Fashion in Color Podcast Brandice Daniel

Southern Roots and Early Inspiration:
Brandice and Casey bond over their Southern backgrounds, with Brandice from Memphis and Casey from Alabama.
Casey shares heartwarming stories of his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for fashion, and how this foundation led him to pursue a career in styling.
Educational Journey and Early Career:
Casey discusses his time at Clark Atlanta University, highlighting the significance of attending an HBCU and its impact on his career.
He talks about managing a boutique in Atlanta and the drive that led him to seek opportunities in New York, including his bold move of editing his resume address to increase his chances of getting hired.
Breaking into the New York Fashion Scene:
Casey recounts the pivotal moment of receiving a job interview invitation from Nicole Miller and the miraculous support he received to make it to New York.
His experiences interning at the Albright Fashion Library under Irene Albright, despite the challenges of surviving on minimal pay, underscore his determination and passion.
Significant Breakthroughs:
Casey shares the memorable encounter with Irene Albright that led to him assisting her on shopping trips for the studio, marking his first major break in the industry.
Brandice and Casey reminisce about their shared experiences of dreaming big in New York, including Casey's awe of Bergdorf Goodman's windows and his subsequent involvement in fashion events.
Dream Chasing vs. Dream Busting:
Brandice and Casey discuss the significance of dreams and the trials of pursuing them.
Bergdorf Goodman Experience:
Casey shares a pivotal moment at Bergdorf Goodman, including his introduction to key figures like Linda Fargo and Stephanie.
Struggles and Breakthroughs:
The challenging times Casey faced, from living on $10 a day to finding a breakthrough opportunity through an unexpected contact.
Styling Philosophy:
How Casey's approach to styling starts from the inside out, ensuring clients feel transformed from within, not just externally.
Influences and Inspirations:
The impact of Casey's grandmother and her community work on his caring approach to styling and life.
Notable Clients:
A rundown of some of the prominent figures Casey has styled, including members of Destiny’s Child, Savannah James, and Toni Braxton.
Advice for Aspiring Stylists:
Casey emphasizes the importance of starting with what you have and allowing your creativity to flourish.
Entrepreneurial Insights:
The importance of overcoming procrastination and nurturing creativity in business.
Book Recommendation:
"Conversations with God" as a significant read for those seeking alignment and understanding of divine communication.
Future Aspirations:
Casey reveals his interest in scriptwriting, costume design for films, launching a cut-and-sew line, and exploring music.
 

 Post-Fashion Week Reflections
Sergio shares his feelings post-Fashion Week, discussing the unique aspects of his latest show.
The pressure of presenting his collection to both the world and buyers simultaneously for the first time.
Early Dreams and Inspirations
Sergio recounts his early dreams of becoming a clothing designer, inspired by watching CNN Style with Elsa Clinch.
The influence of iconic designers like John Versace on his young mind.
From South Carolina to the Fashion Industry
The challenges Sergio faced transitioning from a small town to the fashion capitals.
His educational journey, including attending Bauder College in Atlanta instead of FIT.
The importance of intuition and spiritual guidance in his career decisions.
The Role of a Business Partner
Discussion on the rarity and significance of having a business partner in the fashion industry.
How Sergio met his business partner, Inga, and the immediate connection they felt.
The balance between creative and business aspects in managing a fashion brand.
Celebrity Connections and Breakthroughs
The serendipitous events that led to Sergio's clothes being noticed by major celebrities.
How Harrison Craig played a pivotal role in connecting Sergio with a PR showroom.
Early successes dressing Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, J-Lo, and Kendall Jenner.
Dressing Michelle Obama
The incredible story of how Sergio began working with Michelle Obama through her stylist, Meredith Koop.
The emotional journey of dressing Michelle Obama for Joe Biden's inauguration and the impact of that moment.
The role of fate and divine timing in his success.
Michelle Obama's Inauguration Outfit:
Sergio recounts the exhilarating moment when he saw Michelle Obama wearing his design at the inauguration.
The immediate impact and recognition he received, including a lounge encounter where his name was quickly identified by an eager fashion enthusiast.
Working with Vice President Kamala Harris:
Sergio describes his experience working directly with Vice President Harris and her team, emphasizing the importance of fitting sessions via Zoom.
His admiration for her focus on her responsibilities while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Challenges in the Fashion Industry:
The complexities of running a fashion brand, including the vast number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) needed for different seasons and sizes.
The financial and logistical hurdles that come with sustaining a brand, especially for designers of color.
Consumer Support and Market Realities:
The importance of intentional buying from consumers to support black designers.
How the timing of purchases (e.g., buying full price vs. sale items) impacts designers' success and store perceptions.
The Future and Legacy:
Sergio's vision for his brand and the broader goal of normalizing black designers in the fashion industry.
His commitment to educating the next generation of fashion professionals and the need for tangible contributions that leave a lasting impact.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Sergio shares personal preferences in a fun rapid-fire round, revealing his likes and habits outside the fashion world.
Final Thoughts and Acknowledgments:
Sergio and Brandice discuss the significance of Harlem's Fashion Row and the support it provides to designers of color.
Gratitude is expressed for the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive fashion industry.
Notable Quotes: Sergio Hudson: "My ultimate mission is to normalize people that look like me in this industry. I don't want to be celebrated only in February. I want to be a designer you love because my clothes are great."
Brandice Daniel: "The people who are going to shift this industry are the consumers. It's the intentional support from the lawyers, doctors, businesswomen, and entrepreneurs."
 
