Fashioncast

Fashioncast®Episode #54, February 4, 2025Isabel De Sousa, Founder Akalia and Business Brand ConsultantOn this episode, you will meet the energetic and brilliant Isabel De Sousa, Founder of Akalia, and business brand consultant. De Sousa, based in Miami, Florida, has walked the walk in building her brand the old fashion way—with grit and determination.Launched in 2021, Akalia was scaled with amazing speed, and is now found in major retailers including Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Hudson Bay, and countless boutiques across the globe. Be prepared to hear how this young fashionprenuer bootstrapped her way into global boutiques and notable retailers.  Her experience was so enlightening, she now assists other business startups complete their journey regardless of the industry. It's fun and compelling listening to De Sousa passionately explain her process including the high highs of entrepreneurship and inevitable low lows.  Through it all, Akalia was born and has thrived making inroads and connections usually left for major brands.Please enjoy another interview with an up and comer in the world-of-fashion. Akaliaofficial.com

Fashioncast®Episode #53, November 12, 2024Alden Wicker, Toxic Textiles (Part 3): Has Toxic Apparel Become Fashion's Watergate?This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series on toxic textiles and features Alden Wicker, award-winning author, freelance investigative reporter, and environmental blogger.  The discussion covers Wicker's career in the fashion industry since 2011, including her introduction to fashion, the launch of her website EcoCult, and her first book released in 2023, To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick and How We Can Fight Back.This is a highly informative and fast-moving interview. In many ways, Wicker is like the authors who have appeared on the show before her. She's exceptionally intelligent, articulate, and speaks from experience and knowledge. In addition, Wicker is passionate about the surprising discoveries made during her research, and the listener can hear the urgency in her voice.While reading To Dye For, Wicker's investigative journalism instincts are pervasive throughout the book.  From her invitation to investigate Alaskan Airline flight attendant complaints about new uniforms, to her trip to India dye houses, Wicker uncovers endless layers of the proverbial onion.  Of course, all the while being scoffed at by gatekeepers and bureaucrats from the airline, medical, legal, and fashion industries.  To Dye For is a reader's journey of intrigue, surprise, frustration, and anger.  If the outcome weren't so tragic, the book was so well-written and full of unique characters, it could have passed as fiction.  Fortunately, I am not the only one who noticed, Wicker recently won the Society of Environmental Journalists Rachel Carson Book Award for reporting on the environment. Sure, Rachel Carson's1962 book Silent Spring, challenged the use of chemical pesticides and sparked the environmental movement, but decades later big industry never got the memo, particularly the fashion industry.  However, one can only hope, To Dye For, may be the catalyst that sparks a new and serious movement in the fashion industry about toxic apparel with Alden Wicker leading the charge!  Enjoy this special episode.www.Aldenwicker.comwww.ecocult.comTo Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick--and How We Can Fight Back https://a.co/d/jl27WNk

Fashioncast®Episode #52, October 8, 2024Dr. Alison Matthews David, Toxic Textiles (Part 2): Fashion's History of Silent ConsentThis episode is Part 2 of a three-part series on toxic textiles and features Dr. Alison Matthews David, award-winning author, professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, and fashion activist.  Dr. Matthew David's ground-breaking fashion history classic Fashion Victims, will mark its tenth anniversary in 2025 and has become the go to art fashion history text in fashion colleges around the globe.Tying together over a hundred years of the fashion industry's indifference to the toxic manufacturing of apparel, Matthews David explains in spell-binding detail the dangers of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  For example, she highlights damning evidence that the industry was aware of the effects of mercury poisoning in workers for 200 years!It's fascinating to listen to Matthews David's passion about the comparison of toxicity in apparel between the 20th and 21st centuries.  Unfortunately, given advances in plastics and the chemicals used to manufacture synthetic textiles, not much has changed--fashion is still one of the most polluting industries on earth.Matthews David does concede there is a small movement within the industry about the overuse of cheap toxins.  Fashion college students seem adamant about making meaningful progress by insisting on the use of non-toxic fabrics in design. Further, a slew of upstart fashion brands is manufacturing non-toxic clothing and making inroads in educating the public and the industry about the real health effects of toxic apparel.When Matthews David isn't teaching, researching, and writing, she can be found coordinating collaborations with museums about the history of toxicity in fashion.  Currently, she has an exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada.While the use of toxic textiles is a grave issue within the fashion industry, understanding the history of the ongoing problem is critical to gain perspective and make future changes.  Matthews David exhaustive research methodology and prolific authorship on the topic continues to be a godsend to the industry and will undoubtedly prove to be extremely helpful in solving this menacing problem.  Enjoy!Alison Matthews David | Department of Art History (utoronto.ca)Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present https://a.co/d/b8wemri

Fashioncast®Episode #51, September 17, 2024Lydia Dupree, Toxic Textiles (Part 1): A Biochemist Unravels Fashion's Toxic Secrets Put your thinking caps on fashionistas!  On this episode, you'll meet Lydia Dupree, the brilliant and affable biochemist who is tackling one of fashion's most opaque topics—toxic textiles. Dupree is a notable cancer researcher and has several research papers already published. And while her entrance into fashion came about unexpectedly, for the industry, Dupree's intelligence and passion could ultimately change what we wear.  This episode is the first in a three-part series exploring how toxic apparel impacts individual health.Fashion's poor environmental reputation is well documented, but oddly enough, toxic textiles have evaded serious scrutiny until now.  The health scare related to the issue is just beginning to gain traction within the fashion community and Dupree does a masterful job explaining the lengthy list of toxins that are knowingly part of the apparel manufacturing process. It is fascinating to listen to a biochemist unapologetically explain the toxic tsunami confronting fashion.  Her credibility and proven research make it clear there are serious public health issues to weigh including the effects on children, fertility, and the long-term consequences of toxins absorbed through the skin. But Dupree takes her research skills well beyond blogging her findings on social media, she's created the website Day Into Eve where she conducts a deep vetting of companies that claim their fashion or lifestyle products are toxic-free.  As of this episode, the Day Into Eve platform lists over 40 companies that have passed Dupree's stringent specifications.Lastly, not surprisingly, Dupree hopes to expand her messaging about toxic textiles through further educating consumers and collaborating with the fashion industry.  Given the fashion industry's history on environmental issues, toxic-free fashion is only a long-term goal rather than a short-term mandate.  In the meantime, the industry should amplify the important work of a young biochemist from Milford, Connecticut!  Enjoy the show!www.dayintoeve.comInstagram @lydia.dupreeTikTok Lydia I Non-Toxic Fashion

Fashioncast®Episode #50, August 20, 2024Somy Madani, Haute Couture Makes A Comeback With London's Next Generation DesignerThis is the 50th show anniversary of Fashioncast®, and we couldn't think of a better guest to share our success with than Somy Madani, the award-winning London-based international designer.Born and raised in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Somy's fashion journey is a remarkable story of entrepreneurial grit and determination.  Brilliant and affable, she's a woman on a mission. In her brief stint in London, she has completed her fashion education, launched her fashion business, launched a non-profit organization (Somy Talent Academy), and continues raising her two children. Her brand, Somy London launched in 2021, is known for its bespoke evening gowns worn by London's celebrity class.  The brand recently ventured into ready-to-wear with The Time Is Now line and follows a strict sustainable methodology while emphasizing body positivity and inclusion in its design.Beyond Somy's amazing story and bonified business success, she is an outspoken advocate for mental health and self-care for the creative community.  Included in her approach has been Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), the use of horses in the therapeutic process.  In fact, her next fashion show in September 2024 will incorporate and offer therapy for local children struggling with mental health symptoms.  A beautiful reminder that giving is its own form of healing.Lastly, Somy is more than just an awe-inspiring fashion designer, she's an extraordinary human being with boundless energy and creativity.  Listeners will be captivated by the many topics covered in this interview from her wish to collaborate with Lady Gaga to the most exciting and challenging issues facing the fashion industry.It was a great honor to speak with Somy Madani about her true passion, and it will be an equal pleasure to hear.  Please enjoy the 50th Fashioncast® episode!https://somylondon.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/somy-madani-7046b5133/@somyofficial_

Fashioncast®Episode #49, July 16, 2024Stacy Igel, Fashion's Queen of CollaborationListen closely fashionistas! On this episode we introduce you to “fashionpreneuer” extraordinaire Stacy Igel, Founder Boy Meets Girl apparel company and best-selling author of Embracing The Calm In The Chaos.   As Stacy says, she was interested in fashion while “still in the womb,” and her history since birth reinforces her prenatal yearning to build a career in fashion.  What makes this episode so appealing is that Igel is both a steadfast businessperson and a creative.  Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Igel made her mark as a hosiery salesperson when Marshall Fields hired her while still in the eighth grade!  She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she tripled majored in design, merchandising, and retail.  She soon moved to New York City to learn the fashion business from the ground up, and in 2001 she launched the Boy Meets Girl apparel company.Whether interviewing Igel, or writing about her, one always is in high gear.  Igel is kind, intelligent, professional, and yes, humorous.  But more than anything else, Igel is full of positive energy, and constantly multitasking like the entrepreneur, designer, and mother you would expect!Fashioncast could have easily produced two episodes out of this interview, one focused on Igel's phenomenally successful company, Boy Meets Girl, and another on her equally successful book, Embracing The Calm In The Chaos. The book details Igel's fashion journey including the launch of her brand.We found Igel's interview full of one surprise after another.  This is after all, someone who has made her way in New York's fashion world through twenty years of grit and determination.  Boy Meets Girl sports a Who's Who list of collaborations with industry heavyweights from Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom to Bergdorf Goodman and the Chicago Bulls.  Igel has come a long way since dressing classmates in grade school!Of course, Fashioncast probed Igel about sustainability, the lack of a business curriculum in fashion colleges, and the big issues she believes are headwinds for the industry.  We are certain you will find Stacy Igel as energetic, knowledgeable, and entertaining as we did!Please enjoy the show!www.boymeetsgirlusa.com                www.stacyigel.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Calm-Chaos-Perseverance-Collaboration/dp/140023493X

