Fashion People

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.

Mark Bridge, CEO of At Present and heir to the Ben Bridge jewelry legacy, dives into the dynamic world of fine jewelry. He explains how traditional jewelers built trust and how the industry reacted to digital newcomers like Blue Nile. Mark shares insights into De Beers' iconic marketing and the emotional value of diamonds. He discusses launching At Present during COVID to spotlight independent designers, emphasizing the need for storytelling in jewelry. With a vision for sustainable curation, Mark offers a glimpse into the future of this resilient industry.

Jamie Mizrahi, a celebrity stylist renowned for her work with stars like Adele and Mia Goth, shares her insights on red carpet fashion and the art of vintage dressing. They discuss the stylish coupledom of Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles, plus the nostalgia of 90s fashion seen in 'Eyes Wide Shut.' Jamie reflects on the evolution of celebrity styles and the importance of storytelling in fashion, particularly with nepo kids embracing their parents' vintage. She also emphasizes the value of reducing social media distractions for creative focus.

Sali Cristeson, Founder and CEO of Argent, has transformed the world of women's workwear since launching her brand in 2016. She talks about the challenges of entering fashion from finance, facing gender bias in fundraising, and finding a unique market for modern suiting. Sali highlights Argent's use of bold colors and versatile designs to meet customer needs. Amidst the shifts brought by COVID, she reveals how a viral campaign helped save the brand. Sali also critiques the outdated norms in fashion and emphasizes the importance of editorial storytelling to build brand loyalty.

Tallulah Harlech, a renowned fashion director and founder of Silva, joins the conversation to explore the evolving landscape of fashion. She shares insights on Jonathan Anderson's innovative Pimlico Road store, emphasizing its blend of lifestyle and fashion. The discussion also covers bold celebrity fashion choices, including Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's recent looks. Tallulah passionately critiques the generational shift in fashion leadership, highlighting the rising influence of millennials and the exciting potential for brands like Versace and Alaïa.

Lauren Collins, The New Yorker Paris correspondent, dives into the world of Uniqlo, revealing insights from her in-depth profile of the brand. She shares her experiences with confusing sizing and the unique, global reach of Lifewear. Collins explores Uniqlo's impressive growth strategy under Tadashi Yanai, its innovative materials like Heattech, and the allure it holds for renowned designers. The conversation contrasts Uniqlo’s approach with competitors like Zara, highlighting its distinctive brand philosophy and collaborations that excite both designers and mass audiences.

Chris Black, a podcaster, writer, and founder of the apparel brand Hanover, dives into the launch of his silhouette-specific basics for men. He shares insights on the motivations behind starting a clothing line during challenging times. The conversation also covers Matthieu Blazy’s unique Chanel show in a subway station and the dramatic changes at Versace with Dario Vitale's departure. Chris reflects on the real dynamics of fashion shows and discusses making clothes accessible for everyday guys, plus commentary on celebrity-driven merch like Justin Bieber's Skylrk.