The Business of Fashion Podcast

Diana Pearl, Senior News and Features Editor at Business of Fashion, dives into the vibrant world of accessories, highlighting how Gen Z is redefining personal style through playful add-ons. With clothing prices rising, affordable accessories are viewed as 'little luxuries.' Pearls discusses the Labubu phenomenon, emphasizing its role in customization and fun. Retail is adapting by expanding offerings and promoting add-ons. She also predicts that as Gen Z matures, accessories will become central to wardrobes, potentially paving the way for broader fashion expressions.

In this engaging discussion, Hong Kong-born fashion designer Robert Wun, known for his bespoke couture and experimental womenswear, shares his unique journey from Hong Kong to Paris Couture Week. He delves into the challenges of the wholesale model and reveals how the pandemic prompted a pivot to customized, one-off designs. Robert emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity while remaining commercially viable, drawing inspiration from his childhood and the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong. He also discusses his recent recognition and mentorship in Paris.

Shayeza Walid, a Business of Fashion reporter, provides a deep dive into the chaos unleashed by the U.S. doubling of tariffs on Indian goods. She reveals how this dramatic policy shift instantly shocked suppliers, leading to factory shutdowns in hotspots like Tiruppur and Bengaluru. With migrant workers bearing the brunt of cuts and indefinite layoffs, she paints a grim picture of their daily struggles. The discussion also touches on the opaque nature of brand responsibility and the challenges workers face due to fragmented supply chains.

Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, shares insights on Dubai's incredible transformation from a trading port to a global retail hub. He highlights the shift from traditional bricks-and-mortar stores to immersive shopping experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating purpose-driven 'third place' malls like Ghaf Woods Mall, which merges nature with retail. Khalifa discusses the unique dynamics of MENA markets, luxury growth opportunities, and strategic advice for global brands looking to succeed in the region.

Malique Morris, a reporter at The Business of Fashion specializing in AI and ecommerce, joins the discussion on the emergence of AI shopping agents. He explains how these agents differ from traditional recommendation systems by not just suggesting items, but learning shopper preferences to facilitate transactions. The conversation covers the necessity of trust and accuracy for consumer acceptance, while also touching on how these agents could replicate the in-store shopping experience without requiring brands to change their offerings significantly.

Sinéad O’Dwyer is an Irish fashion designer known for her innovative approach to inclusivity and sustainable luxury. In this conversation, she critiques the fashion industry's glorification of vulnerability after witnessing model suffering backstage. Sinéad shares how her screen-free upbringing and creative family influenced her journey. She also discusses the importance of fit models, the challenges of extended sizing in luxury markets, and her focus on bespoke and direct-to-consumer strategies to promote diversity in fashion.

Diana Pearl, a fashion journalist focused on runway coverage, and Kathleen Chen, BOF editor and industry commentator, dive into the turbulent relationship between fashion and real women's needs. They dissect controversial runway moments that many viewed as disrespectful, emphasizing a disconnect with actual women. The duo explores the intensified criticism stemming from financial pressures and the decline in body diversity, while also questioning how women creatives could reshape design. They advocate for structural changes that prioritize women's voices and better customer understanding.

Katungulu Mwendwa, a Kenyan fashion designer and founder of Katush, discusses her mission to build a contemporary African brand rooted in local traditions. Growing up in Nairobi, she was inspired by the city’s vibrant culture and craft techniques. Katungulu emphasizes the importance of making fashion locally, collaborating with artisans, and reviving traditional practices. She also addresses the challenges posed by secondhand markets, advocating for meaningful designs that last. Through Katush, she aims to create 'everyday armor' that becomes treasured pieces for years.

In this engaging discussion, Kat Chen, the Retail editor at Business of Fashion, explores the trendy concept of ‘third places’ in retail. She dives into how stores are reimagining themselves with seating and in-store cafés to enhance customer experience and community. Chen critiques the notion of using these spaces as mere sales tactics, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections over commercial motives. With insights into successful and failed attempts, she argues for the significance of low-pressure environments in cultivating genuine brand loyalty.

Tim Blanks, a veteran fashion critic and Editor-at-Large, reveals insights on the recent transformative fashion month. He discusses the highs and lows of new creative directors, spotlighting the universally acclaimed debut by Matthieu Blazy at Chanel. Blanks emphasizes the importance of time and empathy for designers navigating industry expectations. The conversation also touches on the polarizing reactions to shows by Jonathan Anderson and Pierpaolo Piccioli, highlighting the need for patience in assessing new artistic visions.