FashionTalks

In part two of discussing the film, Dawn Dusk, Donna sits down with designer Chelli Look to explore the intimate relationship between fashion, emotion, and identity. In this moving conversation, Chelli traces her earliest style memories, the power of accessories, and fashion generally. She opens up about Dawn Dusk, the documentary that followed her craft and her healing, and explains how forgiveness transformed chaos into order—on the inside and in her designs. From chain wallets and second-grade confidence to the precision of working with leather, Chelli reveals how clothing and accessories become a visual conversation with ourselves and the world.The episode goes deeper into creativity as a tool for processing grief, the role of natural light and movement in emotional regulation, and the quiet power of building a brand with intention, community, and care. Chelli shares practical wisdom for designers navigating dark seasons—stay curious, keep creating, and don’t tie your identity to a single medium. With insights on entrepreneurship, material honesty, and fashion as a bridge to connection, this is a must-listen for creators, founders, and anyone who believes style can help us make meaning.Check out Part 1 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Links in this episode:Chelli Look: chellilook.com | InstagramDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode of FashionTalks, host Donna Bishop welcomes in the first part of a two part series, filmmakers Blue and Jason, the creative duo behind the award-winning documentary Dawn Dusk. Their film follows Chicago-based leather artisan Chelli Look, whose minimalist, slow-fashion designs became a vessel for processing profound personal loss. As Blue and Jason share, what began as a short maker film evolved into a deeply human story about creativity, resilience, and the healing power of art.Through intimate storytelling, the conversation explores how fashion can transcend aesthetics to become a form of therapy and connection. From Chelli’s quiet studio to the symbolic light that inspired her designs, Blue and Jason reveal the intersection between craftsmanship and emotion—and how observing beauty in life’s darkest moments can illuminate a path forward.Check out part two coming out soon featuring Chelli LookThis is an episode for anyone who believes that style, story, and soul are woven from the same thread.Links in this episode:Blue & Jason: dawnduskfilm.comDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode, Donna sits down with makeup artist and drag visionary Viktor Peters (a.k.a. Verushka) to explore the transformative power of beauty, fashion, and self-expression. From growing up in a modern Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico to studying music at Canadian Mennonite University and finding his voice in Winnipeg and Toronto, Viktor traces his path through MAC Cosmetics, the discipline of skin tone and texture mastery, and the confidence that makeup can unlock, reframing beauty as artistry, adornment, and identity.Viktor opens up about building Verushka—the “look queen” persona known for fully realized head-to-toe storytelling—and the life-changing night Madonna invited him on stage during “Vogue.” If you’re passionate about beauty culture, drag, Toronto’s scene, MAC legacy campaigns, and the courage it takes to be seen, this conversation delivers inspiration, craft insights, and a powerful testament to the confidence that style can spark.Links in this episode:Viktor Peters: @viktorpeters | Viktor Peters/VeruschkaDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

Beauty isn’t vanity—it’s self-respect. In this episode, Donna sits down with Brittany Gray, makeup artist and founder of Fancy Face; a beauty service and retail boutique and product line, to explore the transformative power of makeup and the business behind a leading Canadian beauty brand. Brittany shares how performing in Chicago at age 15 and watching Catherine Zeta-Jones on set sparked her vision to bring celebrity-level artistry to everyday women. She traces Fancy Face’s growth from apartment studio to flagship stores (including their PATH Toronto location), and explains why services now span bridal makeup, special events, makeup lessons and virtual consultations across North America.You’ll get quick makeup tips for women 35+-plus Brittany’s “outside-in” philosophy for rebuilding confidence after life’s hard seasons. We also get candid on entrepreneurship: patience, resilience, and building a legacy brand without outside funding. If you’re curious about makeup lessons, bridal beauty, or how to scale a purpose-driven company, this conversation delivers inspiration and practical takeaways in equal measure.Some key points from the episodeHow working with Catherine Zeta Jones impacted her careerThe power of makeup and what she sees when people come into Fancy FaceA crossroads that changed the course of her careerHer unique vision for the future of her businessMakeup tipsCheck out links from the episode:Brittany Gray: Fancy Face | @brittanygrayliving | @fancyfanceincDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspodCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