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Bryon Javar's Recent Successes
Recap of Bryon's work during the recent award season.
Highlighting standout moments with Robin Thede and Chris Tucker.
Discussion on the evolution of his clients' styles and the feedback received.
Bryon's Fashion Journey
Bryon's reflections on his journey to success in the fashion industry.
Overcoming the challenges of being an outsider and embracing his success.
Insights into his childhood inspirations and early interest in fashion.
Career Breakthroughs and Mentorship
Bryon's first big break with stylist Laurie Phillips.
The importance of mentorship and being thrown into the deep end.
Stories from his early days on set with the Black Eyed Peas.
Building a Team and Industry Challenges
Bryon's approach to building a hardworking and dedicated team.
Challenges faced with today's interns and assistants.
The importance of finding people who are truly passionate about the work.
Resilience and Overcoming Setbacks
Bryon's personal experiences with professional setbacks and depression.
The importance of resilience and having a supportive network.
How faith and friends have helped him stay grounded and focused.
Bryon's Love for Halloween 
Bryon discusses his passion for Halloween, detailing how he loves to transform himself, his friends, and his clients. Notable clients include Megan Thee Stallion, whom he transformed into Greta from The Gremlins.
 Bryon explains the extensive planning and preparation that goes into his Halloween projects, sometimes starting as early as November 1st for the following year.
Advice for Aspiring Stylists Bryon provides valuable advice for up-and-coming stylists, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of styling, including invoicing, team building, and working on a variety of projects with different payment schedules.
Persistence: "Don't give up" is Bryon's key message, but he also dives into the practical aspects of starting out in the industry, such as interning, assisting, and understanding different job payment terms.
Real-world Skills: Bryon stresses the importance of learning essential skills beyond styling, like creating invoices, knowing how to build and manage a team, and understanding the logistics of large projects.
Embrace the Journey: He advises young stylists to trust their own path and not to compare themselves to others, highlighting that everyone's journey is unique and valuable.
Future Aspirations and Manifesting Success
Bryon's current collaborations, including a partnership with Banana Republic.
His approach to praying and manifesting career goals without limiting himself.
Reflections on his journey and the exciting possibilities ahead.
 
 
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ABOUT HFR Harlem's Fashion Row is the epicenter of fashion for the multicultural audience committed to curating one designer, one story, and one collection at a time.

The Reunion
Brandice welcomes Elaine Welteroth, a fashion icon, judge on Project Runway, author, mom, wife, philanthropist, and writer.
Elaine reflects on their longstanding relationship since the inception of Color in Fashion, over a decade ago.
Finding Balance
Elaine shares her excitement about her newfound sense of balance in life, attributing it to her family life, professional journey, and hobbies like tennis.
The move to LA brought a shift in perspective, providing spaciousness and a deeper connection to nature, fostering a healthier lifestyle.
Navigating Career Evolution
Elaine traces her career evolution, drawing inspiration from her mentor, Harriette Cole, and adopting a mindset of constant evolution and anticipation of change.
From conning her way into extending an internship to negotiating a promotion for a role she didn't officially hold, Elaine reflects on the bold risks she took early in her career.
Redefining Fashion Norms
Becoming the first Black beauty director in Condé Nast history at Teen Vogue propelled Elaine to infuse her work with a deeper sense of purpose and mission, challenging industry norms.
Transitioning to Project Runway, Elaine continued to redefine fashion, emphasizing her unique perspective and commitment to inclusivity and authenticity.
Progress and Challenges in the Fashion Industry
While acknowledging progress with more Black editors and designers gaining prominence, Elaine highlights ongoing challenges, including the lack of diversity on runways.
Despite the hurdles, initiatives supporting Black designers and organizations investing in their success offer hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Elaine shares her experience of feeling proud of representing her culture in the fashion industry while recognizing the lack of value placed on it by the rest of the world.
Transitioning from roles where she felt overwhelmed to positions where entire departments handled tasks she once managed solo was both empowering and eye-opening.
Overcoming Challenges
Elaine recounts her early days at Ebony magazine, where she fought for respect, resources, and access, honing her entrepreneurial spirit amidst adversity.
Elaine discusses the struggle of infusing mainstream magazines like Glamour and Teen Vogue with authentic storytelling that represents Black culture while ensuring it's well-received.
Despite feeling stuck at times, she emphasized the importance of finding her voice, trusting herself, and being authentic in the workplace.
The Struggle to Advance
Elaine reflects on her experience of feeling undervalued and restricted in her career progression, even with extensive experience.
She shares the difficulty of transitioning from one job to the next during the recession, highlighting the disparities faced by Black professionals in the industry.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Elaine emphasizes the importance of having a plan when transitioning to entrepreneurship, citing the need for both vision and strategy.
She shares her journey of building her brand and finding opportunities that aligned with her values and creative aspirations.
Advocacy for Maternal Healthcare
The conversation takes a profound turn as Elaine discusses her advocacy work in improving maternal healthcare access, especially for Black women.
She shares her personal journey of experiencing challenges in the healthcare system during pregnancy and childbirth, leading her to start the birthFUND to support families in need.
Creating Community Support
Elaine highlights the power of community support in addressing systemic issues, such as maternal mortality rates.
She shares her vision for the birthFUND as a platform for individuals to contribute to improving maternal healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities.
 
