The Business of Fashion Podcast

Yasmin Sewell, a veteran fashion buyer turned fragrance entrepreneur, shares her transformative journey from the fashion world to launching her brand, Vyrao. She discusses how her personal experiences, including a significant life shift, led her to embrace the power of intuition in business. Sewell emphasizes the connection between energy and creativity, revealing how she blends traditional perfumery with spiritual practices. She also highlights the often-overlooked role of intuition as a superpower in decision-making, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being.

Simone Stern Carbone, a BOF correspondent specializing in the jewelry market, and Joan Kennedy, who focuses on luxury novelty jewelry, dive into the thriving world of jewelry amidst a luxury sales slowdown. They explore how consumers view luxury jewelry as a safe investment while smaller brands create deep, personal connections with buyers. Kennedy highlights the emotional motivations behind jewelry purchases and shares how independent designers are successfully marketing their unique pieces by being relatable and innovative.

Tracee Ellis Ross, Hollywood actress and founder of Pattern Beauty, shares her empowering journey from struggling with her natural hair to creating a successful haircare brand for textured hair. She discusses the challenges of addressing systemic biases in the beauty industry and emphasizes the importance of celebrating Black beauty. Ross reveals how her personal growth influenced her brand, aiming to shift the narrative from struggle to pride. She also highlights the significance of inclusive practices and shared humanity as drivers of business success.

Cat Chen, a retail editor deeply engaged with the impact of immigration protests, discusses the silence of the fashion industry in light of recent ICE raids affecting garment workers. She highlights the anxiety brands feel about political backlash, contrasting it with their swift responses during past movements. The conversation addresses how consumer expectations for genuine activism clash with brand hesitations. Ultimately, they urge a reevaluation of ethical responsibilities and the need for fashion to advocate for those who contribute to its success.

Hailey Bieber, founder of the rapidly successful beauty brand Rhode, shares her journey from model to beauty mogul. She emphasizes Rhode's vision of creating an emotional connection with customers, aiming to evolve into a lifestyle brand beyond just skincare. Bieber discusses the strategic partnerships that bolstered growth, including an impressive retail collaboration with Sephora. With a focus on authenticity and community, she expresses her ambition for Rhode to become a legacy brand in the beauty industry.

Nike is undergoing a cultural shift, moving from a male-focused brand to one that champions female athletes. The recent 'So Win' campaign, featuring a Super Bowl ad, highlights this commitment. Key initiatives include partnerships with influential figures like Kim Kardashian and the launch of A’ja Wilson's signature sneaker. Nike's leadership is now more female-driven, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity and genuine engagement with women. This evolution aims to address past missteps and position Nike as a leader in the women's sports market.

Emily Oberg, the founder of Sporty & Rich, transformed her journey from Calgary to a streetwear mogul into a multi-million-dollar brand. She shares how her Instagram mood board evolved into a lifestyle empire, driven by community engagement and strategic pre-orders to manage rapid growth. Oberg discusses navigating uncertainties and the importance of risk in her entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, she explores blending luxury with accessible fashion and hints at her brand’s expansion into new territories like sexual wellness, reflecting on authenticity and personal fulfillment.

Priya Rao, Executive Editor of the Business of Beauty at BoF, discusses Hailey Bieber's monumental success with her beauty brand Rhode, which was recently acquired by E.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion. Rao highlights how Rhode's clean, minimalist aesthetic not only resonates with consumers but aligns perfectly with E.l.f.'s mission. The conversation dives into the unique value proposition of Rhode that sets it apart in the competitive celebrity beauty market and what this acquisition signals about the evolving landscape of beauty branding.

Giancarlo Giammetti, co-founder of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, reminisces about his serendipitous meeting with Valentino Garavani in 1960, which sparked a legendary partnership. He discusses the hurdles they faced in establishing Valentino as a fashion icon and the importance of nurturing new designers in today's commercialized landscape. Giammetti stresses the need for preserving creativity and the legacy of fashion while also highlighting the emotional connections tied to their work and the foundation's role in supporting future talent.

In this discussion, Daniela Morosini, BoF Senior Beauty Correspondent, examines the beauty industry amidst economic challenges. She reveals that the once-reliant 'lipstick index' is faltering, with major brands facing declining sales and shifting consumer habits. Morosini highlights the saturation of the market and the struggle for visibility, even with more affordable offerings. She also addresses how brands must adapt to the insatiable hunger for new products from younger consumers while reinventing their strategies to stay relevant.