Welcome to the latest episode of FashionTalks! In this episode host Donna Bishop speaks with designer and founder of Mayana, Nadine Woods. Nadine shares many personal details about her unconventional fashion journey.How the birth of her child influenced her businessThe surprising power of lingerieHow she launched her brand with no formal design educationThe importance of her Caribbean heritageHow she eschews traditional business practices and business paradigm she is developing and valuesDonna Bishop @thisisdonnabFashionTalks @fashiontalkspodMayana @wearmayanamayanageneviere.comCAFA @cafawardscafawards.caTRANSCRIPT:00:01.14Donna BishopHello, Nadine. It is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks.00:04.49NadineHi, thank you so much for having me, Donna. I'm really looking forward to our conversation today.00:08.69Donna Bishopah Oh my goodness, it's going to be so juicy because you have such, not just an amazing business, but your purposefulness of the business is so important and interesting, and we're going to get to it.00:20.37Donna BishopBut first I want to start off, I love starting with this question with everyone. Everyone, I believe, who works in fashion, who loves fashion, has that moment where they realize, wow, this thing, clothing, this thing, fashion, it carries more power than just making sure I don't get a sunburn, making sure I don't get wet when it rains.00:40.01Donna BishopDo you have a moment where you became aware of the power of fashion?00:44.72NadineYeah, definitely. i think it's definitely when I started my business, I had a baby and I really was not prepared for my recovery process because they scare us to death into the birth and delivery ah really. And truly, they just make it very fear-based in the West.01:04.50NadineUm, And we're not really prepared for the recovery process. Like we have no idea what's going to happen. And to be fair, so many things could happen.01:16.38NadineBut in general, i wasn't prepared for the fact that I wouldn't be able to wear my pre-existing undergarments, like my underwear. And I was used to wearing a certain type of thing, like at that time, like something a little bit, like I would wear thongs. I would wear like all these other things that just,01:35.15Nadineyou know, wire bras as as we all do.01:36.94Donna BishopAs we do. so01:39.86Nadineum And i mean, pre COVID, I would say definitely. And I was really used to things that were really pretty underneath. And then when I had my baby, I couldn't fit into anything, but nevermind, I couldn't fit into anything.01:55.58NadineIt didn't work for what I needed because when you have a baby, you bleed for six weeks straight and i think a lot of people don't realize that um and there's a lot of things happening if you decide to breastfeed now your breasts are working and so they require space and room and they're uncomfortable because you're getting...

In the latest episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop speaks with award winning fashion designer Christopher Bates. Donna and Christopher chat about:Christopher's foray into fashion (his second career)The small moments of inspiration and big swings that built his brandHow an iconic design element brought people together for lifeThe balancing act of being an entrepreneur and a designerDonna Bishop @thisisdonnabFashionTalks @fashiontalkspodChristopher Bates @chistopher.bates.official ChristopherBates.comCAFA @cafawardscafawards.caTRANSCRIPT:Donna Bishop: [00:00:00] Christopher Bates, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thanks so much for joining me. Christopher Bates: Thank you for having me. Donna Bishop: Oh my gosh, it's such a pleasure. And I know we'll get into, because you're coming to us from Milan, Milano. So I love the internationalness of our conversation. Thanks for dealing with the time zones. Christopher Bates: No problemo. Donna Bishop: I love to start off with the same question, which I'm very excited for you to answer, is I believe that all of us who have a love of fashion, who work in fashion, there is a moment, often when we're very young, when we understand that clothing, that fashion has a power beyond just protecting our our bodies from the elements. And I'm wondering if there's one that stands out for you. Christopher Bates: Yeah, I'm glad you asked because I certainly had that moment. And for me, it was when I was young. um i grew up in Vancouver and this would be during the s. I was really into skateboarding and my mom bought my brothers and I [00:01:00] really cool clothes, and Chip and Pepper, TNC surf, lots of neon. And I just loved it. and i was an energetic kid. I remember I never liked wearing pants. I would always wear shorts, even if it was winter in Vancouver, it gets pretty cold. But I'd put on my favorite shorts. I'd run to school every day. And I just felt like, okay, I was in a good mood. Putting on an outfit that I liked made me in a better mood. It enhanced my mood. And I was aware of that even as a kid. I wanted to wear my favorite outfits all the time. So yeah, I loved, loved clothes and I was creative. So I started sketching even back then when I was a kid, just ideas for logos and different pieces.Donna Bishop: And it sounds like you had parents that didn't fight you if you wanted to wear something that made you feel good. Because I'm just thinking about, you know, skateboarding was probably one of the things where I became aware of, you know, street wear and something that was very different from my small town, [00:02:00] Ontario, growing up environment. And it was such a revelation in how different it was. Christopher Bates: Yeah. And I would literally seek that out. Like even from a young age, like if everybody was wearing like blue jeans, I wouldn't want to, I always wanted to be an individual. So I would look for, you know,...

