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On this week’s episode of the Glossy Podcast, we catch up with Clare Waight Keller, named Uniqlo’s creative director early this month. Waight Keller discusses her transition from designing at luxury fashion houses to leading the creative direction at a global retail giant, and her plans for Uniqlo's future.
After studying at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design and earning her master’s degree from the Royal College of Art, Waight Keller held design roles at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. She later worked under Tom Ford at Gucci before taking the helm at Pringle of Scotland in 2005. In 2011, she became the creative director at Chloé, where her feminine, free-spirited designs took off. In 2017, she made history as the first female creative director at Givenchy, where she famously designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.
Waight Keller is now taking on a new challenge at Uniqlo, merging her luxury design sensibilities with the brand’s technological innovations and global reach. “Good design is good design, whether it’s on a luxury runway or in a global retail store,” she said.
For Waight Keller, the appeal of Uniqlo lies in its integrity and focus on quality. “What was most surprising to me was how similar the design process at Uniqlo is to that of a luxury house," she said. "We approach it with the same level of care and craftsmanship. The difference is in scale." But she doesn’t see the size of Uniqlo’s operations as a hindrance. Instead, she embraces it as a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience while maintaining a high standard of design.
But one challenge she is realizing is merging fashion with innovation. “The innovation at Uniqlo is unparalleled," she said. "The access to cutting-edge fabrics and the [company's] commitment to performance-based design is something I’m really excited about.”
In addition to innovation, Waight Keller is focused on sustainability. As she steps into her new role, she’s pushing Uniqlo even further toward environmentally conscious fashion. “We’re already doing a lot, but I believe we can do even more," she said. "Sustainability is crucial, but so is longevity. We want to create pieces that last, both in terms of style and durability."
Uniqlo’s focus on essential, timeless pieces has been refreshing, Waight Keller said. “At Givenchy, I was designing up to 10 collections a year. At Uniqlo, it’s two. But the pressure is still there — it’s about making sure every piece is perfect. We’re creating wardrobe staples that can stand the test of time, and that’s where I find the challenge."
She added, “Fashion doesn’t have to be fleeting. With Uniqlo, I’m designing for everyone, from teenagers experimenting with style to professionals looking for the perfect tailored suit." Her vision is to make high-quality, stylish clothing accessible and inclusive, across all demographics and generations.
Men’s fashion at Uniqlo is a category she plans to expand. “From the first collection, we had so many men asking when we’d launch menswear. Now, it’s here, and the response has been incredible,” she said.
As Waight Keller looks ahead, she's excited to build upon Uniqlo's strong foundation, she said. “I’ve got so much access to the tools I need to push the boundaries," she said. "My goal is to take Uniqlo to the next level, without losing what makes the brand special: quality, accessibility and timeless style." -
This London Fashion Week brings to mind politics, with the country getting caught up in a buzzy election earlier this year, leading to a victory for the Labour party. Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee, who founded her label in 2014, has become a favorite of political figures including Victoria Starmer, wife of U.K. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who has been spotted wearing Lee’s creations at major public events.
Known for her bold use of color, modernist approach and clean, structured silhouettes, Lee’s designs have gained widespread attention from influential women in the art world and politics alike. This year, Lee is expanding her brand in exciting ways. Alongside her vibrant new runway collection, she is introducing her first-ever footwear line and a childrenswear range, the latter of which will launch exclusively at Harrods.
Known for her specialist retail approach, Lee places a strong emphasis on exclusivity and craftsmanship, using trunk shows and bespoke retail experiences to connect with her loyal customer base. Her designs have become increasingly popular in the United States, where she has cultivated a strong following through curated events and personal shopping experiences.
In this London Fashion Week episode of the Glossy Podcast, Lee delves into her journey from dressing the art world to showing on the runway, her expansion into new product categories and her secrets to captivating a global audience, particularly in the U.S. -
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NYC-based luxury womenswear brand Lafayette 148 has earned a loyal, influential customer base in its 28-year history — many members of which turned out for the brand’s spring 2025 collection presentation in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood on Monday. Among recognizable attendees viewing the elegant, art-inspired designs were actresses Beanie Feldstein, Rachel Brosnahan and Karen Pittman, among others.
A designer at the company for 22 years, starting as a design assistant, Emily Smith is now Lafayette 148’s creative director. As such, her work is largely fueling the brand’s fandom.
