The Business of Fashion Podcast

In this enlightening discussion, guests Maryse Mbonyumutwa, Reni Folawiyo, Rozan Ahmed, and Laduma Ngxokolo explore the evolving narrative of Africa's fashion landscape. Maryse highlights the economic and social sustainability in Rwandan manufacturing. Reni shares her emotional journey launching Alara to uplift African creators. Laduma connects traditional designs with luxury knitwear, while Rozan emphasizes Africa's vital contributions to global fashion. Together, they redefine 'Made in Africa' and showcase the continent's potential in sustainable and innovative production.

Marc Bain, a tariff expert and technology correspondent, teams up with retail editor Cathleen Chen to discuss the recent temporary tariff reduction between the U.S. and China. They explore how this pause, while offering short-term relief, doesn't resolve the looming uncertainties in the fashion industry. Bain emphasizes that costs remain high despite lower tariffs. Chen highlights the vital role of consumer sentiment in shaping demand, indicating that the fashion landscape may continue to shift as retailers reassess their strategies in response to evolving trade dynamics.

Sarah Kent, Chief Sustainability Correspondent for BoF, dives deep into the viral TikTok trend questioning luxury branding authenticity. She discusses how videos claiming 'superfakes' are made in the same factories as genuine goods have warped public perception and eroded trust. Kent highlights the implications of U.S.-China tariffs on luxury pricing and explores how misinformation spreads in the age of social media. This conversation reveals how brands must navigate a landscape fueled by skepticism, counterfeits, and shifting consumer attitudes.

Rabia Zargarpur, an Emirati fashion designer and founder of Rabia Z., pioneers the modest fashion movement. She reveals the staggering prediction that spending by Muslim consumers on fashion could reach $428 billion by 2027. Alongside fellow industry leaders, she discusses the journey of modest fashion, the challenges of fragmentation, and the need for greater visibility. They emphasize the significance of comfort and identity in fashion, and the importance of collaboration for sustainable growth in the industry.

Malique Morris, a DTC correspondent, dives into the transformative significance of the 2025 Met Gala's theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' He highlights the gala’s focus on Black fashion, creativity, and representation, showcasing bold looks and cultural impact. The discussion also touches on the importance of Black dandyism, activism linked to fashion, and the evolving role of Black designers in the industry. Morris advocates for enhanced support for diverse talent, emphasizing the need for true representation in high-fashion spaces.

In this engaging discussion, Carla Fernández, a leading Mexican designer known for her ethical fashion, and Kenza Fourati, co-founder of OSAY The Label, share their insights on the soul of craftsmanship in luxury. They emphasize the importance of traditional techniques and sustainable practices, advocating for the recognition of artisans from the Global South. Carla explores how handmade creations connect deeply with community and culture. Kenza challenges the perception of luxury, pushing for respect and awareness of artisan contributions in a rapidly evolving industry.