In this latest episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop talks with Myriam Maguire, President and Lead Designer of the award winning brand Maguire (founded in 2017). While the 2024 CAFA winner of Accessories Designer of the Year has focused on footwear, it is ever expanding its offerings into a wider range of accessories. Donna and Myriam dive into:her story of launching the brand and what sparked her love of footwearunique strategies that resulted in a successful launch and growth, both creative and fiscal a peak behind the curtain of show productionher take on consumer and business trends in this turbulent timesMaguire Shoes - @maguireshoes - www.magguireshoes.comDonna Bishop - @thisisdonnabFashionTalks - @fashiontalkspodCAFA Awards - @cafawardsTRANSCRIPT:Donna BishopMyriam, welcome to Fashion Talks. It's so wonderful to have you here today.00:04.58MyriamYeah, thank you for having me.00:06.99Donna BishopSo I love to start with the same question, which is, when was the moment where you were aware that fashion had more power than just clothing that protected us from the elements? When did you realize that there was something more to it than that?00:22.04MyriamI think like when I was in high school, like I was in high school in like the 90s and the early two thousand So the style was pretty conservative. It was kind of grunge, like a lot of navy, dark colors.00:36.06Donna BishopOkay.00:36.03Myriamand the And then I was looking at magazines and I would see these fun like Mick 60 ads and like things that were really colorful. So I decided high school to wear zebra pants, even though it was like not on trend. It was not a thing.00:51.52MyriamAnd then I realized that everyone was like confused and started looking at me differently. So I was like, and and then it kind of, I think ah kind of built my self-confidence that I was, I could wear something different and I can be any, anything I want, even though like there's like very, and and especially in the nineties and the 2000, it was like the style, there was like one or two style and that's it. You had to be part of a group.01:17.75MyriamAnd I think not, being part of a group and being completely different, I think made made me realize that the the power of fashion and how you can like be anything you want, basically.01:31.14Donna BishopI love stories like that where we realize, like, to me, there's such a paradox where we realize that the power of fashion comes from being being different, but yet sometimes we're dressing to fit in. Like, I love feeling that, you know, that that tension between those two things.01:46.66MyriamAnd I think there was, because there was like different group, but everyone would accept me in like my difference. They would be like, I wouldn't wear it, but it looks really good on you.01:57.46MyriamLike that's what I would get in terms of comments. So I felt like it was nice to feel free to do whatever you want, basically.02:01.31Donna BishopYeah.02:06.83Donna BishopAnd where did you grow up, Miriam? where did you yeah like Where did you go to school? What kind of kid were...

