The Business of Fashion Podcast

In this discussion, sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent, known for her insights on climate change's effects on fashion, delves into the alarming impact of extreme heat on garment production in South and Southeast Asia. She reveals how rising temperatures affect worker health and machinery efficiency, complicating factory operations. Kent emphasizes the urgency for the industry to adapt, highlighting the disconnect between consumer sustainability values and real-world practices. The conversation urges a shift from merely mitigating risks to embracing proactive climate strategies.

Juan Costa Paz and Nordine Benotmane, co-founders of Paris-based creative agency Convoy, share their journey from music and cinema to fashion. They emphasize the importance of creating impactful fashion moments that spark conversation rather than conforming to norms. Both stress the need for transparency and collaboration with clients, likening their ambitious projects to a leap into the void. They also discuss digital storytelling, the evolution of fashion media, and the call for individuality and creativity in the industry.

Willy Chavarria, an award-winning designer celebrated for his Chicano-inspired menswear, shares his journey from humble beginnings in California to the fashion forefront. He discusses his commitment to social justice, emphasizing that his brand aims to uplift communities and celebrate human dignity. Chavarria reflects on his experience in a predominantly white industry, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and authentic activism in today's evolving fashion landscape. He also offers insights for aspiring designers on navigating their careers.

Stéphane Ashpool, a designer and entrepreneur behind the streetwear brand Pigalle, shares his unique blend of fashion and sports. He reflects on his artistic upbringing in Paris, influenced by his dancer mother and basketball passion. Ashpool discusses designing the French national team uniforms for the upcoming Olympics, emphasizing the fusion of style and functionality. He also explores the challenges and pride of contributing to such a monumental event while sharing mixed sentiments from Parisians about the Olympics.

Vennette Ho, MD at Financo Raymond James, discusses evolving consumer expectations in beauty industry, importance of M&A for large strategies, and the impact of indie brands on meeting those expectations. The podcast explores dynamic M&A market, high competition for acquisitions, and considerations for founders between strategic and private equity investors in the beauty industry.

Imran Amed, fashion industry founder, and editor-in-chief, discusses the stifled creativity in the fashion industry caused by the focus on business growth. They delve into the challenges faced by independent designers and the impact of fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. The conversation highlights the need for innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

Fashion experts Tim Blanks and Imran Amed review Paris Couture Week, highlighting Dries Van Noten's farewell. They discuss Schiaparelli's futuristic designs and the potential changes at Chanel. The emotional reflections on Dries' final show and the unique production techniques used in Haute Couture fashion shows are explored.

Fashion powerhouse Diane von Furstenberg and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy discuss the making of the documentary 'Woman in Charge,' highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and empowering women. They delve into gender fluidity, stereotypes, and the evolution of women's empowerment in society.

Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, fashion entrepreneur and former Vogue Arabia editor, discusses founding D'NA and her new media publication. She emphasizes accurate Arab culture representation and the importance of showcasing the region creatively. Aljuhani Abdulaziz shares her career journey, the challenges of launching a Middle Eastern fashion magazine, and advice for women entering the fashion industry.

As a self-styled “image architect”, Law Roach has earned global recognition for the red carpet looks he has created for some of the most famous — and most photographed — women in the world.  But in 2022, when he suddenly announced his retirement on Instagram, writing “If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not! The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win…I’m out.”While Roach continues to work with top clients Celine Dion and Zendaya — he was the mastermind behind Zendaya’s tennis-inspired “Challengers” press tour earlier this year — he’s also pursuing his entrepreneurial ambitions. Later this year,  he will launch a new online learning  platform to train the next generation of stylists. “It was hours and hours of me talking with a script writer and being recorded to get out all my processes, from the way I set up a room to style and the psychology of choosing the right dress. So it's super comprehensive and I'm super proud of it. And we’re launching it with me as the very first instructor.”This week, on the BoF Podcast, Roach joins me to trace his career right from the beginning when he was selling thrifted clothes from the trunk of his friend’s car in the South Side of Chicago and to exclusively share the details of his new online learning platform and what he hopes people will learn from it.Key Insights:Roach’s first memories of fashion are from his childhood in Chicago. “My first runway show was church on Sunday morning, watching those women with the hats and the outfits, but high fashion had always been something that was very aspirational but also seen very unattainable at the same time.” He then began his career selling vintage pieces from the trunk of a friend’s car before moving to a brick-and-mortar storefront. “That turned into a revenue stream for me and which then turned into a boutique, which turned into Kanye West coming in one day,” he said. That celebrity attention led to “global recognition about this little store in Chicago.”Roach has worked with his most high-profile client, Zendaya, since she was a teenager. Back then, he had trouble finding brands that were willing to dress her, which forced him to get creative. “She became one of the best dressed, most looked at stars on the red carpets and had not even worn any of these brands. So at that point I was like, ‘I kind of don't need you.’ We had just worked so hard to make her this thing that everybody wanted without using the traditional tools of getting there,” he shared. With his new online learning platform, Roach wants to encourage greater representation and open up opportunities in the industry.  “Ours is a comprehensive collegiate level, educational, educational coursework. Everything that I've used to become who I am is in there.”Despite the various challenges in his career, Roach’s unwavering self-belief has carried him to where he is today. “No matter how many doors are closed, no matter how many times people ask me to get out of my seat at a fashion show, no matter how many times people say no, I came to L.A. to be considered the best or one of the best, and there was no way that anybody could deter me from that. I really, honestly believed in myself.”Additional Resources:The Business of Being Law RoachBlack Stylists Form Collective for Support and Advocacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.