Episodes
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Sumedha Vemulakonda, Fashion & activism
In the eighth episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Sumedha Vemulakonda, Ambassador/ Activist for Remake Our World. Join Erica and Sumedha as they discuss her journey to becoming an ambassador for Remake Our World, and the tips she shares in order to help people change the Fast Fashion industry. Learn all about where Sumedha sees the fashion activism movement headed in the next 5- 10 years and find out ways you can help make fashion and the world a more sustainable industry.
Learn More about Sumedha Vemulkonda:
Sumedha Vemulakonda is an undergraduate student studying Economics, Journalism, and Law at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. As a true Economics nerd, and certified Fashionista, she’s combined her interests in her current passion: research into the labor rights within the fast fashion industry, and what needs to be done to protect them.
Like a lot of other fashion enthusiasts, Sumedha was guilty of valuing trendy clothes while turning a blind eye towards the multiple labor rights cases of abuse and various other ethical issues that underlie the production process of fast fashion. But after writing a paper on the sourcing models of these businesses, as well as publishing stories about sustainable fashion on her blog, À La Mode, she’s come to understand the role that the fashion industry plays in perpetuating labor and human rights abuse throughout the world. She continues to write articles about labor issues and human rights transgressions within the fast fashion industry for @remakeourworld. You can find her pieces linked on the remake website, where you can also find more information about resources and ways in which the activist community is trying to turn fashion into a force for good!
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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Ariele Elia, Fashion Law
In the seventh episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Ariele Elia, Assistant Director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University. Join Erica and Ariele as they discuss exactly what Fashion Law truly entails, her journey as a student of Art History to one of the pioneers of the fashion law field, the connection between her curation of the exhibit "Faking It: Originals, Copies, and Counterfeits” at the Museum of FIT and her decision to venture into the field of fashion law, the difference between a counterfeit and following trends, and the true meaning of sustainability ethical and legal practice. Later in the episode, Erica and Ariele dive into a rundown of the goals of the Fashion Law Institute and the amazing difference they are making in the industry, and Ariele’s predictions for the evolution of fashion law.
Learn More about Ariele Elia:
Ariele Elia is currently the Assistant Director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law. Previously, she served as the Assistant Curator of Costume and Textile at the Museum at FIT for seven years, where she curated or co-curated a number of exhibits including: "Faking It: Originals, Copies, and Counterfeits," “Global Fashion Capitals,” and "Black Fashion Designers.” Elia recently developed the course Cultural Awareness, Design Responsibility, and the Law at FIT.
She has lectured internationally at the United Nations, Oxford, and Columbia Law. In January the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal published her note “Fashion's Destruction of Unsold Goods: Responsible Solutions for an Environmentally Conscious Future”.
Her latest chapter, “Dapper Dan: The Original Streetwear Influencer,” will be published in the upcoming book Black Designers in American Fashion in 2021. Elia received a M.S.L. in Fashion Law from Fordham University School of Law. She also holds an M.A. in Fashion and Textile: History, Theory, and Museum Practices from FIT, and a B.A. in Art History from Saint Mary’s College of California.
You can follow along on Ariele’s journey via:
Instagram: @arielechantel
LinkedIn: Ariele Elia
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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Missing episodes?
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In the sixth episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Jodi Goodfellow, founder of Startup Fashion Week and co-founder of the FASH PR. Join Erica and Jodi as they discuss her journey as an educator and how her passion to mentor inspired Startup Fashion Week and how she was inspired by the tech industry in her business model. Listen as the two bond over the realities behind producing fashion shows, including Jodi recalling some of her wildest experiences that you’ll have to hear to believe!
Later in the episode, just in time for the 35th Annual Silver Needle Runway, Jodi gives the SNR team her best advice for keeping cool, calm, and collected on day of show.
Learn More about Jodi Goodfellow:
Jodi is the founder and executive producer of Startup Fashion Week, which she launched in 2014. SFW is the world’s only multi-city fashion week producing events in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Jodi has been a consultant and mentor to many entrepreneurs/designers/creatives resulting in her co-founding FASH PR, a boutique public relations agency specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She is one of Canada’s most connected and innovative leaders in fashion.
Instagram: @jodigoodfellow
Twitter: @jodigoodfellow
LinkedIn: @jodigoodfellow
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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In the fifth episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Tracy Wong, the founder of VOOR3D, a business to business, virtual solution to showcasing collections. Join Erica and Tracy as they discuss the inspiration behind VOOR3D, what drew her to the fashion industry, her work with the Hong Kong Productivity council, and much more! Later in the episode, Erica and Tracy discuss the evolution of fashion shows and content presentation, and what she anticipates will be the future of that.