On this episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop chats with designer Alan Anderson. Alan has been designing his eponymous line since 1997. His fashion history (and British Royals) knowledge is deep and vast. Alan and Donna discuss:how he began his line (an inspiration for anyone)the history and importance of costume jewelrythe fascinating story of where he sources the vintage crystals he used in his designshis connection to Elizabeth Taylorthe lost art of every day dressing upand moreAlan Anderson - @jewelsbyalan | alananderson.designDonna Bishop - @thisisdonnabFashionTalks - @fashiontalkspodCAFA Awards - @cafawardsTRANSCRIPT:00:01.27Donna BishopAlan Anderson, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thanks for being here.00:05.81AlanThank you, Donna. Thank you for asking me.00:08.02Donna BishopAnd look at you in your beautiful atelier. I know we'll get into, you know, kind of your your work and all sorts of things about crystals and costume jewelry, but I love that you're in your workspace.00:20.06Donna BishopIt's so nice to get peek behind the curtain that way.00:21.36AlanI am. I'm actually in the workroom. The atelier, of course, is in this historic mansion on Jarvis Street in Toronto. And we we like to say it's one of the last Gilded Age mansions.00:33.61AlanThere's just this little stretch between Carleton and Isabella where we've they've saved these beautiful Victorian buildings.00:34.83Donna BishopThank you.00:40.33AlanSo we've been here now. It's weird to say we've been in this space over two years and we just signed the new four-year lease, which is kind of exciting. And we're going to be expanding. We're actually renovating this summer to make the showroom bigger.00:53.43AlanBut the workspace is, this would have been one of the principal bedrooms in this beautiful house. This house is This half is 1891. The showroom half is 1897. It was built for Edward Blake, who was one of the first premiers of Ontario.01:09.10AlanAnd it's Elliot Knox, one of the foremost Victorian architects in Toronto. And 1900, Jarvis Street was the most fashionable address in Canada, which is really funny to think. Like this was the Gilded Age show. This was the Gilded Age.01:28.93AlanAnd then the history of this building is so intense because not only do I work in this room and I pulled the blinds down cause it's so sunny out. Um, but Ben Wicks, the famous cartoonist, we all grew up with Ben Wicks.01:42.29AlanBe nice, clear your eyes for 20 years.01:43.65Donna BishopAbsolutely.01:46.21AlanThis was Ben Wicks cartoon studio and where my work bench is in the window was where his cartoon bench was. And I've actually had people in the neighborhood that are old enough to remember him.01:58.34AlanSay they used to look up and seeing him, seeing him, him drawing it as bench and...

Hello and welcome to season five of FashionTalks. I am your host, Donna Bishop. I know it has been a minute, so thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so glad you're here.I can think of no better guest than to launch this season than Jeanne Beker. Now, Jeannie's been on the podcast before. I'll link it down below. And we talked then about her 27 years as host of fashion television, which transformed the fashion media landscape.Past episode with Jeanne:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59AYV2Pr1QbfDssPC5QnD7?si=nxfSt2MZT9upb_ROiIHo0wAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fashiontalks/id1271856693?i=1000623963957Today, we are talking about her latest book and newest memoir, Heart on My Sleeve. It is full of intimate, funny, warm, always open and personal stories from all facets of her life and the articles of clothing that inspired them.Transcript:Donna BishopJeannie Becker, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thank you so much for joining me.00:06.49Jeanne BekerWell, thanks for inviting Always love talking with you, Donna.00:10.41Donna Bishopoh my gosh, it's such a pleasure. So I always start with the same question and I'm quite delighted because I feel like given our conversation is going to be around your new book, the memoir, Heart on My Sleeve, I love to ask people, because I believe that all of us who love fashion, who work in fashion, have a moment when we realize that clothing, that fashion holds a power that is more than just protecting our bodies from the sun, the wind, the rain, the snow.00:37.06Donna BishopAnd I'm wondering if there's a moment where you remember harnessing or acknowledging that power.00:44.05Jeanne BekerI mean, I think from my earliest memories as a little girl, you know, the the party dresses that I would wear, I mean, that that was always a big deal. ah you know That was the thing that you just look forward to the most.00:57.02Jeanne BekerI mean, I know these days, lots of little girls have actual costumes that they wear, you know, like princess costumes and whatnot. I mean, it back in the day, for me, it was just those party dresses with the the crinolines and you know the taffeta dresses, organza dresses, the frills, the lace, the but little applique flowers.01:05.04Donna BishopThank you.01:18.40Jeanne Bekeryou know So I can't remember specifically there's ah this whole... you know batch of them that I that I have in my in my mind's eye right now but so specifically you know when that was you know I wore my first party dress but I always realized that you know yes that meant a special time and it was incredibly empowering because you just felt the most beautiful in that dress the most beautiful you'd ever seen yourself so definitely going back to my childhood birthday parties.01:49.45Donna BishopI love that. And of course, you talk about your 16th, your sweet 16 in the book, which is such a beautiful story.01:52.69Jeanne BekerHmm.01:55.28Donna BishopAnd I so loved reading your book, Jeannie. And like I told you, I actually listened to it while i I also read it. So it was so lovely to hear your voice sharing these stories.02:02.53Jeanne BekerHmm. Hmm.02:05.15Donna BishopAnd I couldn't help but wonder, you know what was your process doing this? Did you have diaries that you could um refer to? Or did you just...

