The Glossy Podcast

As the largest retail and entertainment complex in the U.S., Minnesota-based Mall of America is currently experiencing its annual Super Bowl. Depending on who you ask, the holiday shopping season is already on — and, according to Jill Renslow, the center’s chief business and marketing officer, Mall of America is embracing every related opportunity. As in years past, its strategy for the season includes hosting dedicated events, charity initiatives and Black Friday festivities, all of which have contributed to making a holiday shopping trip to Mall of America a tradition for oodles of consumers. “About 250,000 people come to Mall of America on Black Friday,” Renslow said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. “We don't even need all the traditional doorbusters. People come for the tradition and the fun experience of [shopping] Black Friday [at Mall of America].” Also on the podcast, Renslow discusses what it takes for a mall to be successful in 2024 and how she’s tackled marketing when 40% of the center’s 32 million annual visitors are tourists.

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 the immense growth of Miu Miu which defies the ongoing slowdown across luxury. We also discuss the winners of the CFDA Awards, announced this week, and the appointment of Rati Sahi Levesque as the chief executive of The RealReal, replacing short-lived CEO John Koryl.

In February, Ariel Stoddard joined 13-year-old MeUndies as its chief revenue officer, transitioning from Fabletics where she spearheaded the launch of its menswear and scrubs categories. Now, she has grand growth plans for MeUndies, which has for years experienced double-digit growth and profitability.  Earlier this month, Stoddard drove the launch of a new brand direction with a campaign dubbed “Welcome to the Underworld.” But, in evolving MeUndies, she and her team are ensuring its valuable existing customers are along for the ride. “They have extremely high LTVs, and they are very loyal. Many of them have been with the brand for many, many years and counting,” Stoddard said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. “That's part of our secret sauce: We have always been community-focused on the people who have been with us and given us that loyalty; we always keep them in mind.” Also on the podcast, Stoddard discussed MeUndies’ latest campaign strategy and its plan to remain “flexible” this holiday shopping season.

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 talk about the impact of China’s contracting luxury market on companies like Kering, the slowing revenue growth of Shein’s and how that will impact its upcoming IPO, and the ongoing drama at Vivienne Westwood.

Brandon Brubaker, co-founder of the 10-year-old SoCal sneaker brand Clearweather, is somewhat of a sneaker legend. In the sneaker game for 30 years, he first designed iconic sneaker styles for Vans after being recruited by the company at age 20. He then went on to launch the multimillion-dollar skate sneaker division at Nike-owned Converse.  Today, Brubaker is hitting the gas on growing his own company, with a fresh round of funding, a new business partner, a relaunched website and big plans for international expansion. He’s intentionally taking a unique approach to the market, which, so far, has served his brand well.  “[We decided] to stop trying to fight for dollars with Nike, which completely dominates everything, when it really comes down to it,” he said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. “Instead, we want to just be a really premium California culture brand, and that's where we're at today." Also on the podcast, Brubaker discusses how the sneaker market is faring and what it takes to maintain relevance in the crowded, competitive industry.

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 the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and how it's changed in the six years it was on hiatus. Later, we discuss what’s causing so many luxury brands to report falling sales, and Jill gives us a dispatch from Shoptalk in Chicago.

As chief creative officer of the 20-year-old jewelry brand Catbird, Leigh Batnick Plessner is always thinking of ways to bring the brand's story to life through innovative products and collaborations. In 2015, for example, Catbird introduced the concept of "getting zapped," the brand's term for custom-fitting and welding one of its solid gold Forever Bracelets on a customer's wrist. Since joining Catbird a year after its 2004 launch, Plessner has worked alongside Rony Vardi, co-owner and founder of Catbird, to grow the Williamsburg-birthed brand beyond its first 225-square-foot retail store on Metropolitan Avenue. In 2006, they opened a second location on Bedford Avenue that quickly became Catbird's flagship. Under Plessner's creative direction, Catbird also evolved into a popular retailer of demi-fine jewelry. After David Yurman alum Mo Sakurai joined the company as CEO in September 2022, Catbird has accelerated its growth mode, including by opening stores across the country. The company plans to open at least 10 more by 2026. On the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast, Plessner discusses Catbird's strategies for becoming a national brand and staying true to its mission: to create the ultimate luxury jewelry that can be repaired.

