The Business of Fashion Podcast

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.

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.