Second Life

Mona May is the costume designer of the ’90s cult classic film Clueless. In this episode, Who What Wear Senior Fashion and Social Editor Tara Gonzalez sits down with May to mark 30 years after the film’s release and to look back on the movie’s instantly recognizable fashion. May tells us about how she turned herself into a fashion “detective” when sourcing pieces for Clueless and how she mixed high and low fashion to tell a story and stay within her modest budget. She dishes on what it was like fitting Alicia Silverstone for Cher’s iconic yellow plaid suit and the story behind the giant hat Stacey Dash wears for Dionne’s matching look. Plus, May gives us a peek into her new book, The Fashion of Clueless, which features pages from her sketchbook for the movie and exclusive interviews with the cast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melanie Bender, Founder and CEO of Lore, transitioned from aspiring STEM professional to beauty executive, building brands like Versed and Rhode. She reveals how her background in environmental science and aerospace engineering has shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Melanie shares her journey to starting Lore, a fragrance brand that invites storytelling through scent. She explores her unique approach to developing fragrances based on feelings and art, and discusses the challenges of entering the fragrance world, emphasizing the importance of passion and creativity in her work.

The hosts dive into a fabulous holiday gift guide, covering everything from stylish jewelry and comfy loungewear to unique thrifty finds. They recommend personalized gifts like dog portraits and custom items that show you care. Cozy essentials such as hotel robes and vintage books are also highlighted. To top it off, they take on a fun challenge with pre-loved gifts, swapping treasures found on eBay. This playful exchange showcases the charm of curated, secondhand shopping.

Celia Muñoz, founder and creative director of La Coqueta, is a powerhouse in the childrenswear industry, turning her passion for Spanish craftsmanship into a luxury brand. She shares her journey from studying psychology and juggling a growing family to launching a successful business with no prior experience. Discover how community feedback shaped her designs and the royal endorsement that skyrocketed her brand. Celia also discusses navigating growth in the U.S. market while staying committed to quality and the importance of teamwork.

Enrique Melendez, a celebrated stylist recognized for his work with Jenna Ortega, dives into the actress's gothic glam transformation. He discusses the strategic planning behind Ortega’s striking looks for the Wednesday season 2 press tour. From the reaction to the bold Ashi Studios latex gown to the creative evolution of a custom Zach Posen dress, Enrique shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. He highlights the influence of iconic designers like Givenchy and reflects on the trends he observed during Fashion Month.

Toni Chapman, also known as The Moody Foody, is a culinary content creator and cookbook author, celebrated for her journey from a bank teller to a food entrepreneur. In this chat, she shares how cooking elaborate lunches for her boyfriend transitioned into her meal-delivery service, ToniCooks. Toni talks about her viral moment after getting fired, how COVID boosted her business, and her creative process behind her new cookbook, 'Everything's Good.' She offers insights on recipe development, entrepreneurial lessons, and the importance of self-care in balancing work and life.

Kate Hawley, a talented costume designer known for her work with Guillermo del Toro, shares insights on designing for his retelling of Frankenstein. She delves into her extensive research process, revealing how historical elements influenced her saturated color palettes. Hawley discusses Mia Goth's dual roles, highlighting color-coding and symbolic accessories like a Tiffany-made beetle necklace. Expect fashion trends like feathered headpieces and striking malachite colors to emerge from the film's stylized designs!

Elyse Myers, a vibrant content creator, comedian, and author, skyrocketed to fame with her candid TikTok storytime videos. In this chat, she shares her journey from juggling multiple jobs to crafting relatable and humorous content that resonates with millions. Elyse recounts her viral Taco Bell first date story and discusses navigating neurodivergence while writing her debut book. She also offers tips for those considering a career pivot, emphasizing trust in oneself and the importance of setting boundaries in business.

Negar Ali Kline is a talented costume designer renowned for her work on Netflix’s rom-com series Nobody Wants This. In this chat, she shares her early career experiences, including working with legendary Ruth Carter. Negar highlights the significance of character wardrobes in capturing L.A. style, focusing on how she transformed characters for season two. She discusses sourcing iconic pieces, including Joanne's vintage chinchilla coat, and thoughtfully curating each character's wardrobe to reflect their personality and evolution.

Brynn Putnam is a former professional ballerina and the innovative founder behind tech companies Mirror and Board. She discusses her journey from dance to developing Mirror, an interactive fitness solution, and shares the challenges of fundraising while pregnant. Brynn also reveals her latest project, Board, which combines board and video games to enhance family connectivity. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on leadership lessons and the importance of prioritizing relationships over work, offering valuable advice for those considering career changes.