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. On this week’s luxury-focused episode, we talk about Stefano Cantino being appointed the new CEO of Gucci and Kering's attempt to bring back sales growth at its biggest brand. Later, we talk about the ongoing saga around Mulberry, including the takeover bid from part-owner Frasers Group. And, finally, we discuss the new joint venture between Authentic Brands Group and Saks Global.

As the chief design officer of global innerwear at Hanesbrands, Jane Newman oversees innerwear products for all the brands in the company’s portfolio, including Hanes, Bali and Maidenform — each of which is at least 97 years old. On this week’s episode of the Glossy Podcast, Newman discusses how she’s keeping each brand relevant as the intimates category evolves – among other factors, the DTC boom and the unofficial rebranding of shapewear as “sexy” have changed the space.

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 discuss Paris Fashion Week's homogeneity and safeness, Hedi Slimane’s 6-year tenure at Celine and his replacement, and LVMH’s $110 million-per-year deal with Formula 1.

Assouline, the publishing house turned luxury lifestyle brand, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — but, it seems, it’s just getting started.  Largely driven by Alexandre Assouline — the company’s chief of operations, brand and strategy and the son of its founders — Assouline is in growth mode: In addition to rolling out new product categories and services, it’s expanding its physical footprint and introducing new digital products, including a digital magazine and podcast.  “The library is at the forefront of everything we do; we aim to own the library space as a luxury brand,” Assouline said on the latest Glossy Podcast. “Your library is around you and your life every day, and it says a lot about you. When someone sees your library, they can identify your areas of interest, how you put books together, and the thematics of the books that you purchase and are being gifted to you. It's a place of creativity and inspiration. And we've been in the business of developing things around the library for 30 years.” Also in the episode, Assouline discusses the company’s plans to “redefine publishing as a luxury experience.” And he shares the brand’s physical expansion plans.

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 Paris Fashion Week, particularly the contrasting shows from Dior and Saint Laurent. We also discuss Telfar’s decision to go upmarket with a higher price point, real leather and a wholesale collaboration. Finally, we explore Stitch Fix’s ailing finances and the future of styling service-based businesses.

On this week’s episode of the Glossy Podcast, we talk with Quaid Walker, the co-founder and CEO of the online watch marketplace Bezel. Bezel, like the watch market in general, has seen significant growth over the last three years. It now boasts over $500 million worth of watches coming through its marketplace annually. Millions of new watch enthusiasts are getting into the market for the first time, and secondhand marketplaces like Bezel are among the best entry points for those new customers. Walker described the early pandemic years as “a massive bull run for all collectibles.” During that period, a ceramic Rolex Daytona in the “panda” colorway, which retailed for around $13,500, was selling on the secondhand market for over $55,000. It’s since evened out somewhat to around $32,000, reflecting the broader market which has also slowed from the mania of the early 2020s. “What happened was you got a lot of new buyers entering the market who got really interested in watches,” Walker said. “And now that we have a correction in the market, you have the buyers who got into it because they love watches excited because prices are coming down and they can finally buy some of the watches they’ve lusted after. But then the buyers who were in it for the investment side are leaving the market.” The way Walker sees it, people come to Bezel — and similar pre-owned marketplaces for luxury goods — for two reasons. Either they want a luxury product that they can’t afford new, in which case they buy something for below retail price, or they are looking for something that can’t be found new because it’s vintage or limited edition, in which case they buy something over retail price. “Our job is to cater the experience for both of those customers,” Walker said. “Our promise to buyers is that we authenticate everything, we make sure everything is working the way it should, and we take a customer experience that was otherwise frustrating and make it feel accessible, quick, thoughtful and attentive.”

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, Zofia recaps London Fashion Week, including Burberry’s comeback attempt, and we preview some of our most anticipated shows and moments from Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.

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.

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.