Fashioncast®Episode #48, May 21, 2024Rachel Erickson, Riding High in the World of Performance ApparelHold on fashionistas! On this episode we introduce you to manufacturing performance apparel consultant Rachel Erickson.  As Founder and CEO of Unmarked Street, Rachel, and her team specialize in fashion consulting to the sports performance market, especially cycling. Enthusiastic about fashion at an early age, with some maternal nudging, Rachel has made fashion more than a career, it's her identity. But of course, there have been challenges along the way.  “Burned out” from mind numbing work in corporate apparel manufacturing, after 17 years, Rachel launched Unmarked Street and began blazing a new path as a fashion apparel consultant. The company specializes in consulting for performance wear and cycling in particular, a rare niche market within the world of fashion. And the reason Unmarked Street has been so successful.  Sometimes it pays NOT to play to the masses!Erickson is easy to listen to, she's energetic, humorous, articulate, and is knowledgeable about the fashion industry way beyond her niche.  It's exciting to hear Rachel discuss a broad range of topics including branding, how to construct apparel for flawless fit, competition, difficult assignments, and sustainability. We especially enjoyed Rachel's discussion of Major League Baseball's ongoing uniform controversy with Nike and Fanatics.  Only from a performance apparel consultant, could you receive the “inside-baseball” of such a debacle.After interviewing Erickson, we had a newfound appreciation for the technical side of the business.  Understanding the use a performance of specific textiles is as critical to the business as marketing and distribution—nothing can be left to chance. And Erickson tells the story well.  Constantly weaving in personal anecdotes, it's clear this is an entrepreneur who loves her work!Lastly, when Erickson was asked to take off her “consulting hat” and reflect on the fashion industry at large, she was particularly insightful about the unwanted side effects of fast fashion placed on her and many others within the industry.  It's part of the discussion you won't want to miss!We loved interviewing the very lively Rachel Erickson! Please enjoy!www.unmarkedstreet.com@unmarkedstreet

Fashioncast®Episode #47, February 15, 2024Gittemarie Johansen, The Global Guru of Sustainability Takes on Fast FashionHey Fashionistas!  On this episode we introduce you to sustainability educator, author, speaker, and YouTube sensation, Gittemarie Johansen. Smart, witty, and experienced, Gittemarie has been living and teaching the zero-waste lifestyle for a decade. It's fascinating to hear how Gittemarie stumbled into her career, found her passion, and has made her livelihood teaching the rest of us how to think and behave sustainably.  Even better, she walks the talk living as close to a zero-waste life as anyone you'll ever meet. Johansen is clearly an intellectual force on the topic of sustainability and has created her own unique definition for the word sustainable.  And, why not?The word has been so misused and diluted, especially by the fashion industry, it has no meaning.  For the record, Fashioncast agrees with the Gittemarie definition!Given Gittemarie's early background as a fashion influencer and reporter, it's rare for such an individual to transition to the sustainable movement, but that's what is so captivating about her story.  She hasn't simply done the research on this important industry topic, she's lived it!  And that kind of transformation brings an inner knowing that few can replicate.Johansen is brilliant in this interview as she verbally slays topics from greenwashing and sustainable designers to consumer overconsumption and worker rights.  It's a joy to hear one so experienced articulate fashion's many paradoxes but offer solutions too.  Johansen has indeed thought long on the big issues surrounding sustainability, and it shows.What we found so compelling is how Johansen answered a myriad of tough questions in such a thoughtful and precise way.  Her answer to what is most troubling about fast fashion is a perfect example when she stated without hesitation, “exploitation.”  There are so many things troubling about fast fashion, it may be difficult to list them all, but exploitation would be at the top.  Bravo Gittemarie!Lastly, we loved Gittemarie's interview so much, we are already working on her next visit!  Enjoy!www.gittemary.com@Gittemary

Episode #46, December 20, 2023Fern Mallis, A Fashion Legend Imparts Wit And Wisdom On Her Career And LifeOn this exclusive episode, you will hear from the Godmother of Fashion, Fern Mallis, as she describes the trials and tribulations of her early days to her current role as President of her own consulting company.Listening to Mallis reflect on her hard-earned wisdom about the industry is the equivalent to enjoying a ten-course meal.  Few, if any, know the depth and the breadth of the industry like Mallis, and her knowledge is genuinely on display during this interview.  Often, Mallis is on the other side of the microphone interviewing fashion icons such as Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta,  Donna Karan, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger to name a few.  But, as an interviewee on Fashioncast® she is equally professional, patient, witty, and intelligent.Mallis has a keen sense of what's needed and expected in the industry.  For example, as Executive Director, Council of Fashion Designers of America (1991-2001), she worked tirelessly to launch what is now known as New York Fashion Week. Her efforts to make the show successful and financially viable broke many of the known rules for fashion event planning including soliciting sponsorships, a practice today that is part of the event protocol.  You'll hear; however, Mallis is quick to credit all those who have been so instrumental in her career.  It's been a collective effort in managing and leading the industry to new heights.   When interviewing Fern Mallis, it's obvious that she loves the fashion industry.  She is in her zone, a comfortable, familiar, and creative zone. In fact, Mallis is so enthusiastic about her role, she can't help but attract others to her mission to support and build a better fashion industry.  That beautiful attitude has served her outside of the industry as well as she has co-founded, directed, and volunteered for multiple nonprofits applying her fashion experience and business expertise to help raise millions of dollars.  A legacy that nearly rivals her life in fashion.Interviewing Fern Mallis was an honor, and we sincerely believe you'll enjoy the notable advice and insight from the fashion legend.www.fernmallis.comwww.92ny.orgwww.cfda.comwww.nyfw.com

Fashioncast®Episode #45, October 30, 2023Jennifer Knoepfle, LilaPantsHey Fashioncast fashionistas, on this episode you'll learn about the amazing startup LilaPants (www.lilapants.com), and the company's innovative apparel made for the tween market.  Born from the innocent question, “What would you like to do when you grow?”, the LilaPants journey is full of the trials and tribulations of a fashion startup.  What is uniquely compelling about LilaPants is the fact it's a family affair.  The company was co-founded by spouse/mother, Jennifer (Jenny) Knoepfle, her husband Matt, and their two daughters Lila and Georgia.  In fact, Lila and Georgia may be the youngest fashion entrepreneurs in the U.S.!It's motivating to hear the lively and articulate Jenny as she describes the genesis of the LilaPants brand including confirmation of the idea via a Mom's Facebook group, the fits and starts of fabric selection, the use of a fashion incubator, building a family-oriented company, and the go-to-market strategy to employ for trending apparel.  The result, sporting 68 SKUs, is LilaPants, a pant suit dress alternative for the tween market that preserves the style and sophistication to allow attending any function fashionable.  It was especially endearing listening to Jenny describe to roles Lila and Georgia have taken within the company.  The sister entrepreneurs are heavily involved in everything from product design and sizing to marketing and modeling.While all startups face significant challenges, fortunately for LilaPants, a unique market niche may have given them an important survival advantage.  We were surprised to learn U.S. children's fashion accounts for $52.9 billion in revenue and is one of the most lucrative sectors within apparel.  Entering a verified white space, the tween dress alternative market, unmatched LilaPants is poised to capture its share of the revenue pie.Lastly, we love several other aspects of the LilaPants brand including their long-term commitment to sustainability.  While the apparel items offered are currently not sustainable, the packaging is, and a plan to incorporate affordable sustainable fabrics is in the works. In addition, LilaPants donates a portion of its profits to Darthmouth Health's Gastrointestinal Behavioral Health Program (https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gi/gi-behavioral-health), an important cause to the family and anyone suffering chronic GI conditions.Please enjoy the wit and wisdom of Jenny Knoepfle on your tour of the formation and launch of LilaPants!

Fashioncast®Episode #44, August 29, 2023Graham Stewart, EVP, FIBRE52Whoa! Fashioncast listeners, on this episode you'll learn about the most innovative sustainable product for cotton bleaching and dying since the 12th century! International sustainable textile innovator and FIBRE52 Executive, Graham Stewart, joins the show and shares his vision for the company and the textile industry.  Stewart, a veteran of the textile industry since 1976, has held a variety of positions, but perhaps his most important contribution to the fashion industry has been his patent pending cotton bleaching and dying discovery FIBRE52.A textile and chemistry enthusiast from childhood, Graham grew up in the heart of textile manufacturing in northern England.  While the textile mills have moved offshore, the toxic caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) laden recipes remain in use around the globe.  This is where FIBRE52 enters the scene.  The process, invented by Stewart, is an environmentally friendly and inexpensive method designed to replace the traditional cotton bleaching and dying process on a global scale! FIBRE52 is a brilliant invention that utilizes natural products instead of conventional chemical heavy compounds while using less energy, less water, and less time—the perfect sustainable recipe!  In terms of circular fashion, FIBRE52 demonstrably helps lengthen and strengthen the life of garments for recycling/upcycling.While Stewart extols the virtues of the FIBRE52 for key user groups such as manufacturers, brands, and consumers, he does an equally masterful job of explaining the “inside baseball” of the global textile market.  Who leads the world in cotton production?What other companies are leading in sustainable textile manufacturing?  Is FIBRE52 open to collaboration?  Stewart answers these questions and still has time to gift invaluable advice to newcomers to the fashion industry! If we were handing out awards, FIBRE52 would easily win the Fashion Innovation Award of the Year!  Listen and judge for yourself.  Enjoy!www.fibre52.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamrstewart

FashioncastEpisode #43, June 27, 2023Jamie Koff, Founder & President, Fabric To Finish, Inc.Fashioncast listeners, please meet Jamie Koff, the brilliant and multi-talented fashion entrepreneur from New York City who founded Fabric To Finish, Inc., a fashion incubator, in 2006 and hasn't looked back. You'll learn about Jamie's unconventional journey into the world of fashion and the big-name designers and industry insiders that impacted her career.  Koff's story is a tale beyond fashion and entrepreneurship, it is a lesson in determination, innovation, intelligence, self-worth, and sheer grit.From Diane von Furstenberg to Tommy Hilfiger, Koff has gathered insights into the business of fashion few in the industry can replicate. And those lessons have been invaluable to her company.  Fabric To Finish has been evolving for 17 years and now follows a unique business collective model to serve the independent and emerging designer.  The objective is to provide critical sourcing, design and technical tasks that are out-of-reach for most new apparel companies. The company is also retained by established brands that seek new areas for growth and creativity.Listening to the experienced, established, confident and articulate Koff is the equivalent to enjoying a perfectly prepared ten course meal.  In the heart of America's fashion capital, New York City, Koff has access to a wealth of fashion resources, but has also vetted international suppliers and manufacturers, and is solidly connected around the globe.  It is the realization of a viable business hatched from a simple idea in 2006. Spoken like a true entrepreneur, Koff notes anyone who is decisive, has a fashion vision, and more importantly, the ability to meet budget demands can hire Fabric To Finish .But it's obvious Koff is serious about her craft and the industry.  Typically, clients consult for three years, proof outstanding results are  regularly delivered.Lastly, Koff gives personal advice to any would be fashion entrepreneurs, “hang on for the ride!” Jamie Koff has been more than hanging on in an industry she loves and entered 30 years ago, an amazing ride indeed! Enjoy!www.fabric2finish.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-koff-7ab934

FashioncastEpisode #42, June 8, 2023Kristian Hansen, Founder & CEO, Slo Jean CompanyFashioncast community, meet the indelible Kristian Hansen, Founder & CEO, Slo Jean Company, one of the fastest growing jean companies on the planet!  Kristian's story is so compelling and inspirational you may want to listen to it more than once!In an effort to disrupt the women's jean market by providing a solution for skimpy pockets, Hansen has created a juggernaut. It's mesmerizing to hear how the Canadian fashion upstart found his niche in the most unconventional way, built a 700,000-follower Tik Tok community for the Slo Jeans brand, successfully raised capital through crowdfunding, and is planning the design and build of a jean factory in India!  It's a true story of intelligence, grit, and motivation with a 100,000-person waiting list as confirmation of his success. After two minutes into the interview, it was obvious that Kristian has the right mindset to lead a sustainable jean company seeking to push back on the fast fashion culture. Armed with a Climate Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Kristian clearly understands the environmental and human impact of fast fashion, but equally as important, he knows how to address it. Slo Jean Company is much more than another fashion brand out to sell denim.  It's a sustainable brand with a mission to treat both workers and the environment with the utmost respect, and it's refreshing!Hansen encompasses a no holds barred attitude, and it's apparent that spirit is part of his DNA. You'll appreciate his thought process on sourcing labor and textiles, the “do everything different” business model, and a much-needed messaging reboot on the environmental misery inflicted by fast fashion.Lastly, Hansen explains his new sizing technology and his offer to make it available free to the industry without restrictions. The technology is revolutionary in the accuracy of measurement for all body types, reduces the return rate, and not surprisingly, boosts profits.So impressed with Kristian, we've already invited him back for a follow-up interview next year! Enjoy!www.slojeans.co

FashioncastEpisode #41, May 25, 2023Leyla Uysal, Founder & CEO, BajerFashioncast listeners, you're going to love meeting the always smiling, upbeat, and positive Leyla Uysal, she's one of the most inspiring guests we've ever interviewed.  Leyla's story is much more than overcoming the typical startup challenges that face every business, it's about personal courage, risk, persistence, and endurance. Born and raised in the Kurdish region of Turkey, you'll hear how Leyla, through happenstance, determination, and what seems like Devine guidance, made her way to the United States, and began her journey into the world of fashion.  Leyla's story is one of fits and starts, peaks and valleys, joy, and sorrow, as she presses on in her quest for a better life.  In a ten-year time span, Leyla learns English, is accepted to and graduates from MIT's Sloan School of Business and Management, finds love and marries, bears two children, launches two businesses, and is accepted into Harvard's School of Design!This is a multi-dimensional podcast as the first part covers Leyla's migration from Turkey to the U.S., and the second part covers Bajer, her luxury accessory watch business.  Both are fascinating and filled with feminine and cultural anecdotes of the obstacles facing Kurdish women.  For example, after working for a Turkish employer for 18 months, once Leyla's Kurdish heritage is discovered, she is immediately fired. Unfortunately, this is only one of many instances of blatant discrimination  that took place in both Turkey and the United States.“Persistence pays off.”  The phrase is no truer for anyone than Leyla Uysal. Her obvious intellect, mixed with pure determination, eventually attracts the right people to her cause, and Bajer is born. Again, it's an amazing adventure to hear Leyla explain how she literally circles the globe to find the right designers and manufacturer for her watches.  And, since a portion of Bajer proceeds are donated to two NGOs assisting Kurdish women and children, she made an equal effort vetting key organizations in the region.We hope you come away as inspired as we were by Leyla Uysal. You can learn more, and support Leyla at the links below. Enjoy the show!https://www.thebajer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehtap-leyla-turanalp-uysal 

Fashioncast®Episode #40, April 11, 2023Dr. Lucy E. Dunne, The Rise of Wearable Technology and Smart ClothingFashioncast® listeners, get ready to be schooled as Dr. Lucy Dunne, Professor of Apparel Design and Wearable Technology, University of Minnesota, joins the show for an in-depth discussion about the current state of wearable technology and smart clothing. In the first part of the interview, you'll hear the articulate and confident Dr. Dunne as she methodically traces the genesis of wearable technology back to electronic clothing pioneer Diana Dew, a 1960s New York fashion designer.  But that's just the beginning.  Dunne, an accomplished author, researcher, and consummate fashion academic, goes in-depth to define wearable technology, smart clothing, and the appropriate textiles most suitable for practical apparel.  Moreover, she does a remarkable job explaining the microchip technology integrated into the textile including conductivity, chip materials, and placement within the garment. Dunne knows her field. She's more than comfortable opining about what works and what doesn't.  It's fascinating to gain insight into the most notable practical uses for wearable technology such as athletics, healthcare, the military, and space. Oddly, everyday fashion is NOT at the top of the wearable technology list.  As Dunne explains, technology demands extraordinary research, and few fashion companies can manage the costs. In fact, as NASA plans a lunar space mission for late 2024, the agency will spend nearly $100 million on redesigned high-tech space suits.  Regarding NASA, Dr. Dunne was the recipient of NASA's Silver Achievement Medal in 2013 and remains connected with the Johnson Space Center through annual student visits.   Lastly, as a premier thought leader in wearable technology, surely Dr. Dunne has embraced the technology herself.  However, that's not the case, she remains uncertain about its practicality and accuracy, but you can be confident, she's working on it!  Enjoy! https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/expert/lucy-dunnehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-dunne-a60a3b5

FashioncastEpisode #39, February 14, 2023Samir Balwani, Founder & CEO, QRY: The Master of D2C Digital MarketingFashioncast listeners, in this episode, you'll meet the brilliant, articulate, and veteran digital branding and marketing guru Samir Balwani.  Samir has been at the forefront of the digital marketing industry for two decades and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and insight.  Now, he imparts his wisdom to the Fashioncast  audience. Given hundreds of thousands of brands, and millions of ads across dozens of platforms, competition for consumer attention is at an all-time high.  So, just how does a fashion brand differentiate itself without going broke?  The simple answer is—don't go it alone!  Fashioncast was stunned at the degree of variation and intricate knowledge demanded by buyers of D2C digital marketing.  The costs can be high, but the cost of not executing can be even higher.Fortunately, Balwani's vast experience at D2C companies embedded in the digital advertising industry, including StyleCaster and American Express, make him the perfect “go-to” guest for fashion branding.  It's especially educational, and entertaining, to hear Balwani explain the digital marketing ecosystem with the nuance and familiarity of a proven warrior. You'll learn which digital platforms are most successful and why, how experimentation and testing are conducted, and important digital marketing KPIs. You'll also hear Balwani unravel the advertising budgeting process in order to fund and utilize the all-important digital marketing tool.From his cache of long-time clients and experience in the digital terrain, Balwani, a master communicator, walks listeners through case studies explaining digital marketing dos and don'ts, when to commit to ad spend, and exactly how to scale a D2C business through digital marketing.Lastly, Balwani briefly discusses what lies ahead in the digital marketing space and the eventual use of AI technology such as ChatGPT. Get ready to learn with another outstanding guest!  Enjoy!WeAreQRY.com

FashioncastEpisode #38, October 25, 2022Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk--How A Mother-Daughter Duo Built a NYC Styling PowerhouseIt's all about style Fashioncast listeners, “fashion over comfort” prevails!  So, if your style needs a total makeover or you simply need an upgrade, you've landed at the right episode.  Mother-daughter owners Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk of The Style That Binds Us join the show to explain all things styling and how the professional fashion stylists are making their presence felt in New York City, the heart of fashion.  Born and raised in Alabama, the duo has brought their unique blend of individual fashion experience and familial confidence to one of the most competitive specialties in fashion. It's a joy to listen to the two opine about style.  They love and respect each other but offer differing views that somehow always seem to converge and create amazing outcomes. The interview explores the creative and often psychological dance in advising an array of clients with multifaceted backgrounds and styling needs. It's especially interesting to hear about client expectations and the continuous back and forth between stylist advice and client responses.You'll especially enjoy short riffs about why individuals seek styling counsel, styling women versus men, the use and/or misuse of color, important style elements, the “dos and don'ts” of styling, how international cultures influence American style, key international “style hubs,” and even the personal styles favored by each guest. The styling challenges Bruhn and Folk have conquered and continue to face are fascinating, but so too are the everyday challenges of running a business.  While stylists at heart, the entrepreneurs talk openly about the realities of a running a fashion business in the 21st century. Fortunately, Bruhn and Folk are equally as witty as they are smart and articulate. Lastly, the mother-daughter veteran styling team entertains a serious discussion about fashion technology and the impact the metaverse may have on the industry as they contemplate authoring a book on styling (maybe)! Enjoy this power-packed styling experience!To find more about The Style That Binds Us see below:Website: https://thestylethatbindsus.com/Instagram:@thestylethatbindsus

