JFS in Hall 1.
Katy Hawes – founder, Grace & Favour
Katy Hawes is the director of Grace & Favour, a family-run business specialising in luxury sofas, chairs, furniture and accessories. Launched earlier this year as a sister company to Vintage Sofa Co Yorkshire, Grace & Favour focuses on combining comfort, design and quality craftsmanship. With over 10 years of experience in the UK furniture industry, Katy, alongside her husband Peter, built Vintage Sofa Co into an award-winning, multi-million-pound business. Known for her creativity, eye for detail and love of glamour, Katy brings her expertise and passion for design to every piece at Grace & Favour, which can be seen on the brand's stand in Hall 5.
Gisela Lancaster – head of buying, Sofology
With over 20 years in the home sector, Gisela is an experienced retail buyer who began her career at Makro and advanced to buyer and senior buyer roles at N Brown Group, where she successfully quadrupled the furniture category and developed key product and sourcing strategies. Currently, Gisela is focused on redefining Sofology’s design identity and enhancing customer experience, leading to a 120-point improvement in ratings post-Covid. Her global travels have helped her build strong supplier relationships, ensuring the brand delivers top-quality products. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring interiors, shopping, and travelling for fresh trends and inspiration.
JFS organiser Clarion Events created the Women In Furniture Network to provide a dynamic and inspiring community dedicated to empowering and celebrating women in the furniture industry. Register to attend JFS to gain access to WIFN’s Celebrate Success event.
