Fashion People

Aurora James, a designer, writer, and founder of the 15% Pledge, joins to discuss the intriguing dynamics between fashion and politics. She reflects on Robin Givhan’s departure from The Washington Post and the impact of tariffs on American designers. The conversation traverses nostalgia’s role in current trends, with mentions of notable cultural figures like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Aurora emphasizes the need for innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and critiques the interplay of political and business strategies within the fashion industry.

Marie-Louise Scio, C.E.O. of Pellicano Hotels, dives into the intersection of fashion and hospitality. She discusses how Instagram shapes vacation choices and the significance of Italian aesthetics. Marie-Louise shares her family's hotel legacy and the fusion of creativity in hospitality, from culinary ventures to unique merchandise. The conversation highlights the unexpected triumphs of hotel retail, especially during the pandemic, while addressing the challenges of training staff and maintaining a personal touch in the industry. It's a vibrant look at modern hospitality!

Marisa Meltzer, author of 'It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin', joins to dissect the evolving landscape of fashion. They tackle the lack of originality at Copenhagen Fashion Week, where trends seem recycled. The duo explores the revived 'girlboss' discourse, questioning its accountability and the implications for female entrepreneurs. They also delve into the culinary adventures of Goop Kitchen and ponder the intersection of nostalgia, accessibility, and activewear in branding today.

Yael Aflalo, a serial fashion entrepreneur and founder of Aflalo, dives into the intricacies of launching her latest brand. She discusses the importance of going direct-to-consumer and how understanding customer desires shapes product offerings. Yael shares insights on the evolving luxury market, balancing quality with individual style. The conversation also touches on the shift towards vibrant summer fashion trends and the complexities of inventory management in a high-demand industry. Tune in for a fascinating look at fashion's future!

Luca Solca, a Bernstein analyst specializing in luxury markets, discusses the latest earnings trends, focusing on consumer behaviors and the rise of the secondhand market. He analyzes major players like Prada and LVMH amid shifting pricing strategies. Stylist Sarah de Mavaleix shares her insights on Phoebe Philo's groundbreaking Collection D, which is viewed as a pivotal moment in fashion, challenging traditional notions of femininity and identity. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of luxury fashion and the innovative visionaries shaping its future.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Harrelson, the editor-in-chief and founder of ‘Cultured’ magazine, shares her journey of establishing a media business outside the traditional ecosystem. She delves into the intricate relationship between art and fashion, exploring the challenges of innovative media. Highlighting her experiences in Miami and Los Angeles, Sarah reflects on the evolution of art journalism and the importance of collaboration. She emphasizes fostering inclusivity and personal connections while navigating the contemporary art landscape, infused with storytelling and showcasing underrepresented artists.

In this engaging conversation, Amy Odell, author of 'Gwyneth: The Biography' and 'Anna: The Biography,' delves into Gwyneth Paltrow’s evolution from actress to wellness mogul with GOOP. She discusses Gwyneth's collaborations with fashion icons like Calvin Klein and the challenges of balancing celebrity and entrepreneurship. The podcast also explores the dynamics of celebrity branding, media evolution, and public perception in the wellness industry, highlighting how these elements shape both personal and business identities.

Isabel Wilkinson Schor, the founder of Attersee and former editor at the Daily Beast, shares her fascinating transition from journalism to fashion entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced in building a brand focused on high-quality wardrobe essentials. Isabel emphasizes the importance of versatile pieces and how consumer perceptions around pricing shape buying decisions. The duo also reflects on the impact of the post-COVID shopping landscape and the thrill of curated in-person fashion experiences.

In this lively chat, Jason Stewart, a renowned DJ and host of How Long Gone, shares insights from his fashion adventures in Chicago. He dives into the recent revival of Keds, discussing their nostalgic pull for older millennials. The conversation flows to Tyler Haney’s comeback with Outdoor Voices and Burberry’s marketing challenges amidst labor controversies. They also critique modern dietary fixes, especially the obsession with high protein, while celebrating the blend of style and comfort in today’s activewear.

Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times journalist and author of 'Empire of the Elite', shares insights on the illustrious legacy of Condé Nast. He discusses the golden era defined by Anna Wintour, Tina Brown, and Graydon Carter, and the challenges the company faces today. Grynbaum dives into the intense competition for Wintour's succession at American Vogue. He also reflects on cultural shifts, the evolution of influential magazines like Glamour, and the financial landscape shaping the industry amid digital changes.