FashionTalks is back for season 5! Join host Donna Bishop as she chats with industry leaders and hot emerging talent about key insights they have learned, how they are got to where they are in life and career, and their love affair with clothes

That's a wrap on season 4! But don't worry - FashionTalks isn't going anywhere.We will return in September with a special series, FashionTalks for Industry. Host Donna Bishop will interview experts in legals, grant writing, thought leadership, financing, marketing, managing burnout and more. A host of topics to support you and your business whether you are a designer, entrepreneur, creative director, freelancer - any. career that touches fashion.Until then, enjoy some favourite episodes from the vault throughout the month of August.Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Izzy Camilleri is a big deal. As one of Canada's most celebrated fashion designers she has dressed A list celebrities from David Bowie to Meryl Streep. In 2005 her world and career changed when a woman living with paralysis asked Izzy to design some custom clothing that would work with her power wheelchair. This entry into adaptive clothing pivoted her career in a profound way.In this episode:Izzy shares her meeting and designing for David BowieHer career shift to a focus on adaptive clothing, the fashion industry's reaction (spoiler, it wasn't great) and how she stayed the course of her visionInsight into the size, perspective and future of adaptive fashionHer proprietary innovation and how it is revolutionizing the adaptive fashion market and beyondTo watch Izzy's Ted Talks - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/galleries/ted-talk/To learn more about Izzy and IZ Adaptive - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/izzy.camilleri/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Fashion intersects with some surprising places! Case in point, tarot reader Lori Simeunovic has a ton of experience harnessing and acknowledging the power of adornment as it pertains to empowerment, manifestation and more.In this episode Lori and Donna discuss:The photoshoot that had a profound impact on Lori's life and careerHow fashion plays into manifestation and showing the universe what you are ready forHow Lori uses fashion in her businessThe events that lead to Lori's multiple book dealHow she cultivated her signature style and why it mattersThe power of rituals, and how they relate to fashionThe jeweller who made the necklace Lori mentioned - https://katekingjewellery.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/katekingjewellery/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3DWendy Alana, photographer Lori did the boudoir photoshoot with - https://wendyalanaphotography.com/portfolio-item/boudoir/IG - https://www.instagram.com/wendyalanaphoto/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3DTo learn more about Lori - https://www.tarotlori.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/tarot.lori/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Lisa Corbo has been around the fashion block. She has been a textile designer, fashion designer, interior designer, buyer, retail entrepreneur, stylist and most recently has added digital creator to her incredible career. Lisa has so much to share and a ton of amazing stories, experiences and insights.In this episode Lisa talks about:Her vast and varied careerWhat authenticity means to herHer thoughts on agingHer thoughts on the power of aestheticsHow she is more than fashionTo learn more and follow Lisa Corbo on IG - https://www.instagram.com/lisacorbo/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Sage Paul is a designer, artist, creator and the executive & artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Arts, an organization committed to exploring the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice through presentation for broad audiences and industries.In this episode you will hear Sage and Donna talk about:Sage's experience taking a delegation of Indigenous designers to Milan, why being on the European fashion calendar is important and how this mission came to beAn insider look at White MilanoHow luxury fashion is being reinventedWhy she is tired of Indigenous designers having to make white people feel better about wearing their workThe connection between having basic needs met and cultural appropriationWhat narratives she has included in her personal work To learn more about Sage Paul - http://sagepaul.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/sagepaul/To learn more about Indigenous Fashion Arts - https://indigenousfashionarts.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/indigenousfashionarts/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