Fashioncast®Episode #37, July 26, 2022Beth Hitchcock: Battling Fashion's Delusion of Inclusion for Plus Size WomenFashioncast listeners, you're about to fall in love with the beautiful, brilliant, witty, and incredibly talented Beth Hitchcock. Searching for her role in the industry, she's experienced a variety of fashion positions including a short stint in publishing before emerging as an accomplished stylist, model, and consultant for the ever-growing size-inclusive market. As a stylist, Hitchcock crisscrossed the globe and worked with many notable clients such as Playboy Magazine, Lands' End, Murad, Banana Republic, and Galore Magazine to name a few. This is a fact-filled podcast where Hitchcock details the trials and tribulations she continues to encounter in the so-called “plus-size” fashion sector.  Even with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in place throughout the industry, in the often cryptic world of fashion, discrimination still reigns.However, Hitchcock conquered her foes and critics and truly succeeded as a fashion entrepreneur. Hitchcock keeps listeners engaged as the 14-year fashion veteran recounts the early days of size inclusion, its present standing, and its market trajectory. In addition, she defines exactly what constitutes a plus-size customer, explains the challenges facing brick and mortar and online retail, and opines on plus-size myths.While the cloud of discrimination still lingers over size inclusion, and retailers often relegate plus-size departments to the “third floor,” with two-thirds of US women are classified as plus size, it's apparent there is opportunity abound.  This is the segment you'll hear the hunger to succeed in Hitchcock's voice, but more importantly, you'll hear her advocacy for size-inclusiveness and her desire to one day take the discussion off the table.  One poignant example, she brilliantly makes the case for plus-size women setting the fashion trends and letting everyone else follow!  Beautiful! And why shouldn't they?Lastly, Hitchcock talks candidly about luxury designer Christian Siriano's longtime support of size-inclusiveness, her “magic wand” fix for all fashion brands (another brilliant observation), and her brief elevator encounter with Anna Wintour.A fascinating conversation you're certain to return to more than once!  Enjoy!Find Beth Hitchcock on Instagram @bethhitchcock

Fashioncast®Episode #36, October 14, 2021Sustainable Fashion Part I, Alex Penades, Jeanologia's Denim RevolutionFull disclosure--Fashioncast® loves Jeanologia!  In the annals of fashion, few companies have had such a positive impact on the industry and the environment as Jeanologia.  In the first of a four-part sustainable fashion series, Alex Penades, Brand Director North America Jeanologia, a proven leader in the global effort to drive sustainable fashion, joins the podcast to detail the company's history, process, and extraordinary growth. Given Jeanologia's progress over the past 27 years, it's little wonder Penades is so passionate about the mission of the company and the direction of the industry.  Incorporating Mission Zero, an initiative to eliminate all hazardous chemicals and water from the life process of jeans,  Jeanologia's technology now accounts for 1.75 billion jeans produced annually, a third of all jean production.While Jeanologia has made substantial progress in its “eco-war on denim,” notably in H2O reduction in the manufacturing process (one glass per pair of jeans), its culture serves as a model for the industry as well.  Jeanologia exemplifies growth objectives based on an important global environmental mission, and Alex Penades has been a key part of that success for the past nine years.However, not everybody in the denim industry has adopted the Jeanologia way…yet.  After all, this is the fashion industry, where change, even for the right reasons, isn't always embraced.  Nevertheless, in the ever-ubiquitous world of denim manufacturing, where five billion pairs of jeans are produced annually, it's refreshing to know the drive for change is coming from the inside out. It's fascinating to hear Penades speak about the serious environmental challenges of denim manufacturing, the company's cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, and plans to gain global industry consensus in the stewardship of the planet.  Indeed, Jeanologia provides much more than answers to sustainable denim manufacturing--it provides leadership.Lastly, Penades covers a broad array of questions from how some countries obsess over denim and others do not, to how Jeanologia would assist a hypothetical designer launching an organic jean company.  In the sustainable fashion movement, Jeanologia and its apostle, Alex Penades, are just what the planet ordered.  Enjoy!www.jeanologia.com@jeanologia#MISSIONZERO     

Fashioncast®Episode #35, July 8, 2021Dr. Dawnn Karen, A Fashion Therapy Session with the World's First Fashion PsychologistIn this episode, the highly acclaimed Dr. Dawnn Karen joins Fashioncast® to explain, against all odds, how she single-handedly pioneered and founded the Fashion Psychology Field®. Dr. Karen began to inadvertently merge her psychology education with her fashion experience using the two disciplines to cope after a personal tragedy in 2010.  Since then, she has grown her practice, become a professor of Fashion Psychology at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and has written two books.  Dr. Karen's story is more than one of professional success, it's a story of personal triumph.It's a joy to hear Dr. Karen speak. She's intelligent, energetic, engaging, passionate, and quick with memorable and relevant stories to share.  Moreover, she so closely aligns with the diverse fields of fashion and psychology, it seems obvious she would discover fashion psychology as a new and legitimate discipline of study and practice.Listen and learn as Dr. Karen goes in-depth regarding her latest book, Dress Your Best Life.  The psychologist/author explains a myriad of topics including the significant differences between a fashion psychologist and a fashion stylist, how to make conscious fashion decisions utilizing “mood illustration” and “mood enhancement,” why wearing your favorite clothes shouldn't always be left for special occasions and the importance of managing color in everyday dress.   The episode further explores how to manage compulsive shopping habits and fast fashion “feel good” purchases, the use of psychology by famous designers, and cultural fashion mores, and the potential use of fashion to ensure conformity.  In addition, we explore the issues related to casual dress and the psychological and business outcomes from “dressing down.”Lastly, you'll love Dr. Karen's single most important fashion psychology suggestion as it's the perfect response from a consummate health/fashion professional.  Please enjoy the therapy session!Fashionpsychologysuccess.comInstagram @ dawnn_karenTwitter @ dawnn_karenAmazon.com: Dress Your Best Life: How to Use Fashion Psychology to Take Your Look -- and Your Life -- to the Next Level (9780316530996): Karen, Dawnn: Books

Fashioncast®Episode #34, June 3, 2021Dr. Valerie Steele, From Student Epiphany to Global Fashion LegendIn one of our most fascinating and fun episodes, Dr. Valerie Steele, fashion icon and legendary director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT joins Fashioncast® to talk fashion history.  The author/co-author of over 20 books on a myriad of fashion topics, Dr. Steele is unmatched in her comprehensive knowledge of the past, present, and future of the fashion industry.So, just how did Dr. Steele find her path to the world of fashion?  It's an incredible story of sudden epiphany, risk, ability, and commitment over many years.  Dr. Steele began her career at FIT in 1985 and has had a front-row seat to the global fashion industry through the college, museum, and New York City as a fashion destination ever since.  Given her vast experience, fashion intellect, and disarming personality, it's little wonder Steele is continuously in demand to comment, write, and lecture.In this episode, it's enlightening to hear Dr. Steele reflect on the consistent top international rankings for FIT and The Museum at FIT and how such academic stature provides opportunity and impacts the management of the institution.  In addition, Steele discusses the museum's response to the COVID pandemic and how the success of virtual exhibitions and related technology are likely to play key roles in the future of fashion presentations.While Dr. Steele continues to build and expand The Museum at FIT, it's clear, from an outsider's perspective, Steele is more than simply passionate about the subject of fashion, she's on a mission.  For example, her fashion acumen shines as she describes the “American style” especially the historical underpinnings that brought about the current eclectic mix and range of apparel available.  She is masterful and entertaining at the same time.The interview also covers fashion topics beyond history and style that Dr. Steele is well-informed including fast fashion, or as she describes it “junk fashion,” and its direct impact on the environment, working conditions, and the global fashion culture. Fashion technology is briefly discussed such as novel fabrics, smart clothes, and 3D printing and their adaptation and usefulness.Lastly, Dr. Steele gives her distinguished perspective as a leader in the international fashion industry on what troubles and inspires her most about the state of fashion and her insights on the future of the fashion.It was truly a great honor to interview Dr. Valerie Steele, a giant in the world of fashion.  Please enjoy!https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Steele

Fashioncast®Episode #33, April 9, 2021Mark Pilkington,  Part II: A Retail Therapist’s Diagnosis of the Industry’s MaladiesHe’s back!  In the last half of a two-part series, Mark Pilkington, author of Retail Therapy--Why the Retail Industry is Broken--And What Can Be Done to Fix it, gets specific as he delves deep into exactly how to “fix” the retail industry.In Part I (Episode #30), Pilkington retraced how the global retail industry ended up in its unenviable position pre-COVID19, and where it currently stands amid the pandemic. In this episode, the author explains a myriad of retail strategies for brick-n-mortar retailers including “Lean Store,” “Brand Theater,” “Becoming the Conversation,” and “Virtuous Reality” among others.  It’s a refreshing departure from Part I in which the industry’s hubris was on display as the central excuse for its unparalleled demise. While Pilkington continues to be unapologetic in his criticism of the retail industry, he expresses authentic encouragement by its acceptance to “go with the flow” and speed the pace of change of both e-commerce and in-store experiences.  Take the “Lean Store” model on full display at Bonobos (now owned by Walmart).  It’s a perfect example of the future of brick-n-mortar retail in real-time. Customers use the physical store experience only to test products and make selections.  No stock other than the display is on hand.  Orders are placed in-store and sent to customers.  It’s still a personal experience for the customer, but less costly for both parties.If you get the impression Pilkington is seriously suggesting retailers get experiential, he’s sounding the alarm for them to build community and find an authentic mission.  The “retail bar” has been raised, mightily high.  Retail is a tough business.  A business in which consumers are informed, competition is continuous, and differentiation is critical.  Pilkington makes a convincing argument, both in the book and on the podcast, that retailers must offer more than products. Finally, Pilkington makes strong retorts for a host of other challenges facing the industry including government macro/microeconomic policies, lack of comprehensive retail education in institutions of higher learning, the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, and the transformation of retail entirely into branding.It’s another fact-packed episode of Fashioncast®!  Please enjoy!  You can buy Mark Pilkington’s book at the link below and see the author on a short retail video produced by The Economist attached. Retail Therapy: Why the Retail Industry is Broken – and What ...www.amazon.com › Retail-Therapy-Industry-Broken-...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad-GuV6YIMI

