The Business of Fashion Podcast

Simon Porte Jacquemus, the French designer famed for his vibrant and playful take on Parisian fashion, shares insights from his remarkable journey since 2009. He highlights how unconventional marketing tactics propelled his brand into the spotlight. Jacquemus discusses the challenges of staying independent in the luxury market and the importance of creative visibility. He also reveals his strategic expansion into New York and London, fueled by his passion for crafting unique retail experiences. His approach champions fun as the cornerstone of creativity.

Daniela Morosini, a beauty correspondent known for her expert insights, discusses the tumultuous journey of billion-dollar beauty brands. She highlights how brands like Glossier and Morphe thrived through social media but now struggle to maintain sales. Morosini emphasizes that sustaining growth is tougher in a saturated market filled with competition. She argues for the importance of intentional growth strategies and innovation, providing examples like the revitalization of Urban Decay's Naked palette and emerging brands like Rare Beauty that are redefining beauty's landscape.

Tina Brown, a trailblazing journalist known for her roles at Tatler and Vanity Fair, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of media in today's climate. She discusses the threat of misinformation and the necessity of truth in fostering democracy. Brown reflects on the challenges journalists face under authoritarian pressures and the impact of digital disruption on journalism's sustainability. Additionally, she addresses the ongoing struggles women encounter in media leadership and the critical role of investigative reporting in combating false narratives.

Luxury editor Robert Williams, a key voice in the fashion industry, sheds light on the unexpected slowdown in the luxury market. He discusses the impact of economic uncertainties and inflation on consumer purchasing power in the U.S. and Europe. Highlighting China's retreat from luxury spending as a major driver, Williams emphasizes changing consumer behaviors and the fading appeal of high-priced accessories. He also explores strategies brands can adopt to adapt while maintaining exclusivity in a challenging landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Sammy Basso, who has progeria, discusses his remarkable journey of resilience and passion for life. Annastasia Seebohm Giacomini, his friend and interviewer, delves into how Sammy embraces positivity despite daily challenges. He emphasizes the need for gratitude, community, and scientific research in combating adversity. Sammy shares his belief in living fully and the importance of being a unique version of oneself, inspiring listeners to find hope and purpose in their own lives.

Daniel-Yaw Miller, a sports correspondent and expert on fashion's crossover with athletics, discusses the booming partnerships between luxury brands and sports teams. He highlights how authenticity drives these collaborations, citing Arsenal's runways at their stadium as an example. Miller emphasizes athletes as influential brands themselves, reshaping engagement with diverse audiences. The conversation also touches on successful collaborations in Formula One and football, while exploring the cultural relevance and evolution of sponsorships in today's sports landscape.

Khalid Al Tayer is the Managing Director of Al Tayer Insignia and CEO of Ounass, a key player in the Middle Eastern luxury market. He discusses the region's growing influence on global trends and the importance of a customer-first strategy in e-commerce. Al Tayer emphasizes that respecting Middle Eastern consumers leads to success, while brands ignoring local nuances struggle. He also highlights the shift towards local brands favored by younger consumers and shares essential strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs in a competitive landscape.

In this discussion, Marc Bain, Senior Technology Correspondent for The Business of Fashion, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing online shopping. He highlights the shift from traditional keyword searches to more intuitive, contextual searches powered by advanced language models. Bain explains how AI can bridge the gap when shoppers aren’t sure what they want, enhancing personalization in e-commerce. He also addresses the challenges smaller brands face against larger competitors in this AI-driven landscape and the importance of balancing convenience with user privacy.

Robert Geller, a fashion designer with a rich background at Marc Jacobs and co-founder of the cult label Cloak, shares his inspiring journey. He discusses the magic of his creative upbringing in Hamburg, shaped by his vintage boutique-owning stepmother. Geller emphasizes his philosophy of saying yes to new opportunities, revealing how this mindset has propelled him from an intern to creative director at Rag & Bone. He candidly reflects on the highs and lows of building a brand and the valuable lessons learned through taking risks and embracing challenges in the fashion industry.

Malik Morris, a BOF correspondent, dives into the intriguing world of dupe culture, revealing how affordable brands like Quince and Italic are shaking up the luxury market. He discusses the rising awareness among consumers feeling priced out of luxury and the transparent pricing strategies of dupe brands. Social media's power in driving these trends is explored, alongside the ethical challenges dupe culture poses to luxury and indie brands. As luxury prices soar, Morris highlights the necessity for brands to innovate and re-engage with their customers.