“It’s women dressing women,” Smith said on the latest Glossy Podcast. “We know the fuss of getting dressed in the morning and what you do and don’t want to deal with. … And we want to dress our customer seven days a week.”
Also on the podcast, Smith discussed the importance of fashion week in today’s fashion ecosystem, the secrets to navigating the “up and down” luxury market, and the perks of working for a “completely vertical” company. -
After training under the biggest designers in fashion, Christian Juul Nielsen has been building his own brand, Aknvas, since 2019. Now, he’s ready to take it to the next level.
Juul Nielsen’s resume includes years of design roles under Christian Lacroix, John Galliano and Raf Simmons, and at brands including Dior, Oscar de la Renta and J.Mendel. In 2023, he left his post as creative director of Herve Léger to start Aknvas. The brand has since been picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue and FWRD, among other luxury retailers, and worn by “it” girls including J. Lo and Sabrina Carpenter.
On Monday, Aknvas will host a runway show featuring its spring 2025 collection. It will serve as a launchpad for its first accessories: a handbag line made up of mini, boxy styles in different pastel shades.
“We’ve built a platform and knowledge about the brand — it’s the right time to add accessories,” Juul Nielsen said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast, acknowledging the growth opportunity.
He also discussed the difference between running a fashion brand in the U.S. versus Europe, the challenges of heading up both the business and the creative side of his company, and the scenario in which he’d take on an investor. -
Kate Davidson Hudson is among the utmost Fashion Month experts, having experienced the shows from a variety of perspectives — as a fashion editor, a street style star and, now, a retail company founder and CEO.
In March, Davidson soft-launched Vêtir, which she describes as a “smart shopping app.” It allows users to shop via an AI-powered personalized selection of styles based on their app interactions, a selection of styles populated by a personal stylist or a feed featuring the newest products from Vêtir’s luxury brand partners, among other capabilities. Vêtir recently opened a storefront in NYC’s Hudson Yards where its partner stylists and their clients can meet for IRL styling appointments.
Before Vêtir, Davidson Hudson co-founded Editorialist, providing personal shopping services to luxury shoppers. And earlier in her career, she spent nearly a decade as an accessories editor at publications including Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. A fashion show regular throughout her career, she has also earned a reputation as a street-style photographer darling.
On the latest Glossy Podcast, Davidson Hudson discusses her Fashion Month experience and the importance of her attendance at fashion shows today. She also discusses how Vêtir is enabling shoppable Fashion Month runways and what inspired the company’s latest event, held on the first night of New York Fashion Week.
Throughout New York Fashion Week, from September 6-11, check back for more daily podcast episodes featuring influential fashion insiders, from editors to designers. -
A Central Saint Martins alum and one-time CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, designer Christian Cowan founded his namesake brand in 2017 after Lady Gaga’s support thrust him into the spotlight. Today, the London native who now resides in NYC is well-known for his fun, attention-grabbing designs. They’ve been selling at retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue since Cowan became serious about growing the business.
“You’ve got to grow the business so you can do bigger and bolder creative ideas — it’s about being able to facilitate a bigger creative vision,” Cowan says on the Glossy Podcast. “I love the hustle and strategy behind growing a brand that survives.”
Also on the podcast, Cowan discusses his New York Fashion Week Spring 2025 collection and stress-free approach to the corresponding show. He also shares his take on why “meteoric rises” of designers no longer happen in fashion.
Throughout New York Fashion Week, from September 6-11, check back for more daily podcast episodes featuring influential fashion insiders, from editors to designers. -
Started in Brazil 22 years ago by creative director Patricia Bonaldi, Patbo expanded to the U.S. in 2017 and has since hit its stride in the states. For example, to answer demand, it opened a store in Miami earlier this year.
Ahead of the brand’s September 10 runway show at New York Fashion Week, Bonadi joined the Glossy Podcast to discuss Patbo’s growth, as well as the strategies that are working to its advantage. For example, it’s leaned into its customers’ demand for runway pieces, marketing them as such and selling select styles in its stores. And it’s maintained its product focus on handwork and craftsmanship, whether or not the look fits the vibe of the moment.
“By looking at how others work, you lose yourself,” Bonaldi said. “I care about consistency and evolution, not [industry] trends.”
Bonadi also discussed how Patbo’s business is faring as traveling and going out — two events for which Patbo styles seem made — have held steady as choice pastimes.