Fashioncast®Episode #32, March 24, 2021Melissa Coulier, An American Photography PhenomMelissa Coulier is one of those rare individuals who leave an indelible impression wherever she travels. From her hometown of Livingston, Montana, on the edge of Yellowstone National Park and in the heart of Big Sky Country, to the hustle of Hollywood’s celebrity culture, Coulier has found her way and made her mark.Known as one of America’s most notable children’s fashion photographers, Coulier is brilliant, creative, spunky, extremely positive, and most importantly, confident.  The photography phenom, who began her authentic artistic journey at age 11, has used the past 25 years to hone both her photographic skillset and her artistic expression and it shows.   It’s particularly inspiring listening to Coulier reflect on the creatives in her family, her small-town upbringing, and the natural surroundings that influenced her aesthetic style.  She is mindful of the effect of nature and nurture on her career and seems genuinely grateful.In one of the most compelling segments of the interview, Coulier retraces her entry into the world of children’s fashion photography as complete happenstance but one that has defined her career.  It’s a powerful lesson on personal trust, perseverance, and risk-taking that creatives and “fashionpreneurs” must-hear.In addition to the creative challenges of children’s fashion photography, Coulier details the not-so-obvious legal, professional, and familial obstacles that are often necessary to overcome including work hours for minors, tutoring on set, handling parents, and an unusually energetic group of models!  It’s apparent the work requires abilities beyond the title “photographer,” and Coulier delivers.Lastly, Fashioncast® listeners will enjoy Coulier’s answers to a flurry of questions about women in fashion photography, how are “forever moments” captured, and the most apparent technological threat the industry faces over the next five years.Please enjoy what is sure to become a Fashioncast® classic!Instagram @melissacoulier

Nicole Giordano is the undisputed business champion for independent fashion designers.  Born and raised in Philadelphia, Giordano entered the fashion profession as a textile designer and soon learned the industry was more bureaucratic and imposing than she liked.  So, she did something about it!  She launched the Startup FASHION blog to discuss business challenges many designers encounter.  The blog eventually grew into a successful membership sponsored company assisting a community of over 500 designers and fashion creatives.Giordano is a smart, articulate, witty and inordinately passionate about Startup FASHION and the role it plays in the lives of “fashionpreneurs” saying, “our mission is to help entrepreneurs design lives they love by building businesses that succeed.” Giordano seems to relish her role as designer advocate and brings a fresh perspective to the fashion world reminding us all that fashion is business!  In multiple occasions throughout the interview, listeners will literally feel the passion as Giordano makes the case why independent designers must learn and manage the distinction between a fashion business and a fashion career.At its core, Startup FASHION is providing the fashion business education designers should have cultivated in college. For Giordano, the lack of formal business training is clearly a sore and baffling subject that has been discussed in academia ad nauseum.  However, one still wonders why most fashion design programs across the world fail to incorporate any business education?  The oversight and/or indifference to the business side of the industry has left a white space that Giordano and Startup FASHION are happy to fill. But fashion academia’s apathy towards churning out designers without an ounce of business acumen remains obvious.Beyond the business of fashion, the interview covers a variety of industry related topics including sustainability, fashion ethics and the impact of COVID-19.  And, of course, Giordano responds and speaks intelligently to each issue.In the massive international ever-changing fashion industry, it is comforting for independent designers to know there is a serious and experienced support community like Startup FASHION to assist in managing such a challenging environment.  More important, Nicole Giordano is the CEO!  Enjoy!www.startupfashion.comListen to the new podcast Startup FASHION: Do it Your Way on Apple Podcasts 

If you are wondering how to navigate the ever-changing world of retail, where reports of mergers, closings, and bankruptcies are far too frequent, then you’ll appreciate Fashioncast’s® exclusive interview with Mark Pilkington, author of Retail Therapy--Why the Retail Industry is Broken--And What Can Be Done to Fix it. In Part I of this two part series, with no holds barred, Pilkington broadly explains exactly how the worldwide retail industry ended up “on the ropes” pre-COVID19, and where it stands now in the midst of the pandemic.  Although the author lives in England, interviewing Pilkington via Skype from Dubai, a region of the world he worked in as a retail executive for years, was fitting as his book intelligently covers the international scope of the retail industry.  Pilkington has earned his “retail stripes” with experience inside and outside the industry for decades and it shows.   Typical of Fashioncast® interviews, the conversation is wide-ranging but fashion focused.  In particular, the author details the retail industry’s culture, bureaucracy, and indifference to the explosion of online retailing that has forever changed retail and its impact on the world of fashion.  For fashion, the fallout is a montage of lower costs and deeper consumer relationships mixed with startling competition. While the economic pros and cons of a rapidly changing retail landscape continue to play themselves out, one thing is certain, the human toll is stunning.  Millions of job losses related to e-commerce and the broader technological revolution impacting retail on a global basis are problematic both short-term and long-term.  In addition, COVID19 has sped the pace of retail labor disruption exponentially. Lastly, when asked how one of the world’s premier retail consultants would launch their own retail company, Pilkington was quick to impart his wisdom.  The company would sell dominantly through the online channel, be mission-driven, deeply connected to its “community” (target market) and more personal in terms of rectifying errors and extending rewards or incentives.  By far, a mission-driven model seemed most important.  Amongst all the competitive e-commerce noise, a company must be able to authentically differentiate itself and touting a mission beyond profits is an attractive value proposition. Fashioncast® was honored to interview Mark Pilkington, and we eagerly look forward to Part II in the Spring of 2021.  Enjoy! Retail Therapy: Why the Retail Industry is Broken – and What ...www.amazon.com › Retail-Therapy-Industry-Broken-...

  Elizabeth Semmelhack: The World’s Foremost Shoe Curator   Go ahead, try it, Google the following, “the world’s foremost shoe curator?”  Who appears on your screen?  Elizabeth Semmelhack!  And, it’s no surprise.  The Creative Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada, began her career at the renowned gallery in 2000 with little knowledge in footwear and has become the shoe sage of the world.  Since her tenure, Semmelhack has curated over 20 exhibitions, written more than 30 articles and authored eleven books about historical and contemporary footwear. Semmelhack’s knowledge of the varied subjects related to footwear including key historical events, generational culture and fashion, manufacturing processes, and even societal class hierarchies is extraordinary.  Her shoe and fashion anecdotes are so mesmerizing, it’s impossible not to be captivated and left yearning for more.  In one segment, Semmelhack provides one of the most enlightening explanations for fashion attire and social class you’ll ever hear.  Adding depth to shoe knowledge and design on this special episode was guest host Aki Choklat, Fashion Accessories Chair, College for Creative Studies, Detroit, Michigan, and international shoe designer.  Aki provided a robust collegial shoe discussion with Elizabeth as the interview spanned the invention of high heels in the 10th century to the latest collaboration between celebrities and famous sneaker brands. Semmelhack’s passion in her quest to discover every last relevant detail about the ubiquitous shoe is obvious.  It’s fascinating, and fun, to hear her wax eloquent about human history in such an accurate manner based on footwear.  Indeed, in her latest book, Sneakers x Culture: Collab, released in 2019, Semmelhack brings her 20-year shoe curating knowledge full circle to contemporary dress and culture masterfully explaining the art of sneaker brand and celebrity collaboration.  From concept and design to manufacturing, marketing and sales, the book casts new light on the dominant role sneakers play in fashion and culture. Finally, Semmelhack ends the interview offering rare honest advice to those entering the pursuit of art history, curating, fashion or design--"it’s hard work!”  Those words should leave little doubt how Elizabeth Semmelhack became the world’s foremost shoe curator! Enjoy!

Diane Pernet is the definition of fashion royalty. Even in this era of COVID-19 induced social distancing, face masks and Zoom meetings, one is immediately struck by her grandeur. Her worldly intellect, her soft but confident voice, her disarming wit, and her ability to simply relate make Pernet semidivine. Beyond rank and poise, Pernet’s deliberate and unmistakable appearance, shrouded in black often wearing a mantilla-esque veil, rewards her as one of the most recognized fashion dignitaries in the world. A consummate creative, the multi-talented Pernet continually works on a plethora of on-going and new projects. Staying current in the rapidly changing world-of-fashion is no small feat. But, Pernet, an accomplished savvy business women, is seemingly everywhere at once while no detail goes unnoticed. Of all Pernet’s passions, few inspire her more than film. Pernet is considered one of the original pioneers of the fashion film genre. In 2008, her devotion to the craft led her to the creation and launch of the annual fashion film festival titled A Shaded View On Fashion Film (ASVOFF) www.ashadedviewonfashionfilm.com. This year will mark the observance of ASVOFF 12 and the film festival will air for the first time online on the FNL Network https://linktr.ee/fnlnetwork. Additionally, in response to COVID-19, Pernet is the creator behind Lockdown Home Movies. A total of 68 lockdown films were submitted to ASVOFF 12 and can be seen and voted on for the 2020 People’s Choice Awards on the FNL Network https://linktr.ee/fnlnetwork. Still, Pernet’s creative thirst goes unquenched. Not to have her career overshadowed by the “ordinary” pursuits of fashion design, fashion blogging, fashion film, et al., Pernet decided to launch a line of perfume in 2014, Diane Pernet Paris. The line began with four distinct scents and now has five including To Be Honest, Love Affair, In Pursuit of Magic, Shaded, and Wanted. It’s fascinating to hear Pernet describe her 30-year intrigue with the perfume industry before her eventual impulse to begin the arduous task of researching and building a perfume brand. https://www.averyperfumegallery.com/it/collections/perfume/brand_diane-pernet. Lastly, it’s both an exciting and challenging time to be part of the fashion industry. But, Pernet, a strong advocate of sustainable fashion, has some parting advice for designers in particular--begin with an ecological mindset. Given the environmental degradation directly sourced to the industry, significant change is long overdue, and sustainable fashion is the future of fashion. By-the-way, on a whim, Fashioncast facetiously asked Pernet when the world could expect her autobiography? Without missing a beat, Pernet affirmed a documentary film producer had already approached her more than once! It’s clear, there are more accolades to come for the First Lady of Fashion! Please enjoy the magnificent Diane Pernet. Diane Pernet @asvof; www.ashadedviewonfashion.com

