The Business of Fashion Podcast

Michelle Yeoh, an acclaimed actress known for her groundbreaking roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All at Once, shares her inspiring journey in this conversation. She discusses breaking age stereotypes in Hollywood and the growing recognition of older women in fashion as a global ambassador for Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta. Yeoh reflects on her diverse upbringing and early passions, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and representation in the industry. Additionally, she addresses the challenges of Asian representation and the evolving perceptions of beauty and success.

In this discussion, beauty correspondent Daniela Morisini highlights the precarious nature of virality in the beauty industry. From Youthforia's shade controversy to Huda Beauty's mislabeling issue, she emphasizes the need for brands to be responsive and accountable. Morisini also speaks about the importance of engaging customers, especially when managing backlash. Building a strong brand community requires transparency and a willingness to listen, asserting that customer feedback is essential for growth and trust in this fast-paced landscape.

Zac Posen, a renowned fashion designer known for his glamorous creations worn by Hollywood's elite, chats about his new role as creative director of Gap Inc. He discusses redefining success and the importance of personal fulfillment in his journey. Posen shares insights into revitalizing iconic brands like Gap and Old Navy, emphasizing creativity and storytelling as keys to re-engaging customers. He reflects on what he learned about the fashion industry through challenges and his mission to inspire a larger audience.

Diana Pearl, Senior News and Features Editor, dives into the evolving world of influencers and their monetization strategies. She highlights how influencers have shifted from brand-sponsored trips to hosting live shoppable streams and utilizing platforms like Substack. Pearl explains the necessity for influencers to diversify their income sources beyond Instagram, emphasizing the value of smaller influencers with engaged audiences over sheer numbers. The chat explores the importance of authenticity in marketing amidst the competitors reshaping the landscape.

Tim Blanks, Editor at large of The Business of Fashion, delves into the Spring/Summer 2025 shows, where designers embraced restraint amidst a global slowdown. He highlights the emotional depth and creativity from brands like Marni, Valentino's Alessandro Michele, and Loewe's Jonathan Anderson, who pushed boundaries with unique storytelling. The discussion reveals a shift towards introspection in fashion, contrasting with past extravagance, while emphasizing the future of expressive styles over quiet luxury.

Department stores are facing a tough reality as they struggle against the rise of online shopping and changing consumer behaviors. Activist investors are complicating matters, focusing more on real estate than retail viability. A potential merger in the sector raises antitrust concerns, challenging the cultural significance of brands. The Nordstrom family aims for revival with a bold bid, while innovative store design and strategic merchandising could offer a glimmer of hope for these iconic retailers.

In a captivating discussion, Alessandro Michele, the creative director of Gucci and Valentino, shares insights into his artistic journey. He reflects on the legacy of Valentino Garavani, stating, "There is always Valentino somewhere with me." Michele emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, viewing success as embracing personal authenticity rather than traditional metrics. He explores the deep connections between nostalgia, creative freedom, and the transformative power of fashion, inspiring aspiring designers to cherish their unique paths.

Brian Baskin, a fashion critic known for his insights into the evolution of menswear, joins correspondents Malique Morris and Lei Takanashi to dissect the current state of style for men. They scrutinize the 'starter pack' syndrome, where brands opt for safe, interchangeable looks that prioritize approachability over creativity. The discussion touches on how brands, like Aimé Leon Dore, have inadvertently stifled individuality in fashion, leading to a fascinating exploration of storytelling as the key to brand distinction in a sea of sameness.

Skepta, a famed grime MC and founder of the fashion brand Mains, discusses his journey through the fashion world. He emphasizes that success is not instant and underscores the value of learning through failure. Skepta reveals how his love for fashion was sparked by the vibrant style of garage music culture and the challenges he faced while launching Mains. He champions the idea of embracing an outsider's perspective in the industry and highlights perseverance and individuality as key to creative freedom in fashion.

Luxury fashion's leadership often resembles an exclusive club, where diversity struggles to gain a foothold. Conversations highlight how unexamined biases shape perceptions of design talent. Consumer demand for diverse representation is growing, pushing brands to rethink traditional norms. Creative roles remain dominated by familiar networks, but initiatives are emerging to provide educational access for underrepresented communities. There’s a call for a shift towards inclusivity, ensuring that women and diverse talents are given fair opportunities.