The Business of Fashion Podcast

Willa Bennett, the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, is transforming traditional youth media for a social-first audience. She shares how her early experiences, from cold-emailing Seventeen to capturing youth culture at Highsnobiety with initiatives like the Billie Eilish cover, shaped her vision. Bennett discusses the importance of curation in an era overflowing with content and how she combines luxury with secondhand styles. Her insights into engaging young audiences and revitalizing legacy brands are enlightening for anyone in media.

Join Kat Chen, BoF's retail editor and luxury expert, as she unpacks Saks' shocking bankruptcy filing. With $1.75 billion in restructuring plans and immense debt, she examines the reasons behind their financial downfall, including missed vendor payments and the burdens of their merger. Chen highlights the importance of shifting retail strategies, advocating for Saks to prioritize service and clienteling while learning from successful models like Dover Street Market. Are creditors set to gain ownership post-restructuring? Tune in for critical insights!

Priya Rao, Executive Editor of The Business of Beauty and expert in beauty industry trends, joins the discussion on the current state of M&A in beauty. She reveals Estée Lauder's plan to package Too Faced, Smashbox, and Dr. Jart for sale to streamline their portfolio. Priya highlights how market saturation is affecting makeup valuations while interest in fragrance and bodycare is surging. She also assesses potential buyers and the importance of strong leadership for future M&A activity.

Join Bryan Yambao, a pioneering fashion blogger from Manila; Camille Charrière, a savvy fashion influencer; Gstaad Guy, a comedic commentator; and Susanna Lau, a veteran creator and moderator. They explore the evolution of the influencer economy, reflecting on the shift from personal storytelling to strict brand briefs. Yambao shares his journey from an outsider to a key player. Charrière emphasizes the necessity of maintaining audience trust, while Gstaad Guy uses satire to challenge brands. Together, they call for a return to authenticity and craftsmanship in luxury fashion.

Marc Bain, BoF correspondent and expert on the State of Fashion report, delves into what 2026 holds for the industry. He highlights the growing concerns over tariffs and rising prices, emphasizing the need for brands to prove their value to consumers. Bain discusses luxury's pivotal shift towards creativity and authenticity, as well as the burgeoning interest in smart glasses and fine jewellery. AI's role in enhancing efficiency and shaping consumer interactions is also explored, offering a glimpse into how technology will impact shopping experiences in the near future.

In this fascinating conversation, Black Coffee, the acclaimed South African DJ and producer, shares his journey from local talent to global superstar. He discusses overcoming barriers in the music industry and reshaping perceptions of Africa on the world stage. Reflecting on his life-changing experience during Nelson Mandela's release, he highlights the importance of presentation and discipline in his rise. Black Coffee also offers advice to emerging artists, encouraging them to stay true to their vision despite external pressures.

Awar Odhiang, a South Sudanese-Canadian model known for her viral moment closing Matthieu Blazy's debut Chanel show, shares her inspiring journey from refugee to international runway star. She discusses the pivotal moment of being scouted while working at Old Navy and how that transformed her self-belief. Awar critiques the fashion industry's approach to inclusion, emphasizing the importance of genuine representation and decision-making. She also highlights the joy of self-expression she experienced on stage and the boundaries she sets to maintain her happiness in a demanding industry.

Mike Sykes, a journalist and sneaker market analyst known for his data-driven insights, joins the discussion on the contentious sneaker-of-the-year race for 2025. He highlights the rise of competitors like Vans and Converse challenging Nike's dominance, while noting that Nike remains the industry standard. The conversation dives into the storytelling behind standout models like Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's signature shoe and Nigel Sylvester's emotional Jordan 4. Sykes also shares how real-world sales are driven by practical designs, signaling a shift in sneaker culture.

Riz Ahmed delves into the radical power of storytelling, reframing Hamlet’s famous soliloquy as a bold call for resistance against injustice, rather than despair. He reflects on his British Asian identity and the universal relevance of Shakespeare's work. The actor highlights his journey in producing the first non-white cinematic adaptation of Hamlet, emphasizing the urgency of the play's themes in today’s world. Ahmed advocates for storytellers to embrace their responsibility, urging them to confront fear and champion shared humanity.

Clare Waight Keller, a renowned fashion designer and creative director at Uniqlo, and Maria Cornejo, a New York-based designer known for her timeless pieces, explore the challenges women face in the fashion industry. They discuss the paradox of women as the primary consumers yet underrepresented in leadership roles. Clare shares her experiences navigating maternity policies at Gucci, while Maria champions the creativity of practical, wearable designs. Both emphasize the importance of hiring women and creating opportunities, hinting at a hopeful shift towards gender equity in fashion.