From the outside looking in, Rocco Leo Gaglioti is the epitome of American success. The tall (6’5”) handsome fashion celebrity seems to know everybody who’s anybody in the world-of-fashion. But, Gaglioti’s story is more of intrigue and personal triumph than fashion lore. While Gaglioti describes his 26 years in the fashion industry in a very linear, matter-of-fact way, it’s been anything but an unencumbered ride to the top. In fact, Gaglioti is so humble, the listener may get the impression nobody is more surprised he ended up an influential fashion media mogul than Gaglioti himself! Gaglioti has come a long way from being a shy, speech impaired bullied kid in Winter Park, Florida. That kid learned martial arts to defend himself, and at the age of 17, after some serious nudging from his deaf mother (Gaglioti is a CODA--Child of a Deaf Adult), and not knowing a lick of Italian, he agreed to become a hair model in Milan, Italy and stayed for five years! But wait! There’s more! A lot more. What purposeful career would be without key mentors like Carson Kressley and RuPaul? Gaglioti credits a number of individuals for his success, but none more than Kressley and RuPaul. It’s a fascinating lesson on “paying it forward” and understanding career responsibility. By-the-way, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Kressley and RuPaul? Both men are brilliant and hilarious--a rare combination indeed. Gaglioti eventually parlays his knowledge and experience into a mountain of creativity including Fashion News Live, an award-winning fashion documentary, Inside Amato, the Fashion News Lifestyle Network (FNL Network), and most recently, International Digital Fashion Week (IDFW). Gaglioti is extremely excited about IDFW declaring the platform demonstrates “the future of fashion is here!” While other media outlets contemplate the future of runway shows, Gaglioti has already figured it out! IDFW provides a desperately needed alternative to traditional outdated fashion weeks, is interactive and allows the designer to book immediate sales. Lastly, Gaglioti, isn’t “all fashion all-the-time.” He serves as a consultant to the Miss and Mister Deaf International nonprofit organization his mother founded and has been actively involved in supporting the international deaf community for decades. Perhaps knowing where you come from, being humble, and appreciating others are the most important measures of success after all. Please enjoy this exclusive interview with Rocco Leo Gaglioti, a true fashion maven. To find all things FNL Network, visit: https://linktr.ee/fnlnetwork

From the western Prairie Province of Alberta, Canada, in the oil boom and bust city of Calgary, Lauryn Vaughn, Founder and CEO of The Upside, joins Fashioncast via Zoom to share her amazing story of online retail success. In 2015, against all odds, the smart and savvy super entrepreneur launched The Upside the old fashioned way--from her basement, and never looked back. Today, the business is the largest luxury online consignment retailer in the nation. Once you meet Lauryn Vaughn, you’ll know why. Vaughn is full of endless positive energy, articulate, knows the resale business, and most of all - she’s determined. At university, Vaughn was so resolute to become an intern for the great Canadian designer, Paul Hardy, when she finally met him and told him she was going to become his intern, he said, “Aah, okay, can you start in morning?” If listeners get the impression the scrappy and witty Vaughn manifests her reality in real-time, they’re correct. Fashioncast was spellbound listening to Vaughn describe her “aha” moment in Paris, France, the unending trials and tribulations of launching a business, and about The Upside’s ever-evolving multifaceted mission. For Vaugh, The Upside is more than just a challenging way to generate revenues and income. The business empowers women through “chic fashion on a budget,” and is the best example of sustainability driving circular fashion. One simply can’t help knowing Vaughn is the perfect definition of a role model for women across Canada and the world. While Vaughn’s personal strength may be will power, her business acumen is on display as she explains the global luxury resale market. Like many entrepreneurs, Vaughn lives her business and it’s fascinating to hear her detail the differences between The Upside and mega competitors such as The RealReal and The Luxury Closet. Vaughn’s vast market knowledge is a testament to her leadership. And, despite a recession in Calgary’s oil fields and a worldwide pandemic, The Upside continues to dominate Canada’s luxury resale online space and expand. Lastly, when asked who she would like to meet in the fashion industry, Vaughn mentioned she would have liked to have met Karl Lagerfeld, but then, without hesitation, the entrepreneur admitted she’d really love to meet Julie Wainwright, the founder of The RealReal! Enjoy! The Upside: http://www.shoptheupside.com Instagram @lauryn_vaughn

From her 18th century apartment in Paris, France, internationally acclaimed photographer, Iris Brosch, the impassioned articulate intellectual of art imagery, joins Fashioncast via Skype to share her multifaceted photography experience in the world-of-fashion. Brosch, the German-born photographer and filmmaker, specializing in fashion, nudes, art, and performance art, has been shaped by both the German and Italian Renaissance periods. Her portraits are instantly recognizable as they clearly show Brosch’s reach for artistic expression and spirit. In addition, her work is celebrated for giving more strength and dignity to the female image and feminist ideals. It’s fascinating to hear Brosch’s story of struggle from her early years to maturation as an industry icon. Through it all, the humble creative credits not only hard work but astute timing, acceptance and key mentorships. In addition to her own career challenges, Brosch, a long-time devout feminist, details the ongoing struggle for women to find standing within the industry. Her accounting of the barriers for women such as photographer Annie Leibovitz is stunning. For Brosch, the feminist ideology is firm but more about equality and inclusiveness than antipatriarchal. It’s tragic irony, however, after countless media reports confirming widespread inequality in an industry catering to female customers and dominated by female employees, financial and managerial control still decidedly rests with men. Beyond feminism, Brosch’s extensive international fashion experience allows her to answer any question regarding fashion and art in an informed manner. Listeners will hear Brosch’s views about the diminishing role of art in fashion, the rapid changes taking place in fashion photography and the shift towards fashion videos. Brosch, the consummate artist, forever advocates for creatives. For her, being creative is about a lack of fear, taking risks, and keeping overlords out of the equation. And, according to Brosch, it’s also why creatives will always spearhead the direction of the industry and the future of fashion imagery. Lastly, listeners will be inspired by Brosch’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic as she explains the importance of embracing the arts in times of tragedy and awed by her selection of whom to photograph if she could photograph any person in recorded history. Please enjoy this interview with artist, activist, and all-around beautiful human being, Iris Brosch! Website http://www.irisbrosch.com Instagram @irisbrosch Facebook @irisbrosch

From Flint, Michigan, under a continued COVID-19 quarantine, Ali Rose VanOverbeke, Founder and CEO at Genusee, the first circular economy eyewear brand, joins Fashioncast via Zoom to share her inspirational and motivational story of struggle, renewal, and awakening in her quest to build a company that matters. There’s no denying Ali VanOverbeke is on a mission. The Parsons School of Design graduate began planning her fashion career in the second grade and set her sights on Parsons in the fourth grade! Innovative, intelligent, visionary, and driven, the articulate VanOverbeke leaves the audience spellbound after detailing her time spent in the design trenches of New York’s ultra-competitive fashion world before a short sabbatical and finding karma in India. Ali’s story as a creative is as much about finding herself, and her role in the world, as it is about art and fashion. In 2016, after elevated levels of lead were confirmed in Flint, Michigan’s drinking water, both state and federal emergencies were declared. Notably, this is when the story takes a major turn, not only for VanOverbeke and for Flint, but likely for the future of fashion. On an unplanned and voluntary mission working with the American Red Cross delivering water to Flint residences, Ali’s genesis of Genusee takes place and her “calling” is absolute. Genusee is the most unique and compelling fashion fable we’ve encountered. If you’re not awed by its multifaceted missions regarding job creation for Flint’s structurally unemployed, or its manufacturing of sustainable eyewear from single-use water bottles, then surely, you’ll be awed by its product design and quality. While many of the principal fashion brands adopt social and sustainability policies and dole out checks of solidarity, upstart Genusee “walks the talk” and is defining a new and refreshing standard in the fashion industry. But, setting new standards is hard work and VanOverbeke seems to be pushing all boundaries at once. For example, the maverick manufacturer is justifiably critical of America’s recycling industry. Imagine, according to the EPA (2017 latest data), 75.8% of all plastic material generated in the U.S. Municipal Solid Waste stream was sent to landfills! Clearly, there’s much work to be done. Lastly, Ali briefly discusses the future of Genusee, the current importance of Instagram as the marketing tool of choice, utterly downplays the role of influencers and shares her hard-earned business acumen with those contemplating a career in fashion or entrepreneurship. Ali VanOverbeke is living Genusee’s motto–“Be the change you want to see.” Bravo!! On the web: Genusee.com On Instagram: @genusee_official

From Paris, France, under a COVID-19 quarantine, the fashion photography artist couple Mia Macfarlane and Julien Crouigneau join Fashioncast via Skype to share their amazing careers as art photography creatives living in the fashion capital of the world. The couple describes themselves as “self-taught” fashion art photographers, but don’t be fooled, they are both highly educated artists who happen to love photography and are clearly two of the most creative people we have ever had the pleasure to interview (see links to their work below). Combining their diverse and extensive backgrounds, in 2012, they launched French Cowboy a photography and art direction company. Then, in 2015, they founded IRK magazine as part of a nonprofit association titled IRK which promotes artists, fashion designers, photographers, filmmakers, and other creatives. The magazine, published daily online and bi-annually in print, has been an enormous success and lives up to its tagline, “IRK Magazine is here to rattle the every day!” Think fashion-forward, boundary-pushing art, edgy without apology, and photographic brilliance and you have IRK. But, it’s not just IRK where these two are redefining art photography, it’s in fashion film too. Through French Cowboy, they are methodically paving the way towards fashion films. Short film and video are the future of fashion imagery and the trailblazing creative couple are at the forefront of the artistic revolution. This podcast is one of those rare episodes where each time you listen, you learn something new. It’s mesmerizing to hear Macfarlane and Crouigneau detail their photoshoot with Jean Paul Gaultier, the famous French fashion designer. And, equally thought-provoking to hear their description of the cultural fashion differences between America and France. Lastly, we also delve into how the disastrous and tragic COVID-19 pandemic has affected the couple’s business. Like everyone else, they remain quarantined but hopeful the virus will taper off soon. The fashion industry, however, has been decimated and is unlikely to rebound quickly. Still, Mia and Julien remain positive, confident and stoic and have a myriad of projects waiting for completion including a future photoshoot in Ghana! How else would you build a legacy? Please enjoy and stay safe! Show links: IRK Magazine (@irkmagazine) On Instagram IRK Magazine: Art Photography | France Videos by French Cowboy: Las Vegas Cowgirl Video Viking Model Video

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Werner, renowned international fashion photographer, author, professor, and consultant calmly and dutifully made it to the Fashioncast studio and delivered one of the most compelling and entertaining podcasts to date. In this amazing episode, Werner weaves a dramatic and authentic narrative to his rise in the world-of-fashion and gives new meaning to the word perseverance! He’s been through lean times, had great success and is clearly comfortable with his current myriad of fashion endeavors. In fact, his curriculum vitae is 24 pages! Knowing that fact alone is worth the listen. Werner’s depth and breadth of experience in fashion photography is so voluminous he wrote the definitive book on the subject, The Fashion Image, which has received rave reviews and been sold widely on an international basis (Christine and Michael were sure to receive a signed copy!). But, authorship is just the tip of the iceberg for Werner. Listen as he effortlessly details the important artistic role photography plays in the fashion industry and describes the future of photographic technologies such as Instagram and video, and how varying countries embrace or suppress image technology. Werner also discusses The Thomas Werner Projects, one of the most innovative and internationally collaborative art and education sharing programs on the planet! The Projects story is fascinating and centers around Russia and China and demonstrates the power of intellect, political determinism, and the art-of-fashion to assist in the education of creatives eager to simply participate and learn about artistic expression. Lastly, while Werner’s photos capture the essence of fashion through images, he’s also a pragmatist. His grasp of the interdependence between fashion and photography is only surpassed by his knowledge about the business of fashion. In one of the largest and most competitive businesses in the world, artists, especially photographers, need to know their niche and deserve to earn a living. Fashioncast was honored to host one of the most notable fashion photographers in the industry, and more importantly, an all-around great human being. Enjoy! His book on Amazon: The Fashion Image: Planning and Producing Fashion Thomas Werner on Instagram (@thomaswernerprojects) Facebook: @ThomasWernerProjects   Thomas Werner Projects www.thomaswernerprojects.com

Listen up Fashioncast fans, court is in session!  Whether you’re steeped in the fashion industry’s legal jargon or not, this week’s guest, Andrea Arndt, Patent Attorney at Dickinson Wright, informs and demonstrates why anybody in the fashion industry with something to protect should get their legal house in order.   Arndt, with degrees in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, and law is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and specializes in foreign patent prosecution and intellectual property law in the fashion industry.  She brings all her background and experience to listeners as she explains the difference between patents, trademarks, and copyright and details the risks of not protecting your intellectual property (IP). Arndt knows her field and proves it as she and the Fashioncast hosts dig deep into recent case law including Versace v Fashion Nova and the industry changing Supreme Court copyright ruling on Star Athletica v Varsity Brands.  In addition, Arndt dissects the multi-million dollar Burberry v Target knock-off scarf case that was ultimately settled out-of-court (see case links below). The ever witty and energetic Arndt also has plenty of free legal advice for would be designers and fashion entrepreneurs including expected legal fees to protect IP, adding legal costs to startup budgets, and never allowing IP infringement to go unchallenged. Finally, Arndt also touches on international IP law including protection(s) to online retailers, where designers should focus their resources to maximize IP safeguards, and the lack of international fashion industry leadership on mitigation and binding arbitration. It’s a fast-paced show with a legal fashion industry expert that will leave Fashioncast listeners more educated, informed, and equipped to protect their fashion creations. For now, court adjourned.  Enjoy! https://www.dickinson-wright.com/our-people/andrea-I-arndt?tab=0 https://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/fashion-nova-responds-to-versace-lawsuit-with-32-defenses-2-countercliams-and-a-vow-to-fight https://www.nolo.com/legal-updates/supreme-court-rules-that-garment-design-elements-are-copyrightable.html https://www.khuranaandkhurana.com/2018/05/22/fashion-and-trademarks-the-clothing-controversy/

Welcome to Boston Fashioncast fans! Often referred to as a ‘brain factory” with 50 higher educational institutions and more than 250,000 college students, heady intellects are easy to find. But, this week’s guest, Jay Calderin, is literally a fashion genius. Immersed in the world-of-fashion since the age of 14, Jay Calderin is a “Who’s Who” in the fashion industry and arguably is the intellectual force behind Boston’s fashion scene. As the founder of Boston Fashion Week over 25 years ago, Director of Community Relations at the School of Fashion Design, Boston, and successful international author of numerous fashion design books (see links), Calderin’s fashion energy and “can do” spirit has catapulted Boston into an international fashion destination. You’ll be as awe-inspired as we were listening to Calderin explain significant industry transitions over the past several decades including the ever-increasing role of technology, an international advance towards sustainability, online fashion education, and the importance of local community involvement in fashion events. In addition, Calderin also details the fascinating role Boston now plays in the international fashion community. Given its vast student population, the college experience in many ways acts as a two-way exchange of ideas and culture as students graduate and ultimately disseminate a “Boston style” across the globe. Calderin is the ultimate guest. He’s a designer, entrepreneur, academic, author, and fashion community organizer! Moreover, he’s articulate, humorous, and easy to listen to. Essentially, he’s everything you would expect from a fashion genius. Enjoy! Here are his books:  Fashion Design Essentials: 100 Principles of Fashion Design Form, Fit, Fashion: All the Details Fashion Designers Need to Know But Can Never Find What They Didn't Teach You in Fashion School Native Fashion Now: North American Indian Style The Fashion Design Reference & Specification Book: Everything Fashion Designers Need to Know Every Day

All the way from Kula Lumpur, 9,275 miles from our podcast studio in Detroit, Adam Minter, best-selling author and journalist joins the show via Skype to answer a myriad of questions regarding the secondhand fashion industry including “Who will be the last to kill your hoodie?” In Secondhand, Minter traces the lifespan and travels of various secondhand items donated to US charities and thrift stores, with a particular interest in clothing, only to find they have very specific geographic destinations based on quality, condition, durability, and demographics. For those in the fashion industry beating the sustainability drum, the book is a wakeup call and demonstrates the challenging work and complexity of issues that face the industry. For example, Minter applauds the industry for advances in reuse and rentables through the growth of such businesses as The RealReal and Poshmark, but justifiably derides the industry for its lack of transparency regarding detailed fabric content and chemical toxins. Secondhand is extremely well written, and for a non-fiction book, it reads like an intriguing “who done it” novel. Ultimately, Minter is optimistic about the fashion industry and is betting on technology, especially blockchain, to boost sustainability. Christine and Michael were impressed with Adam Minter for his journalistic integrity, his deep knowledge of the secondhand fashion industry, and his overall talent as a writer. Please enjoy the podcast. You can find the book here.

Fashioncast fans, we can’t say enough about Nicole Jarecz a young and extremely talented artist with an old soul for fashion illustration.  It’s a fascinating interview with Nicole as she delves deep into her experience as an artist including her early years, her education at the College for Creative Studies (CCS), and her “lucky” but unusual path into fashion illustration. Nicole is a busy woman raising two young daughters and working from home.  Nevertheless, she’s found time to illustrate. After ten years as a fashion illustrator, Nicole has completed work for a Who’s Who in the fashion world including Marie Claire, Glamour, Madame Figaro, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Hugo Boss just to name a few!  In addition, she’s in high demand to sketch at many fashion openings and exhibitions in and around the Detroit area. In this interview, you’ll discover new information about the use of fashion illustration in marketing versus photography, how to leverage a niche vocation, and the importance of pursuing your passion.  As Nicole mentions, given the technological advances in photography and design, fashion illustration is a dying art. But, with creative talent like Nicole’s, we can all experience fashion through a different form of art. Please find Nicole on Instagram at nicolejareczillustraion and her website to share the experience and beauty of her incredible work.  Enjoy!

The Director of the new Detroit Fashion Community (DFC), Elizabeth Kincaid, is in the studio this week Fashioncast fans and she’s making headlines about the launch of the organization. While careful not to reveal too much before the official launch date, January 1, 2020, Elizabeth tells us plenty about DFC’s mission, objectives, and partner collaborators. Detroit Fashion Community’s Founder and President, Latrice Delgado-Macon, who has been a guest on Fashioncast several times, is the creative energy behind the organization. Together with Latrice and a dedicated board, Elizabeth will orchestrate day-to-day activities and help build the outreach and collaborative partnerships that will be instrumental in making Detroit a fashion destination. In addition to news about the DFC, Christine and Mike manage to tease out Elizabeth’s own background and experience in the fashion industry including how her Native American lineage has provided her inspiration for her own new business starting sometime in 2020. It’s a fascinating personal story with deep roots in West Virginia that winds its way to Detroit. We find out how, and along the way, we also discuss Elizabeth’s degree and work in psychology and the new role psychology is playing in fashion education. Of course, Mike asks a predictable sustainability question or two to wrap up the show. Whew! So much discussed about different areas of the industry on this show, we’re certain your weekly fashion update will be complete. Enjoy!

Julia Schenke, owner of Dresscode by Julia, rocks this episode of Fashioncast.  Julia is full of positive energy, a great sense of humor, and lots of in-depth personal style advice.  Julia, born in Germany, has an incredible background story to share about her entry into the world-of-fashion, her extensive experience in the German garment industry, and the eventual launch of her own styling business.  Julia’s sense of style is so unique, the style itself could be a brand! Christine and Mike credit Julia’s European background and the influence it continues to play in her style advice. It’s edgy, crisp, unique, coordinated, individual, and confident.  Just what every stylist is trying to exhibit, but few do, especially the way Julia does! Listen, learn and laugh as Julia schools us on style and more. Enjoy!

In one of the most inspirational and moving interviews you’ll ever hear, Mary Alice Stephenson, GLAM4GOOD Founder and the official “Mother Teresa of Fashion,” teams with Patrick Shaner, U.S. Communications Expansion Specialist at H&M, to give back to poverty-stricken children in Detroit. From the first question to the last, Mary Alice, a salt-of-the-earth person and part of the “Who’s Who” in the world-of-fashion passionately explains the genesis of GLAM4GOOD, the foundation’s mission, strategic collaboration with key fashion partners, and her special relationship with H&M. Listen as Mary Alice brings those in the studio to tears describing how GLAM4GOOD assists in providing clothing to a multitude of individuals in need from natural disaster survivors, injured veterans, and those caught in the cycle-of-poverty, to victims of domestic violence. However, as Mary Alice can personally attest, managing a nonprofit like GLAM4GOOD requires an army of volunteers, partners, and financial support to make a meaningful impact. Enter H&M, as Mary Alice describes, it was “divine intervention” when the company contacted GLAM4GOOD to collaborate nationally. H&M donated $100,000 worth of new clothing in just one day at the Detroit event! That’s commitment! While the donation was substantial, the genuine goodwill for the community, the company, and H&M employees is incalculable. So, Fashioncast fans, listen and learn about what really matters from Mary Alice Stephenson, the industry’s preeminent leader on fashion philanthropy. WARNING—tissues required!

Stunning! It’s the only word to can describe the two guests on this episode of Fashioncast. Mrs. Michigan 2019, Rachel Adenaas and recent winner of the Miss Michigan USA 2020 contest, Chanel Johnson, agreed to appear together and talk about life challenges, their paths to pageant victory, and of course, fashion! You couldn’t see it, but these two beautiful women came to the studio dressed in high style and a sense of fashion elegance. They even brought and wore their sashes! You’ll marvel at how each lady decided to compete for their respective crowns, the first-hand experience of training and competing, and how they seem to effortlessly juggle a year-long schedule of appearances and commitments on behalf of their once-in-a-lifetime position. Finally, we actually talk fashion including how specific outfits are chosen, designer sponsorship, and upcoming events! One of our most intriguing and motivational podcasts to date. Enjoy!

It’s a Friday night styling packed show Fashioncast fans! From the Foundation Hotel podcast studio in Detroit, Christine and Mike interview arguably the two most notable stylists in Michigan, Latrice Delgado-Macon, aka “Lady Latrice,” and Marv Neal, aka “Smiling Styling Marv.” Both have been in the personal style and celebrity stylist business for the past 20 years and have been collaborating for the past eight years. When it comes to the business of fashion, especially in Detroit, the Dynamic Duo is everywhere and knows all the players. Christine and Mike ask what seems like a million questions, but the Duo answers them all with ease and confidence. You’ll hear about 2019/2020 fashion trends, what’s in and what’s out, upcoming Detroit fashion events, the scrappy nature of being a stylists in today’s world-of-fashion, some breaking fashion news, and even Latrice’s reveal that in January 2020 she will begin teaching as a part-time fashion professor at Wayne State University. It’s a Detroit fashion scene update you won’t soon forget! Enjoy.

Listen close Fashioncast fans as the globe-trotting Canadian swimwear designer Ana Stulic is a rare interview in the world of fashion. A native of Croatia, raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, schooled in Europe and Asia, and now a frequent visitor to the USA, Christine and Mike have appointed Ana the unofficial title of "Ambassador of Fashion" for Canada! In this episode, you’ll hear how Ana, "for as long as she can remember," has been immersed in fashion, and with a little family encouragement, attended the Instituto Marangoni the private Italian school of fashion and design, one of the top ten fashion schools in the world. Ana is multi-lingual, beautiful, creative and intelligent. But her journey has been one of intrigue highlighted with its own peaks and valleys. Through it all, a positive and persistent Ana has stayed true to her love of fashion and design. As the interview progresses, Ana shares a gold mine of fashion wisdom nuggets for both experienced and emerging designers. After participating in Miami Swim Week 2019, Ana’s advice regarding the “fashion show circuit” is especially compelling as she debriefs us on the behind-the-scenes production and effort demanded from designers and their teams. Ana closes the interview reflecting on fashion networking, sustainability, and her beloved puppy Nino’s unexpected trip to the vet! If you’re like Christine and Mike, you’ll be left wondering how soon this fashion diplomat can make it back to the show!

It’s an interview for the record books Fashioncast fans. Co-hosts Christine and Mike are still trying to recover from the overflow of astounding fashion information from the one and only Aki Choklat. Literally, fresh off his recent triumph as being named Hour magazine’s Best-Dressed in Detroit (on the cover), Aki Choklat, international shoe and accessories designer, Chair of Fashion Accessories Design at the College for Creative Studies, entrepreneur, accomplished fashion author, and all-around fashion intellectual brings his “A” game to the studio.    From his humble beginnings in Jyväskylä, Finland, to his formal education studying political science and interning for a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C., it’s an incredible journey that ultimately lands Aki in Europe as a well-known shoe designer.  Moreover, Aki’s a walking encyclopedia of fashion information from key historical fashion designers to current trends and influencers.   Finally, Aki’s an all-around nice guy with a voice for radio and a keen sense of humor.  What more could a listener ask for? In this episode, it’s the ultimate fashion interview with one of the very best.  Enjoy!

Well, just when the Fashioncast hosts thought they were done for the afternoon, along came RC Caylan, another 2019 FashionSpeak workshop presenter, with a story so powerful we decided to release it as a separate podcast. Listen and take the journey, and connect the dots to another unbelievable fashion story so powerful Christine and Mike sat wide-mouthed more than once! An incredible story is told of RC’s initial curiosity about fashion observing his grandmother a full-time seamstress and garment worker neighbors, to his frustrating starts and stops into and out of the industry, to meeting the love of his life and moving to Grand Rapids, MI. And, oh, and by-the-way, did we mention his off-the-charts success with his luxury bridal dresses and high-end couture? In just 3.5 years RC’s designs have been seen in Vogue and on runways around the world. He’s now a sought after celebrity designer and will be opening his first by appointment only shop in Grand Rapids by the end of 2019. You’ll love RC’s industrious attitude and his down-to-earth personality. No doubt, we’ll be hearing more from this emerging superstar designer. You can visit his website here: http://www.rccaylan.com/

We’re not sure how they accomplished this one Fashioncast fans, but FahsionSpeak was able to recruit Jolie Altman, the prized jewelry designer from Birmingham, MI to be the 2019 Conference’s Keynote Speaker. In this interview, Jolie explains her amazing and unintentional path into the fashion world. From designing and making jewelry for herself to a year-round business providing upscale one-of-a-kind jewelry at truck shows and special fashion events across the country. Jolie’s central message? “Make the art for yourself.” It seems obvious, but all too often designers find themselves creating for others instead of themselves, and lose the artistic edge in the process. Jolie’s story is full of twists and turns, some “luck” as she likes to say, and a ton of effort. No wonder she was invited to be the Keynote Speaker! And, as if the interview with Jolie wasn’t enough, Kay of Kay Kay Fashions weaves a fashion narrative that blew the hosts away. No spoilers here, but Kay's story from the world of politics and law to fashion is more than a head-turner. In addition, it’s not only how Kay ended-up in fashion, but it’s also about her extraordinary success, her beautiful personality, and a loving and supportive mother. Let the happy tears flow, two incredible stories chosen at random at a fashion conference. What are the odds?

If Karen Buscemi isn’t the epitome of leadership in Detroit’s world-of-fashion nobody is! Fashioncast fans will love Karen’s energy, focus and sense of mission. In fact, before she began the interview she mentioned ten minutes would be the most she could hang out, luckily we wrapped up in eight! Karen is the Founder and President of the Detroit Garment Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting education and opportunities in Detroit’s fashion community, and the CEO of Detroit Sewn, a full-time cut-and-sew manufacturer based in Pontiac, MI. Karen explains the objective of FashionSpeak & Verge, it’s phenomenal growth, and the support of key partners. Also, on Part 1 meet Aferdita Rakipi a long-time, well-traveled, and highly experienced brand PR consultant. As one of the Conference’s key workshop leaders for 2019, Aferdita lead the emerging designers on a Trade Show tour and demonstrated in detail how to engage consumers. The “Trade Show Pro” went down some glorious rabbit holes with Christine about her upbringing, education, background and eventual foray into fashion. Part I is a listener’s delight.

Join Fashioncast at the Second Annual Michigan Fashion Summit for a day of fashion energy and excitement. In Part I of the podcast Christine and Mike interview the gifted, talented and always energetic Loren Hicks, Founder of Michigan Fashion Week and the Michigan Fashion Summit, about her background in the fashion industry, her motivation to collaborate with anybody and everybody interested in fashion, and the her on-going projects. Next they interview Marv Neal, celebrity stylist, and all-around nice guy, about the many local and national celebrities on his “A” list, his introduction and tenure in the industry, and his commitment to the Detroit fashion scene. Finally, Summit attendee and emerging designer, Alex May, explains his “passion for fashion,” as he details his brand, tonymac.co, and reveals a new all-wool unisex bomber jacket. Christine brings her “A” game!

Perk up listeners, Lady Latrice is in the house! Fashion celebrity stylist and visual merchandiser Latrice Delgado-Macon graces the Fashioncast studios and schools the hosts and audience on the-world-of fashion styling. An entrepreneur stylist and speaker, visual merchandiser, personal development mentor, and radio host for her own show Fashion Talk, Lady Latrice hits it out of the park answering in-depth questions about: The roles stylists and designers perform Why visual merchandising is critical in all forms of retail Fashion trends 2020 and beyond Resale in retail And the ever daunting issue of sustainability in fashion. Finally, Lady Latrice is genuinely a beautiful person inside and out, smart, humorous, and extremely stylish! Put those running shoes on Fashioncast fans, you’re going to need them to keep up with this week’s fast-paced guest!

You’ll be very happy you joined the Fashioncast listening club for this episode folks! He’s a handsome, educated, experienced, humorous fashionista trendsetting actor, writer, and model—who could ask for a better podcast/YouTube guest? BTW—did we mention he has a great voice and knows how to use it too! Ryan Scott Lax, Michigan native, and all-around good guy, describes how he’s honed his unique “look.” He details exactly why an actor/celebrity/public figure needs to “work” on their image and build their own fashion identity. Throughout the interview, Ryan places the designer front-and-center as the catalyst between too much individualism and tasteful style. Finally, Ryan talks about his time in Los Angeles and describes the “LA look,” his love for New York City and its cutting-edge fashion culture, the real difference between acting on stage versus film, and his disdain for casual Fridays! You know you’re a hit when hard-hitting and fast-talking Christine invites you back to the show before the credits even start to roll! Encore!!