Learn more about Tracy Wong:
Born in Hong Kong, raised in San Francisco, and now based in NYC, Tracy is a 2nd time founder & 10+ yrs fashion professional with a marketing background. She has held roles in design, merchandising, product dev. & production with brands big and small including Gap, Inditex, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, etc. She was a featured designer in San Francisco Fashion Week, and today, she's the founder of Voor, aiming to redesign the fashion business model to be synchronous, agile, and sustainable.
Instagram: @VOOR3D
@Iamvoorian
Twitter: @VOOR3D
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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On this week's episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway's Communication Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined internationally by Dan Pontarlier, author of the guide From Trash to Runway: Upcycling Men’s Menswear Into Unique Pieces and founder of DP The Label. Join Erica and Dan as they discuss how and why Dan decided to pivot into the fashion industry after working in the hospitality industry for over fifteen years and how he became passionate about sustainability. Later, you'll hear about the process and the inspiration behind Dan's practical guide, From Trash to Runway, where readers can learn how to upcycle their wardrobes without ever holding a needle and thread in their hand! But, stay tuned to hear an exclusive sneak peek into Dan's latest endeavor in creating his very first fashion line!
Learn more about Dan Pontarlier:
Dan is a teacher and a consultant in sustainability & marketing for the Hospitality and Fashion industries with almost 15 years of experience. For years, Dan has been able to help those who seek inspiration, help, or advice. In 2015, Dan finally decided to play this role thoroughly. Dan started to write about his passions, his thoughts, and his questions about society. Dan founded a blog to share his opinions, and it worked.
Since its foundation, Dan has been promoting sustainability in the world of fashion and hospitality. Dan is the former Responsible for CSR and Environment at the Barcelona Hotels Association, advising on sustainability issues to more than 450 hotels. Dan is also the author of the Strategic Sustainability Plan 2017-2019 in collaboration with the Barcelona City Council. BBA in Tourism, with an MBA in Hotel Management and an MBA in Tourism, Sustainability & ICT and his love for fashion, my professional experience is very diverse and rich.
Dan Pontarlier's Instagram: @dpontarlier
Dan's TikTok: @dpontarlier
Dan's book: @fromtrashtorunway
DP The Label: @dp.the.label
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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In the third episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Alyssa Nagel, Marist, and Silver Needle Runway Alumna, and current Retail Marketing Coordinator for Glow Recipe. Listen as the two bond over Alyssa’s time working on Silver Needle Runway 32 as a Production Assistant as well as the Senior Capping Director of the Event Planning class at Marist! You’ll also hear all about Alyssa’s exciting journey into the beauty industry and how she landed her multifaceted role at Glow Recipe! Later, Erica and Alyssa give an unfiltered look into the biggest differences between working in fashion and beauty and how her perception of the beauty industry has changed within the last year! Don’t forget to stay tuned to hear Alyssa spill her favorite Glow Recipe products and how she achieves glowy skin through her skincare routine!
Learn more about Alyssa Nagel:
Alyssa Nagel is a Marist Fashion ‘19 alumna who currently works at Glow Recipe as the Retail Marketing Coordinator.
Her career in the beauty and fashion industry ranges across luxury brands like Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Global Brands Group & more!
Her passion for the industry is what motivates her most & is exhibited by her favorite quote, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
Connect With Alyssa + Glow Recipe:
Alyssa’s Instagram: @alyssaaroseee
Glow Recipe’s Instagram: @glowrecipe
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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In the second episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Silver Needle Runway Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Dr. Dawnn Karen, the world’s first fashion psychologist and dubbed by the New York Times as "The Dress Doctor.” Join Erica and Dr. Dawnn Karen as they discuss what exactly fashion psychology is, Dr. Dawnn Karen’s experience traveling over twenty-five countries and how they impacted her theories, what it was like being the youngest professor at FIT (who also founded the Fashion Institute of Psychology to reach even more students in various different countries), and how to harness the power in your wardrobe and level up your life in her book “Dress Your Best Life”. Later in the episode, Erica and Dr. Dawnn Karen also dive into a rundown of Dr. Dawnn Karen’s crazy busy schedule, and all the amazing things she does in one day!
Learn more about Dr. Dawnn Karen:
Fashion Psychologist Dawnn Karen dubbed by The New York Times as "The Dress Doctor" and declared “The World’s First Fashion Psychologist” by The Times (London). She holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from Columbia University and is also a former candidate for a Masters in Education from Columbia University. Upon graduating from Columbia University in 2012, Dawnn Karen continued where Harvard’s Henry James left off to pioneer the Fashion Psychology Field®. She has been the pioneering mind behind this global field since then, paving the way forward in fashion academia by speaking for TEDx, United Nations, and Former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Kyiv Security Forum.
