In this episode, I sit down with Ayo —a fashion journalist and content creator—who shares his unconventional journey into the fashion world. Ayo opens up about how his early influences led him to make the bold leap from studying chemical engineering to pursuing a career in fashion. He delves into the challenges he faced working in various roles within the industry, the lack of representation in fashion journalism, and the motivations behind launching his own platform to amplify diverse voices.

Throughout the conversation, Ayo and I explore themes of cultural identity, language’s influence on storytelling, and the evolution of content creation on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. We discuss the nuances of monetizing digital content, the impact of formal fashion education, and share candid critiques on the recent return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The episode builds towards an engaging discussion on the upcoming Met Gala theme focused on Black Dandism, where Ayo offers his insights into its cultural significance and the potential controversies surrounding it. We also examine the current state of luxury fashion, the rise of emerging designers, and the industry's biggest challenges today.

Tune in for an episode filled with thought-provoking conversations, insider insights, and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving world of fashion!

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Ella Douglas, a graduate of Central Saint Martin's, discusses her experience at the renowned fashion school. In this episode, we follow Ella’s inspiring journey from community college to securing a spot in the prestigious fashion design with marketing program at St. Martin’s. She shares the ups and downs of navigating the intense workload and the relentless pressure of projects, highlighting the crucial role of self-promotion and networking in the fashion industry. While attending St. Martin’s opens doors to unique opportunities and valuable connections, Ella underscores that success isn’t guaranteed—talent and skills can flourish at other fashion schools too.

Ella recounts the rigorous selection process for Central St. Martin’s final bachelor’s degree show, where only a third of students were chosen to present their work. Her bittersweet experience of being selected came with feelings of guilt for her peers who didn’t make the cut. She delves into the competitive atmosphere of the university and the challenge of forming genuine friendships amidst the pressure. With a faculty drawn from top fashion houses and their own brands, the diverse perspectives were a double-edged sword: enriching yet intimidating.

Emphasizing the importance of kindness in the fashion industry, Ella encourages students to experiment and consider launching their own brands. She points out that while fashion school offers a network and tools for reaching career goals, individual effort and persistence determine ultimate success. The reality remains that not everyone secures a job in fashion after graduation, especially in areas like marketing, communications, and PR where a degree isn’t always required.

Ella stresses the financial burden of fashion school, which varies widely by country, and advises students to intern during their studies to build connections and gain hands-on experience. She notes the importance of business and marketing knowledge—skills often overlooked in fashion curricula—and highlights the necessity of researching brands, trends, and markets. Leveraging social media is another key strategy for staying informed and creating opportunities. Ultimately, Ella’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and an encouraging push for students to be proactive and resilient in their pursuit of a fashion career.

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In this episode, I sit down with Kennedy Bingham, a talented bridal stylist, to dive into her journey in the fashion industry and hear about her personal wedding planning experience. We explore the importance of blending creativity with business acumen in the fashion world and how social media platforms, especially TikTok, are changing the game for bridal stylists.

We also get real about wedding planning—everything from the emotional rollercoaster, budgeting stresses, and family expectations to the joys of personalizing your day. Kennedy offers invaluable advice for brides-to-be and reflects on the surprises, both good and bad, that can pop up during the big day. We chat about elopements, uninvited guests, seating arrangements, and the financial realities that come with weddings.

The conversation goes deeper into the traditions surrounding marriage, including how religious, cultural, and societal influences shape weddings today. Kennedy and I talk candidly about navigating those traditions, especially when they intersect with cultural and racial dynamics. We wrap up with a rapid-fire Q&A where Kennedy shares her insights on bridal fashion, the art of compromise, and her thoughts on whether investing in that dream dress is really worth it.

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In this long-lost gem of an episode, we dive deep into the world of fashion with one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever met, Ryan. Recorded a year ago but never published—until now—this conversation remains one of my favorites. Ryan's insights span from little-known facts about Alexander McQueen to intriguing tidbits of fashion history and culture that you won't hear anywhere else. His passion and expertise are captivating, making him someone I could listen to all day. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or just curious about the stories behind the clothes, this episode is a must-listen!

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In this episode, meet Jazmine, an image consultant, as she shares her stories from busy movie sets. Listen to her adventures and see the hard work of someone who works in both movies and with real-life stars.

Jazmine's instagram: @motleymaddox
Jazmine's podcast: Costumes and Coffee

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In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of fashion curation with the founder of Tourist Souvenirs, a platform that showcases the best of emerging designer fashion. From the challenges of building a brand from scratch, to the thrill of discovering unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the world of fashion curation.

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In this episode of "When Fashion Meets Chemistry," we explore the fascinating intersection of fashion and science. Our guest, Mata Durikovic, is a researcher and designer who is creating clothing from an unexpected source: fruits. Durikovic shares her process of extracting fibers from fruit waste, and how these fibers can be transformed into beautiful and sustainable clothing. We discuss the environmental benefits of using fruit waste in fashion, as well as the challenges and opportunities of innovating in the textile industry. Join us for an engaging conversation on the cutting-edge of fashion and sustainability.

Episode Edits: Raquel Imani

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Raquel is a seasoned fashion industry professional (and my friend <3) with years of experience as a costume designer, stylist, and digital strategist. In this episode, we'll be getting her insights and opinions on the latest fashion week events, trends, and controversies.

From the hottest designer collections to the most jaw-dropping runway moments, we'll be discussing it all. So grab a cup of tea and join us as we spill all the juicy details on Fashion Week. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, industry insider, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this is the episode for you!

Raquel's tiktok: theraquelimani
Raquel's instagram: theraquelimani.online

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