Throughout New York Fashion Week, from September 6-11, check back for more daily podcast episodes featuring influential fashion insiders, from editors to designers. -
At a time when DEI initiatives are regressing and investment in BIPOC brands is dropping, Raise Fashion continues to make an impact. As described by Felita Harris, a founding board member and now the CEO of the nonprofit organization, Raise has remained dedicated to advancing the equity of BIPOC talent in the fashion industry since its launch in 2020.
"Represented individuals have an ecosystem where they can network, receive financial opportunities and distribute their products with a certain level of ease. Underrepresented talent does not have the same opportunities. So we are building a pro bono and operational ecosystem that services the voices of underrepresented, often BIPOC talent,” Harris said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast.
For example, through a Masterclass series, Raise awards and supports 10 BIPOC designers each year. On Wednesday, this year’s Masterclass designers, including Fe Noel, Charles Harbison and K.NGSLEY, will present their spring 2025 collections at a New York Fashion Week event hosted by Raise Fashion and sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch.
“For us, it's about creating this environment where [BIPOC] designers can receive the information they need — the networking and resources that are required to scale,” Harris said. “And they're doing it in a community that wants to embrace the change and inclusion that is necessary to evolve the fashion industry.”
Harris also discussed the state of diversity in fashion, the importance of NYFW participation and Raise Fashion’s long-term mission. -
On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week.
This week, we talk about Nordstrom's earnings results and what they mean for the struggling luxury retail sector, thirsty Jeremy Allen White's second campaign for Calvin Klein, and Walmart’s move to start selling pre-owned luxury goods. -
After 16 years in business, advanced contemporary fashion brand L’Agence is hitting the gas on growth. On top of introducing a Jean Bar retail concept, starting with a new store in L.A., the brand is expanding internationally to Europe and Asia — since early July, it’s opened stores in Paris and Seoul. Category expansion is also a key part of the strategy: In the last three years, L’Agence has launched shoes and swimwear, and it will soon introduce sleepwear, intimate apparel and belts. In addition, building on the success of a recent candle release, the brand will be going deeper into the home category. And a future beauty category, complete with cosmetics and fragrances made in Paris, is in the works.
According to L’Agence founder and chairman Jeff Rudes, customer behavior will determine the timing of the home and beauty category launches.
“She has to be so brand loyal that she’ll pick up the bottle [of perfume] at Saks and say, ‘I’ve got to try this.’ We’re not there yet,” he said. ”We’re very realistic about how to grow the brand. … She has to trust us and vote for what we’re doing. It’s all about timing. We have to get her to love more of what we’re doing, and then we’ll capture her [as a customer in other categories], for sure.”
Also on the podcast, Rudes and L’Agence fashion director Tara Rudes-Dann spoke about their New York Fashion Week plans, the new standards in customer service, and the road to “lifestyle brand.” -
On the latest Glossy Week in Review podcast, managing editor Tatiana Pile joins international fashion reporter Zofia Zwieglinska to break down some of the most talked-about fashion moments from this week’s Democratic National Convention.
The discussion highlights Vice President Kamala Harris's hair and outfit choices, which have sparked conversations about style and representation in politics. It also touches on Michelle Obama's style picks for the DNC and her influence on current trends. Additionally, the hosts call out the buzzy fashion items spotted at the convention, including Tuckernuck's Jackie dress and the union-made Harris-Walz camo hat. -
In the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast, international reporter Zofia Zwieglinska sits down with Lucy Aylen, founder of the U.K.-based fashion brand Never Fully Dressed.
Known for its bold prints, size-inclusive designs and vibrant community, the 15-year-old brand has seen 42% year-on-year sales growth this year and has expanded its store footprint. Its styles, which include the popular Jaspre skirt, "boob shirt" and reversible wrap dress, have been worn by Lena Dunham and Beyoncé, among other stars.
On the podcast, Aylen discusses the brand’s U.S. expansion, including with stores in NYC's Nolita neighborhood and L.A.'s Melrose Place, both of which opened in June. In addition, she offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. For her part, Aylen started her brand with a stall in London's Spitalfields market.
Tune in to learn how Aylen is building her brand while prioritizing inclusive fashion and community-building. -
On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, fashion reporter Zofia Zwieglinska and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week.
This week, they discuss how new signs of an upcoming recession are affecting U.S. spending, whether fashion will get more political as the election approaches, and how the FTC's ban on fake reviews will impact consumer behavior. -
Between creating and running the 11-year-old luxury footwear brand Brother Vellies and the 4-year-old non-profit organization Fifteen Percent Pledge, Aurora James has become a trusted voice in fashion.