Viral microtrends, the fleeting aesthetics popularised on platforms like TikTok, have defined recent fashion moments for young consumers. From the playful "Cottagecore" to the fleeting "Mob Wife", these trends have rapidly cycled through social media feeds and retail shelves. Post-pandemic experimentation drove this cycle, however, the once-accelerating churn of microtrends is beginning to slow, as Gen-Z shoppers seek authenticity, durability and individuality in their fashion choices. On this episode of The Debrief, senior editorial associate Joan Kennedy joins senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young to talk about what's behind the slowdown in microtrends and what this shift means for retailers and brands.Key Insights: Microtrends gained momentum post-pandemic when young consumers had extra savings, more leisure time, and a desire to explore various identities through fashion. However, the novelty and playful experimentation eventually led to consumer fatigue. Kennedy explains, "Young shoppers are really looking to grasp onto something solid right now," noting an increased awareness that many trends felt "goofy" or even "fake." She adds, “people are talking more than ever about just this viral churn and how wasteful it is."Young consumers increasingly align their fashion choices with specific cultural events, creating marketing opportunities for retailers. "This whole sense of 'what I am doing is how I'm dressing' has become very popular among young shoppers," Kennedy explains, highlighting opportunities around events like the Barbie movie and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour. Retailers can better predict long-lasting trends by monitoring multi-season appeal and connections beyond social media. Kennedy cites Revolve's chief merchandising officer, Divya Mathur, who recommends looking for trends that "span multiple seasons" and have relevance across social media, runway, and pop culture. Kennedy advises retailers to "lean into more evergreen, identity-based marketing," and rethink "what virality looks like" as consumer engagement evolves. “With a lot of these trends, something goes viral and a brand gets a tonne of sales. But let's take a step back as that might shift and brands have to be ready for that.” Additional Resources:The Decline and Fall of the Viral Microtrend | BoF The Life Cycle of a Viral Fashion Trend | BoFHow the Internet Disrupted Fashion’s Trend Cycle | BoF How to Keep Up With TikTok’s Lightning-Fast Trend Cycle | BoF  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the last few decades, Dubai has rapidly transformed from a humble trading port into a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. With favourable economic policies, strategic location, and an ambitious young workforce, Dubai has become a vibrant destination at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa.Entrepreneur Anas Bukhash has experienced and capitalised on this transformation firsthand. As the host of one of the Middle East’s most-watched talk shows and founder of influencer marketing agency Bukhash Brothers, Anas embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Dubai."It's a 50-something-year-old country. It's younger than our fathers and our mothers,” says Bukhash. “So imagine if you come up with an idea and you just moved to Dubai – you could be the first one and then you have that edge of being the pioneer in that field.”This week on The BoF Podcast, Bukhash joins BoF Founder and CEO Imran Amed at BoF CROSSROADS in Dubai to discuss how the city’s openness and youthfulness have shaped a thriving, innovation-driven culture.Key Insights: Dubai’s youthfulness provides a significant advantage for entrepreneurs. "It's a 50-something-year-old country," says Bukhash. "It's younger than our fathers and our mothers. So imagine if you come up with an idea and you just moved to Dubai – you could be the first one."Dubai offers entrepreneurs the unique possibility of becoming a  pioneer. "If you're fast and you actually have a dream, I think Dubai is one of the few places in the world where you could be the first," says Bukhash. “You have that edge of being the pioneer in that field. If you do that in London or you do it in New York, you're probably number 500.”The rise of Dubai as a content capital is both a blessing and a curse. “Everybody has a smartphone, everybody can claim they are a life coach, or a media personality,” says Bukhash. “But the beauty is the direct journalism and reviews from creators with integrity. You see the situation in a certain country, in a certain place and it's quite a positive aspect.”Still, Bukhash stresses that social media and content creation should be approached with balance. “Let's not also get too hooked on it because then we don't live and experience things properly. In order to get better content as well, you need to travel and see and interview people and have dinners and just feel creative,” he says. Additional Resources:BoF CROSSROADS 2025: Unpacking Fashion’s Future Markets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simone Stern Carbone, a luxury correspondent with expertise in handbags, reveals the iconic status of luxury bags in fashion. She discusses how a single design, like Alaïa’s wiener dog-shaped Teckel, can significantly impact a brand's success. The conversation dives into the importance of innovation amidst fast fashion replication and the challenges brands face in maintaining relevance. Stern Carbone also highlights how luxury handbags serve as entry-level status symbols, balancing brand heritage with the need for modern appeal.

Tory Burch, a visionary designer and entrepreneur, is known for blending women's empowerment with business purpose. Joining her is Pierre-Yves Roussel, the CEO and former LVMH leader. They discuss how authenticity and local relevance drive their global brand strategy. Burch emphasizes that purpose should guide business choices, while Roussel highlights the necessity of understanding different cultures. Their approach prioritizes genuine connections over superficial expansions, showcasing how to navigate the complexities of a competitive fashion landscape.