Fashion People

Sunita Kumar Nair, author of CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, shares her insights on the iconic style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, a former Calvin Klein publicist and beloved fashion figure. They discuss CBK’s significant influence on 1990s fashion, her lasting legacy, and the cultural nuances between London and New York that shaped their careers. Nair offers personal anecdotes, highlighting how CBK’s natural allure and charisma impacted the fashion industry and inspired contemporaries.

Leah Chernikoff, the executive editor of Harper’s Bazaar, joins the discussion on the shifting landscape of designer appointments over the past 15 years. She highlights Matthieu Blazy's significant move to Chanel and the implications for the industry. The duo rates festive panettone from luxury brands, reflects on Calvin Klein's return to the runway, and assesses the future of department stores post-Nordstrom news. They also explore the impact of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's iconic style at a recent auction.

Tiina Laakkonen, a multifaceted figure in the fashion scene, reflects on her journey from model to shop owner. She shares why she closed Tiina the Store after years of curating unique styles. The conversation swoops through her vibrant experiences in Paris, London, and New York across different decades. Tiina also delves into the contrasting lifestyles of urban vs. Sag Harbor living, the art of boutique retailing, and the importance of meaningful success in an evolving fashion industry.

Jesse Lee, founder of Basic Space and chairman of Design Miami, discusses the shift in luxury focus from fashion to furniture among younger consumers. He highlights how modern design is becoming the new status symbol, reflecting on the evolution of art and commerce. They analyze Matthieu Blazy's appointment at Chanel and what fresh ideas he might bring. Plus, the duo touches on hot topics like Versace's potential sell-off and the impact of celebrity branding on consumer behavior.

Jens Grede, CEO of Skims and serial fashion entrepreneur, shares insights on the brand's explosive growth, its new flagship in New York, and collaborations with celebrities like Kim Kardashian. He also discusses the challenges of working with a spouse in business. Joining him is Dan Frommer, founder of The New Consumer, who reveals trends from his report, including the rise of TikTok shops and changing alcohol consumption patterns. Together, they explore the evolution of the luxury market and the importance of authenticity in branding.

Becky Malinsky, a world-renowned fashion editor and stylist known for her work with Alex Mill, joins to discuss exciting fashion shifts. They ponder the possibility of Carven's Louise Trotter taking the reins at Bottega Veneta. The conversation dives into TikTok's impact on shopping trends and what its potential ban in the U.S. could mean for brands. Becky also shares insights from her collaboration with Alex Mill and highlights some of the best sales of the season, all while providing a peek behind the curtain of the fashion world.

Ana Andjelic, a fashion marketer and author of "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture," shares her expertise on the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on beauty standards. She explores how a 'thin is in' narrative has re-emerged, while also analyzing the success of brands like The Row and Abercrombie & Fitch amid current market challenges. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving dynamics of luxury fashion, including the Chanel-Matthieu Blazy situation and insights into consumer behavior and strategy.

Lauren chats with Sarah Shapiro, Puck’s new correspondent and former Bloomingdale's buyer, about her exciting career shift and the current retail climate. They dive into Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping experiences, revealing consumer frustrations and trends. Sarah shares insights on Bernard Arnault’s court issues and the anticipated impacts of Saks acquiring Neiman Marcus. They also touch on the potential of technology in reshaping shopping and the intricacies of merging retail giants, all while navigating evolving consumer behaviors.

For this very special Black Friday episode, Lauren is joined by Aaron Levine, former Club Monaco and Abercrombie & Fitch designer, #menswear star, Aimé Leon Dore model, and founder of a just-launched namesake label. They discuss the GQ Men of the Year party, shadow plaids, the mall, Ohio, male vulnerability, Jon Tietz, Aaron’s mom, and why he would want to start his own fashion brand when he makes very good money consulting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just in time for Black Friday, Lauren and BMO analyst Simeon Siegel venture to the suburbs to understand what’s really happening at Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap. They also discuss the fate of Michael Kors and Coach now that the prospect of a Tapestry-Capri merger is behind us, and then they dig into the generic DTC brand Quince, which sells $40 cashmere sweaters for babies. Finally, Simeon offers an update on how the American consumer is feeling this holiday season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices