The Other A.I

Welcome to Luxe Stories, a new original series on SiriusXM that delves into the untold stories behind the world's most iconic luxury brands.In our premiere episode, we focus on the enigmatic Coco Chanel—the woman who revolutionized modern fashion and whose aesthetic style became a symbol of cultural transformation."Joining host Pauline is renowned fashion historian and New York Times columnist Rhonda Garelick. Together, they explore Coco's difficult early years -- how they shaped her tastes and fueled her rise.They also confront her wartime affiliations with the Nazi party, affairs with powerful men, conflicts with her longtime business partners, and bitter rivalries with other designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Paul Poiret.Finally, they reflect on how her successor, Karl Lagerfeld, rescued the brand from near obscurity, how he transformed it with his own bold vision and unapologetic flair, and how Coco herself might react to her brand today as well as the fashion industry that she once ruled. 

Pauline is joined by Maryam Banikarim - a longtime C-suite executive, Emmy-winning producer, and community builder - for a conversation about the power of community and connection. On the business front, Maryam has held senior roles at Fortune Media, Nextdoor, Hyatt, Gannett, NBCUniversal, and Univision. On the community front, she co-founded NYCNext, a grassroots movement that was originally was launched to re-energize New Yorkers in the wake of the pandemic.During the conversation, Pauline and Maryam dive into two distinct topics:The Longest Table - a simple, but magical idea - which Maryam co-founded in 2022 to address the 'epidemic of loneliness' by bringing neighbors together for an outdoor potluck. In 2024, Maryam's table in Chelsea attracted more than 1,000 participants and is now being replicating in more than 200 cities across the country. The Messy Parts - Maryam's new podcast series that dives into the unexpected, undesirable and oftentimes untold stories behind even the most successful people's careers. Through these conversations, Maryam has gained fascinating insights into the detours, doubts, and struggles that ultimately shape our journeys and drive our successes.

Pauline is joined in the studio by Edda Gudmundsdottir - whose work spans editorial styling, runway shows, music videos, and costume design and whose clients include Björk, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift, as well as fashion houses like Balmain, Valentino, and Gucci - for an in-depth discussion on how clothes can be used for visual storytelling. The two long-time friends discuss how Edda parlayed her background as a ballet dancer to break into the world of fashion; how her Icelandic origins shaped her sense of style; and where she looks for up-and-coming trends and cultural inspiration.

On today's show Pauline is joined by Nicole Feld Strauss, a veteran producer of live entertainment. Throughout her career, Nicole overseen an array of spectacular events, including Marvel Universe, Disney On Ice, Sesame Street Live!, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. During the conversation Nicole shares insights on what makes an experience truly unforgettable; how she goes about creating experiences that inspire and delight diverse audiences; and how technology is reshaping the type of experiences that producers can deliver.The two also discuss how Nicole's learnings from the world of entertainment apply to those trying to create special experiences of their own - whether it be hosting a party, preparing for a client dinner or planning a family vacation.

Pauline is joined in the studio by Emma McIlroy, founder of the mission-driven brand Wildfang, which challenges people to rethink gender norms and how they show up in fashion.The brand has built a cult following, including with celebrities like Janelle Monae, Lizzo, Evan Rachel Wood, and Debbie Harry.During the conversation, Emma shares why she decided to start Wildfang more than a decade ago, how the brand has evolved, what challenges she faced along the way, and how she continues to ensure that Wildfang will remain relevant, inclusive and desirable amid the changing social and culture climate.

What do the brands people buy and the places they shop reveal about their lifestyles, values, ideals and aspirations?Pauline is joined in the studio by renowned marketing professor Americus Reed of the Wharton Business School for a provocative discussion about how our self-identities influence our buying decisions as well as how companies can leverage identity-based marketing strategies to build their brands and bolster their businesses.

Pauline is joined by Rhonda Garelick, the founding director of Hofstra University's Institute for Public Humanities and the Arts. Rhonda also is a columnist for the New York Times Style Section and the author of three books, including “Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History.” Together, Pauline and Rhonda discuss the science of ugliness -- who is ugly? And who decides? How much of our perceptions of ugliness are determined by biology and genetics vs. cultural and societal norms?The two women also discuss how social media is reshaping our standards of beauty and the impact of technologies - like GLP-1 drugs and plastic surgery - on our perceptions and ideals.

Pauline is joined by longtime friend and top-notch wealth manager Jill Schildkraut-Katz for a conversation on what it means to be wealthy and how to achieve it. Together, they cover a range of topics, including what people - at all ages and income levels - can do to build wealth and ensure financial independence; how to assess risk and withstand volatility in the market; how to weigh the joy of acquiring luxury goods vs. investing in memorable experiences; what women can do to enhance their financial literacy and confidence; why so many athletes, entertainers and lottery winners eventually go bankrupt; and whether it's better to rent or buy a home!Jill also shares highlights from her own 30+ year career in finance and the best advice she received along the way.

Pauline is joined in the studio by Tracey Abbott, who recently decided to step back from her role as an operating partner at a leading private equity firm to become an executive coach for clients in private equity, venture capital and family offices. During the conversation Tracey reflects on her experiences in the world of private equity as well as in earlier roles at companies like PepsiCo, Foot Locker, Adidas, and Chick-fil-A. Together, they discuss why Tracey decided to move on from her corporate perch and launch her own practice and how she now works with clients to unlock their potential, overcome workplace challenges, resolve conflicts with co-workers, and ensure they're seen and heard and positioned for success.Tune in for ideas on how you can unleash your own professional talents and where you can turn for support in the process.

Pauline is joined by two experts in experiential design: Ann Morrow Johnson, former Head of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Emilie Baltz, an award-winning artist and digitial design leader, both from the world's largest design firm, Gensler.Together, they discuss how human senses and emotions are impacted by space design and how businesses can leverage their own spaces to create immersive customer experiences and convey rich and memorable stories.

Pauline invites two friends, Scott Goodson and Gulla Jonsdottir, to reflect on highlights (and lowlights) of the past year and share their predictions for 2025. Scott Goodson is the founder of the cutting-edge marketing and advertising agency StrawberryFrog, where he and his team have built some of the world's most iconic brands. Gulla is an award-winning architect and designer, renowned for her sensual aesthetic and unique spaces.

Pauline is joined in the studio by top-ranked retail analyst, Oliver Chen of TD Cowen. Together, they discuss retail trends of the past year and predictions for '25, including: which companies and segments are poised to win in the current marketplace; why growth of bricks-and-mortar stores continues to outpace e-commerce; how AI and other technologies are reshaping the retail industry; how fashion brands command cultural relevance and elicit desirability through innovative designs, merchandising and marketing; and what challenges and opportunities retailers will face in year ahead.

Pauline is joined on-air by her longtime friend, Guðrun Rógvadóttir, co-founder of the Nordic knitwear brand, Guðrun & Guðrun . Together, they discuss the distinct history and culture of Guðrun's homeland, the Faroe Islands; how her Faroese heritage shaped her current style and tastes; why she decided to launch her own global fashion brand; and how she and her co-founder continue to balance creativity with commerce, purpose with profits.

Pauline is joined in the studio by her own mother, Barbara Garris, who reflects on a half-century of experience raising 4 children (2 girls, 2 boys), then 4 grandchildren (2 boys, 2 girls) Barbara shares insights and observations, including: how expectations and styles of parenting have changed since the '60s; what challenges she faced especially in the early years, and how she overcame them; what parenthood has taught her about human nature; and what advice she has for new mothers today. Tune into this mother-daughter conversation and get a few tidbits from their son/grandson Julian too.

Pauline is joined by two friends - award-winning chef Angie Mar and food industry investor/advisor Nisha McGreevy - for a discussion about the ins and outs of opening, running and scaling a restaurant. The three women delve into why most restaurants fail within their first year and what differentiates those that thrive from those that barely survive?

Pauline is joined by longtime friend and serial entrepreneur Derek Pew for a deep dive into his practice for restoring people's intuitive powers, ridding them of self-imposted limitations, and helping them achieve full lives and successful careers. Derek shares more about his revelations and approach in his new book "The All: Manifesting Reality."

Pauline is joined by two dear friends, Blair Miller and Whitney Casey, to discuss the importance and complexity of building and sustaining female friendships. Together they explore how their closest female friendships have enriched their lives; why some friends last a lifetime and others fizzle out; and why bonds between women tend to be more intimate and fragile than those with men.

Pauline discusses psychedelic therapy and its power to break traumatic cycles and restore mind-body balance with holistic healer Chuchu Wang. Chuchu shares how she facilitates transformative "ceremonies," integrating plant-based medicine with meditation, breath work, body work and other soul-tending activities to help others rediscover inner peace and cultivate self-love.

Pauline is joined by top-ranked equity research analyst Oliver Chen of TD Cowen for an in-depth discussion on trends in the retail and luxury sectors. During this segment, Pauline and Oliver compare the positions and performances of leading beauty and fashion companies, and they discuss what differentiates the winners from the losers in this highly competitive and fast-changing marketplace.

Pauline is joined by longtime friend and beauty industry veteran Elana Szyfer for a discussion on the effect of technology on the creation, consumption and perception of beauty.

In this segment, Pauline discusses why so few successful companies stay successful. The vast majority fall into one (or more) classic business traps. She also shares insights on how the world's most successful companies (that is, the ones who've sustained their success over long periods of time) have overcome these classic traps through innovative aesthetic strategies.

In this episode Pauline discusses the external forces that have shaped the aesthetic styles and preferences of her next-generation friends and former students - Chiara Comoli, Maya Lopez & Helena Wang - each of whom work in the fashion industry and showcase their own blend of individuality and self-expression.

Pauline is joined by her longtime friend and college classmate, Judith Greenberg, for an intimate discussion about Judith's former roommate, Stacey Coverdale, who was killed in a car accident on the day of their college graduation. During the conversation, Judith reflects on the impact that Stacey had on her life and the memories that continue to haunt and inspire her some 36 years later.

On the heels of her 35th Dartmouth College reunion, Pauline reflects on the value, purpose and promise of reunions. In the case of her own most recent experience, she shares why she bothered to attend the event; what she had hoped to gain from it; what she dreaded about it; and why she is committed to going back!

In this episode Pauline interviews furniture and lighting designer Hagit Pincovici and architect Arianna Bavuso, co-founder of ⁠AB+AC Architects⁠, about their experiences in the wide world of design. They share their views on how architecture and furniture affect our well-being, what it means to be women in their male-driven field, and how new trends are reshaping their aesthetic tastes and lifestyles. Tune in for their insights and inspirations!

Welcome to today's exciting episode, where we're flipping the script! Pauline steps into the interviewee role, and you, our wonderful audience, become the curious interviewers. If you had the chance to pick her brain about her fascinating experiences and incredible discoveries within the vast realm of luxury goods, what burning questions would you have? What intrigues you the most?Tune in as we unveil the questions you posed and delve into Pauline's responses, providing a rare glimpse into the world of luxury and aesthetics. 

We often have to remind people that aesthetics, as we define it, is less about beauty than pleasure. Specifically, it is the pleasure we derive from perceiving an object or experience through our senses. The first step in developing Aesthetic Intelligence is to unblock your senses and to become more mindful of the stimuli that surrounds you. That awakening allows you to create more pleasurable, multisensorial experiences for youself and others around you, including your customers. In this episode, we cover some of our insights into how the senses work – individually and interactively – and how they drive human emotions, perceptions and behaviors. Towards the end, we delve deeper into sight and explore the latest color trends and how color affects our life.

Color analyst and image consultant Marina Thomas believes everyone can look amazing. All you need to know are your best colors ! In this conversation, we speak with her about the way color affects our mood and the way we are perceived.

Songs were created as a way to remember stories. Similar to how a wine sommelier pairs wine with cuisine, Keanna O'Quinn, Sonic Sommelier and founder of Honey & Vinyl pairs music with life's finest moments. In this episode of "The Other A.I." she reveals how she mastered this form of storytelling, rooted in the science of sound, to intentionally create entire sonic experiences the elevate and curates our moods.

In this conversation, we bring two fascinating women to talk about one of our favorite subjects: COLOR. Meredith Kinsman, VP of Brand & Digital Marketing at Benjamin Moore Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development at Benjamin Moore We explore the way color affects our mood and different tips on how to add color to our life and business. We´ll talk about paint, color psychology, curation and more.

In this conversation, we bring two fascinating women to talk about one of our favorite subjects: COLOR. Meredith Kinsman, VP of Brand & Digital Marketing at Benjamin Moore Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development at Benjamin Moore We explore the way color affects our mood and different tips on how to add color to our life and business. We´ll talk about paint, color psychology, curation and more.

A style icon is a person - living or dead - whom you most aspire to become or emulate stylistically. Who is yours?

Aesthetic Intelligence entails an appreciation of the senses — how and why various sensations trigger certain emotions and how to use aesthetic cues to create pleasurable and desirable experiences. In today's episode, we decided to get personal and talk about people's use (and misuse) of fashion cues and the effect that clothes have on our moods and wellbeing. In our quest to figure out how to put our own wardrobe to better use, make wiser shopping decisions, and rediscover joy through dressing, we invited our friend and favorite stylist, Cynthia Carr Gardner, to join us at A.I. Labs and share her advice. Here, we summarize her insights.

It takes only 3.3 seconds to register a smell, but the memory of it can last a lifetime. In fact, smells have a stronger link to memories and emotions than any of the other senses. How can you use scents to enhance your own wellbeing? And how can you use them to create desirable and memorable experiences for others?

The rise of ‘sneaker culture' — along with the increasingly outrageous (and outrageously priced) designs — have gotten us thinking about the cultural significance of this particular style of footwear. Why and how have sneakers become such an important status symbol? Is this a fad? Or a movement?

In this episode we invited a very special friend and A.I.Labs student, Olha Shtembuliak, to speak about how aesthetics is helping her in these uncertain times. Olha fled the war in Ukraine and is currently based in Bali. For the past 6 years, she has been immersed in the world of mindfulness and conscious entrepreneurship, working in the field of meditation and yoga retreats. The Ukraine situation, Buddhist philosophy and aesthetics as a reminder that life moves on are just some of the topics discussed.

Like everything in life, when it comes to developing your Aesthetic Intelligence it's the holistic picture that matters. Tapping into your taste levels is a somatic process that involves the embodiment of your senses and feelings, not just the acquisition of cognitive information. After all, mind and body are inextricably linked: to develop one, you must cultivate the other. Reaching an optimal mind-body balance in a world that keeps pushing the mind above everything else and numbing our senses through constant daily stresses, information overload and digital overexposure can become a challenge. Today, Pauline Brown invites integrative coach Joanne Heyman (both part of our tastemaker community) to uncover some of her favorite techniques to remain grounded and attuned to her body.

Like everything in life, when it comes to developing your Aesthetic Intelligence it's the holistic picture that matters. Tapping into your taste levels is a somatic process that involves the embodiment of your senses and feelings, not just the acquisition of cognitive information. After all, mind and body are inextricably linked: to develop one, you must cultivate the other. Reaching an optimal mind-body balance in a world that keeps pushing the mind above everythingelse and numbing our senses through constant daily stresses, information overload and digital overexposure can become a challenge. Today, Pauline Brown invites wellness guru Sarah Mundo (both part of our tastemaker community) to uncover some of her favorite techniques to remain grounded and attuned to her body.

Why is it that so few business leaders are as skilled in linguistics as in numerics? While most executives know how to use language for imparting information or directing people, very few are good at using language to inspire others, tap into their dreams, or express their heartfelt beliefs and ideals. Pauline and Paula have a few thoughts on what differentiates the most fabulous vocabulists from their less expressive peers. It all starts with word choice! Here are our guidelines for selecting words that work and using them to tell stories that stick.

Pauline Brown and Robin Albin draw from the best kept secrets in copywriting and storytelling to explore how we can use the power of words to engage with partners, team members and customers alike. We will disseminate language as a form to express your aesthetic vision, increase consumer engagement and longevity within industries. About the Guest Speaker Robin Albin is a brand strategists and conceptual innovator. She is the founder of branding and innovation collective INSURGENTS and is also one hell of a copywriter. Over her career, Robin has helped invent or reinvent over 50 brands. Some of the original brands she has helped create and steer to success include: Origins Natural Resources, Brilli Wellness Lighting, Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, DrinkLavit, Stetson Bourbon, Voli Vodka and GeoGirl Cosmetics. She has also helped many mature brands rediscover their “True North” in a contemporary way. Some of these include: Estée Lauder, Alpha-H, Darphin, Keepsake Engagement Rings, Playtex Apparel, Stetson Apparel and Klinger Advanced Aesthetics.

We continue last week´s conversation about luxury; why do people ascribe so much monetary value to goods with no practical value?

The word luxury comes from the Greek word luxus, meaning excess or having no practical value. That begs the question; why do people ascribe so much monetary value to goods with no practical value?

Discover the aesthetic trends of the coming years

Discipline, direction, healing, pleasure, pain, bonding, control… The connection between touch and emotion extends to these and many other aspects of life. Listen to some of our biggest Aha's on the topic.

Disgust is one of the primal emotions that define humanity yet it is seldom studied. In these episode, Pauline Brown and her team explore the history and science of this disgusting topic and compare it with their insights on beauty and delight!

Pauline is joined by National Geographic Explorer and former Miss Hawaii, Dr. Elizabeth Lindsay, and Icelandic knitwear designer, Steinunn Sigurdottir, on a journey through their native cultures and learns all about the people, places and traditions have influenced them along the way.

Each week we at A.I. Labs share news stories that relate, in one way or another, to ‘the Business of Aesthetics.' Sometimes the connections are clear: for example, stories on design and retail trends. But most of the stories we clip are only vaguely connected to the concept of aesthetics. These are the ones we find particularly interesting. We refer to them as our “Aesthetic Aha's!” A few of our “Aha's” have made their way into our weekly newsletters, but the vast majority end up in our ever-expanding reference library. Earlier this week, Pauline decided to take a look through the stacks of articles that we collected in 2021, and come up with a list of her biggest “Aesthetic Aha's of the Year.” Listen to discover her top four.

White, rosé, brut, demi-sec... what´s so special about champagne? Seth Box, Private Client Director at Moet Hennessy USA, joins us for the final Tastemaker Conversation of the year to learn about the history of champagne, trends in the wine & spirits sector and tips for selecting, storing, uncorking and pouring the best bottles!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the first official cohort of our Aesthetic Intelligence course. Leverage the power of your own senses, gain a deeper understanding of your own preferences, empathize with other people´s taste and learn to create lasting business value by delivering the one and only thing that everyone wants: aesthetic delight.

In today´s episode, Pauline invites her Mom Barbara Garris and her Business Partner Paula Oriol to a nostalgic conversation about the aesthetic legacies of those Tastemakers we lost in recent months.

Pauline and Paula discuss their latest Aesthetic Aha's, including the impact of art and eco-fashion at COP26; Mark Zuckerberg's mental (meta) breakdown; and the aesthetic genius of the Squid Games.