George Sully has been designing for over 20 years. Yet despite that history he, and other designers, have been designing in the dark for years. George is candid, clear and passionate while sharing his story and the future of designing. In this episode you will hear:George discuss how he was shut out of the fashion industry and what the impact of designing in the dark has been on him and other black designersThe breadth and depth of his experience - "I have always been premium..."The importance of a data base of black designersThe weight and mental health toll of his many identitiesThe importance of familyHow he has manifested his life - personally and professionallyHis advice to other designersABOUT GEORGE SULLY: Multidisciplinary designer, entrepreneur and activist are all different ways one can begin to describe George Sully.  Based in Toronto, with an impressive worldwide network, Sully has established a collective of multifaceted companies that leverage him as an innovative player in the world of multimedia content creation and fashion design.Celebrated CAFA Change-maker Award winner, George Brown honorary degree recipient and FGI Visionary Award Winner, Sully is also known for his collaborations that include but not limited to, DHL, EBAY, Disney, Hudson’s Bay, and Mercedes Benz. Sully is also a Bata Shoe Museum inductee, creator of Black designers of Canada, co-founder of House of Hayla and creator of break-out brand Sully & Son Company.To learn more about George Sully - https://georgesully.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/realgeorgesully/To learn more about Black Designers of Canada - https://blackdesignersofcanada.com/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Nina Kharey rose to acclaim when Meghan Markle wore a design from her label Nonie. Now she is dedicated to designing for an industry that has seen little to no innovation in over 50 years: Scrubs.In this episode you will hear:Nina sharing what drew her to putting her attention on front line medical workersThe incredible, innovative, unique technology that she uses for a completely new fabricHow she makes her business circular, sustainable and out of landfillWhere her love of fashion design hits in this new sectorWhat keeps her inspired, energized and focusedHere is the episode with Dr Liza Egboyah referenced in our conversation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/45tkps2FmhBgS7reW4uWftTo lean more about Folds - https://foldswear.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/foldswear/To learn more about Nina - https://www.noniewear.com/pages/aboutIG - https://www.instagram.com/ninakharey/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Hilary MacMillan has been at the helm of her namesake label for 10 years! She is no stranger to all the facets of entrepreneurship.We talk about all the things the weigh on the mind of business owners:LeadershipPivotingScalingSustainabilityTrusting you gutAnd she shares what she really wants Canadians to know about our fashion industry (her thoughts may surprise you...)To learn more about Hilary MacMillan - https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/hilarymacmillan/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jamie Alexander got thrown into the fashion industry when his daughter Ruby wanted to wear a bikini like her friends. Something that was fun and girlie with tween/ teen vibes. Ruby, who is trans, wanted something that made her feel like herself. When Jamie and his wife looked for options for their daughter, there was nothing that fit what they, and Ruby, were looking for. So Jamie embarked on making it for her.In this episode you will hear:The unique design journey of Ruby's bikini bottomsHow Jamie used social media to problem solve design, launch the products and build communityThe feedback Jamie gets from families about the profound impact of his products and companyIf you or someone you know is looking for information, education and support here are some resources:Kids Help Phone - https://kidshelpphone.ca/tag-cloud/?tags=2slgbtqThe Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/The Trans Student Educational Resources/ Gender Unicorn - https://transstudent.org/gender/To learn more about Rubies - https://rubyshines.com/Follow on IG - https://www.instagram.com/rubiesdad/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is making a serious impact. Not just because her sustainable beauty brand is now available in Sephora (Canada) and JC Penny (USA). Not just because she is creating an example for other Indigenous people of what is possible; to see and feel their value. Not just because of how she has overcome generational trauma and created her own journey to sobriety. But because she is all of these at once.In this episode Jenn and Donna discuss:The dream that inspired Cheekbone BeautyThe impact of learning about her heritage and grandmother's experience in residential schoolHow she brings her Indigenous roots into her leadershipHow she keeps grounded and focused as an entrepreneurTo learn more and shop Cheekbone Beauty - https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cheekbonebeauty/Follow Jenn Harper - https://www.instagram.com/jennlharper/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/