Fashion People

Chantal Fernandez, fashion writer and co-author of Selling Sexy, brings deep knowledge of luxury retail and industry dynamics. She unpacks the rise of Very Important Customers and how brands court them. They discuss couture’s allure, Chanel’s recent looks, regional client strategies, and the tricky ethics of entertaining ultra-wealthy shoppers.

They recap standout menswear from Milan and Paris, including wearable moments from Ralph Lauren and Celine. They dissect Dior’s couture debut and the brand’s accessory pricing. Conversations touch on campaign fatigue, celebrity pivots into fashion, and industry gossip about labels and launches. They also explore the rising peptide and longevity trend among fashion insiders.

Veronica Swanson Beard, co-founder and co-CEO of the fashion brand Veronica Beard, shares insights about melding family and business. They dive into the origin of the iconic Dickey Jacket and how it revolutionized contemporary fashion. Veronica reveals the challenges of pricing and staying authentic despite competition. The conversation also explores the strategy behind building a day-to-day luxury market and the importance of a strong omni-channel presence. Lastly, she reflects on the unique dynamics of a family business and what it takes to sustain such a partnership.

Isabella Burley, the founder of Climax Books and a former editor at Dazed, shares her insights on fashion's evolving narrative. They reflect on the legacy of Valentino Garavani following his passing and discuss the significance of the recent Prada men's show. Isabella also highlights the influence of stylist Melanie Ward and how her zine is reshaping fashion imagery. Plus, they explore Climax's unique approach to blending sexuality with curated fashion, emphasizing the importance of quality over disposable trends.

Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times reporter and author of 'The Empire of the Elite', joins Jessica Testa, a cultural media reporter, to dissect the latest upheavals at Condé Nast. They analyze the impact of Will Welch’s departure from GQ and speculate on potential successors, discussing Chris Black and others. The trio also explores Mark Guiducci's early moves at Vanity Fair, contrasting editorial styles, and the evolving culture within the publishing giant. Humor intertwines with insights on whether Condé Nast is modernizing under new leadership.

Hillary Kerr, co-founder of Who What Wear and a senior executive at Future Publishing, shares her fashion insights. She and Lauren dive into the highlights and lowlights of the Golden Globes red carpet, dissecting standout outfits from Teyana Taylor and Rose Byrne. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of Demna's Gucci and the challenging landscape for Saks Global. With award season heating up, they explore how these trends may shape the future of fashion.

Bill Cohan, a finance journalist and author known for his expertise on corporate restructurings, joins Lauren to dissect the looming Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Saks Global. They delve into the heavy debt financing that fueled its acquisition, the early warning signs of financial distress, and the implications for the wider fashion industry. Cohan shares insights on potential asset sales, restructuring strategies, and the future of luxury brands like Bergdorf Goodman. Their conversation shines a light on the challenges facing the department store landscape.

Marisa Meltzer, a senior staff writer at Vanity Fair and author of the bestseller "It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin," joins for an engaging chat. They dive into the potential bankruptcy of Saks, the return of fur in fashion, and recent red carpet highlights. Marisa shares predictions for 2026 wardrobe trends and critiques the January Dior rollout. They also examine the First Lady aesthetic and the stylish moments in films like 'Marty Supreme.' Insights into the future of department stores and designer choices round out this lively discussion.

Stacey Battat, a renowned costume designer behind iconic Sofia Coppola films and several TV series, shares her fascinating journey in costume design. She dives into her experiences as a shopgirl at Marc Jacobs and her transition into the film industry. Topics include the intricate process of defining characters through clothing, her collaboration with filmmakers, and balancing historical authenticity with modern appeal. Stacey also discusses the unique challenges of TV costume design and how sourcing vintage pieces plays a crucial role in creating captivating visuals.

Join fashion experts Jacob Gallagher, a journalist from The New York Times, and Becky Malinsky, author of the newsletter Five Things You Should Buy, as they dissect the monumental shifts in the fashion industry for 2025. They delve into designer changes from Dior to Versace, the impact of vintage shopping, and the evolving menswear landscape. The discussion touches on marketing versus product in luxury fashion and the significance of celebrity influences, while also hinting at an exciting future for small, specialized designers.