She also became one of the youngest Professors and first black woman Psychology Professor, in the Social Sciences Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (2015) and founded the online institute Fashion Psychology Institute (2015). She has also contributed to major networks in more than 40+ countries.
Her most recent appearances and interviews include Good Morning America, Good Morning Britain’s Lorraine, Inside Edition, NBC News, Bloomberg, WSJ, The Hill, Cosmopolitan UK, Germany’s Stylight, WWD Japan, Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald, Canada’s The Globe and Mail, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Vanity Fair Italia, Teen Vogue plus more.
Her book Dress Your Best Life: How to Use Fashion Psychology to Take Your Look and Your Life to the Next Level released worldwide in 4 languages- Russian, Czech, Spanish, and English on April 14, 2020. Ultimately, she has made history as a pioneer of the Fashion Psychology Field® (2012) and she hopes to leave you inspired.
Dr.Dawnn Karen’s Instagram: @Dr.Dawnnkaren
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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In the very first episode of More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast, our host and Communications Director, Erica Capobianco, is joined by Alexa Curtis, the Founder & CEO of Life Unfiltered with Alexa Curtis & Be Fearless Summit. Join Erica and Alexa as they discuss Alexa’s early upbringing in the realm of fashion and how she pivoted her style-centric blog to a platform for mental health advocacy. Erica also gushes over how into everything Alexa was living out everyone’s early 2000’s dream as a host of her very own Radio Disney Show. Later on in the episode, Alexa gives listeners an exclusive, sneak peek of her latest project, and what she is looking forward to doing with her platform in the future!
Learn more about Alexa Curtis:
Born and raised in small-town Mansfield, Connecticut, Alexa Curtis knew she was different. She didn’t fit into the “normal social mold.” When she entered middle school, all the bullying she endured led her to need an outlet to escape. In 2011, at just 12 years old, she started a fashion blog; A Life in the Fashion Lane. It became a platform for her to express her feelings around everything relating to teens, body image, and mental health.
As Curtis evolved as a person, her blog naturally shifted from fashion to discussing sensitive topics that teens and young adults face every day. A Life in the Fashion Lane was changed to Life Unfiltered with Alexa Curtis and became a lifestyle website and podcast for teens & parents discussing topics such as social media and mental health. Not only did Curtis turn her little fashion blog into a full-time lifestyle platform for teens, through cold-pitching, she managed to get sponsored by brands like British Airways, T-Mobile, Lands' End, and more.
In 2018, Alexa founded the Be Fearless Summit, which is a pop-up summit that appeared at Drexel University on March 15th, 2020. The next summit was slated for April 1, 2020, at UC Berkeley. Sponsors include Headspace, Shake Shack, and Morphe.
Curtis has spoken at numerous colleges; Northeastern, UConn, Eastern Connecticut, Rutgers along with high schools – discussing how to be fearless as well as mental health and social media. In October 2018, Curtis spoke alongside Amal Clooney and Serena Williams at Penn Women, and in Sept 2018, Curtis added ‘host’ to her arsenal as she launched her own radio show on Radio Disney called “Fearless Every Day” with Alexa Curtis. “Fearless Every Day” was the first of its kind and broke new ground for the Radio Disney brand. Alexa interviewed various guests who shared their journey of overcoming obstacles/challenges and chasing after their dreams.
When Curtis is not hard at work, she meditates frequently and makes time for hobbies like cooking and exercising to keep herself grounded. Although she is based in Los Angeles, she spends part of her time on the east coast.
Alexa Curtis’s Instagram:@Alexa_Curtis
Be Fearless Summit Instagram: @befearlesssummit
Where can you find us?
Apple Podcasts: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Spotify: More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: @silverneedlerunway
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Welcome to More Than Fashion: The SNR Podcast with the Student Communications Director of Marist Fashion’s 35th Annual Silver Needle Runway, Erica Capobianco. We get it- from an outsider’s perspective, fashion can be seen as superficial. But with the help of some very special industry professional guests, we’re delving into a whole new side to fashion you’ve never seen before… and we can’t wait to share it with you with full-length episodes coming soon.
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Explore Silver Needle Runway
Instagram: @silverneedlerunway
Facebook: Marist Fashion's Silver Needle Runway
YouTube: Marist Fashion's Silver Needle Runway
TikTok: Silver Needle Runway
Website: https://www.marist.edu/snr34