Her work hasn't stopped there. James has served as the vice chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America since January 2023. The same year, she published her memoir, "Wildflower," which was released via paperback last month. And she also co-manages the Parity Collective, a private equity fund created to invest in founders of color.
While James admits that balancing all of her ventures can prove challenging, her goal of changing the narrative around entrepreneurship in fashion is one of her biggest driving forces. "I want to manage expectations for people about what life is supposed to be like when you take on that much work or even what it means to be an entrepreneur," James said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. "It's a lot, and burning out in that situation is normal, and failing sometimes is normal, too."
Another of James's goals is to further her advocacy for more diversity in fashion.
Also on the podcast, the multi-hyphenate discusses her role in the push for expanding DE&I initiatives in fashion. Plus, she digs into the less glamorous, yet vital, sides of entrepreneurship. -
On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, fashion reporter Zofia Zwieglinska and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week.
This week, they recap the Copenhagen Fashion Week highlights, discuss why Ralph Lauren is proving an exception to luxury's slump and break down the brand strategies that won the back-to-school shopping season. -
Fifteen years after starting his fashion brand, Jonathan Simkhai is still growing it — without financial help.
“The business is privately held, and we have not taken on any outside investment,” Simkhai said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. “I am open to the idea, but we're also very happy just moving along and growing the business organically.”
Coinciding with that growth has been the opening of four Simkhai stores — in Southampton, Beverly Hills, NYC’s SoHo neighborhood and Dallas. There have also been marketing investments via global runway shows. This September, Simkhai will return to the New York Fashion Week runway, largely driven by customer demand.
"In our stores, I've heard so many clients say, 'Are you doing a show?' and 'We want to come to your show,'” he said. “In being so focused on the clients and meeting their needs and being there for them, I really want to do a show so I can have them there and give them that experience.”
Also on the podcast, Simkhai discussed why he values time in his brand’s stores, why specialty stores have an advantage over department stores and why experimentation is important to a modern fashion business. -
On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and international reporter Zofia Zwieglinska break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week.
This week, we take a look at the recent earnings reports from brands including Prada, Adidas, Armani and Hugo Boss to break down what’s happening in fashion financially. Some standouts include Miu Miu's amazing growth, inflation's pressure on luxury shoppers and Adidas’s recovery from the Yeezy debacle. -
As CMO of San Francisco-based Rothy's, Jamie Gersch is fueling sustainability-focused innovation in fashion. With a rich background in retail, including roles at Old Navy and Gap, Gersch brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Rothy's when she joined in 2022.
Following its inception in 2012, Rothy's made its mark by turning plastic waste into stylish, comfortable shoes. And, in recent years, the brand has expanded its product assortment to include bags and other accessories, while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. Rothy's has 3 million customers through 20 retail stores and e-commerce in 19 countries, plus the vertically integrated company operates its own factory in China. In fiscal year 2022, the last year before it went private, Rothy's net revenue was $183 million, with annual revenues consistently over $150 million.
Gersch has been instrumental in the brand's growth by focusing on innovative marketing strategies, enhancing the brand's digital presence and expanding its physical retail footprint.
Under Gersch's leadership, Rothy's has relaunched its website to better tell its sustainability story. Plus, her approach to tapping into authentic communities and leveraging experiential marketing has driven significant engagement and brand loyalty.
Rothy's commitment to sustainability is evident in its production processes. The brand uses a unique 3D knitting technology to create its shoes, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. This method allows Rothy's to produce shoes that are not only environmentally friendly but also durable and comfortable. The company has recycled millions of plastic bottles to create its signature thread, transforming waste into high-quality, stylish products.
The brand's retail strategy includes opening new stores in key markets — it recently opened a location on New York City's Flatiron neighborhood. By providing consumers with the opportunity to experience Rothy's products in person, the brand strengthens its connection with its audience and showcases the tangible benefits of its sustainable practices. It has plans for further expansion.
On the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast, Gersch discusses Rothy's current initiatives and future direction, including the launch of its new summer footwear lines, its international expansion, its experiential marketing and its relaunch of rothys.com. -
On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and international fashion reporter Zofia Zwieglinska break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week.
This week, we take a look at the Paris Olympics, which begin Friday night, including some of our favorite (and least favorite) opening ceremony outfits and the many ways brands are getting in on the excitement. Later, we talk about the week's big creative director departures, including Peter Hawkings from Tom Ford, and why creative director tenures are trending shorter. - Vis mere