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Kelly Rowland expresses gratitude and excitement for being on the show.
They reminisce about the 2023 fashion icon event and the overwhelming support received.
Self Discovery: Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery and shedding insecurities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
They discuss Kelly's evolving style and her approach to fashion, inspired by icons like Grace Jones and Zendaya.
Life Experience: The conversation delves into the authenticity rooted in Kelly's upbringing and life experiences.
A full-circle moment is shared as Speaker 2 recalls a past encounter with Kelly at Caribbean Fashion Week.
Support For Black Designers: Kelly discusses her intentional support for black designers and the importance of creating opportunities in the fashion industry.
Future Aspirations: They explore Kelly's future aspirations in entertainment and fashion, including the possibility of collaborations.
Pharrell Williams is praised for his cultural impact and authenticity in fashion.
Kelly offers advice for those feeling stuck in their creative endeavors, emphasizing the significance of staying focused on personal goals and avoiding comparison.
Navigating Social Media: Kelly delves into the impact of social media on mental health, highlighting the pressure to portray a perfect life and the importance of staying true to oneself despite the noise.
Balancing Career and Personal Life: Despite juggling a successful career, philanthropy work, and motherhood, Kelly emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and nurturing friendships.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Kelly emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable mentors and taking bold actions, even in the face of uncertainty.
Embracing Challenges: Kelly shares her experience of stepping into the role of Mia Cooper in Tyler Perry's film, highlighting the initial fear and eventual growth that came from embracing the challenge.
Gratitude and Recognition: Despite her achievements, Kelly remains humble and expresses gratitude for the recognition she receives, acknowledging the support of her community and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Rapid Fire Questions: In a fun segment, Kelly answers rapid-fire questions about fashion, personal preferences, and advice for aspiring dreamers.

Early Influences and Parsons Days 

Aaron shares his roots in Detroit, emphasizing the significant influence the city had on his work. 

Reflecting on his time at Parsons, Aaron talks about being one of the few people of color and the impact of industry shifts in the '90s. 

 

Mentors and Personal Loss 

Aaron discusses the early loss of his parents and how it shaped his resilience. 

Brandice and Aaron explore the pivotal role of mentors, highlighting a special teacher who became a surrogate mother. 

 

Fashion, Independence, and Cotton 

Aaron's father's influence on his independence and practicality. 

The impact of a blue-collar upbringing on Aaron's design perspective, especially his affinity for practical fabrics like cotton. 

 

Career in Fashion and Industry Challenges 

Aaron's extensive career working with Emmanuel and Garrow and the challenges faced by black designers in the industry.  

The impact of the "one black model" rule and the European pedigree requirement in design rooms, casting offices, and editorial staff. 

 

Illustrations as Art and Entrepreneurship 

The evolution of Aaron's fashion illustrations, touching on his previous venture into greeting cards. 

Brandice expresses admiration for Aaron's illustrations and suggests they could be a unique revenue stream. 

 

From Brands to Own Line 

Aaron's diverse experience working for various brands, including Sabbath Avenue. 

The decision to launch his own line in 2019, driven by a desire to break free from a challenging job and a crossroads moment in his career. 

 

The Crossroads Moment 

Aaron reflects on a challenging job that led him to question if he wanted to continue working for others or embark on his creative journey. 

 

Fashion Beginnings 

Brandice discovers Aaron's Parsons graduate background and his experience working with renowned designers like Badgley Mischka and Donna Karan. 

Aaron shares his early introduction to fashion, starting with illustrations of jewelry for Donna Karan collection, highlighting the impact of his artistic expression. 

 

Independence, and Inspiration 

The discussion moves into Aaron's early experiences of independence, learning to drive at 11, and the impact of his blue-collar background on his design perspective. 

Aaron emphasizes the significance of practicality and usefulness in his designs, drawing inspiration from the blue-collar workwear he grew up with.  

The conversation touches on Aaron's use of cotton in his collections and his approach to elevating simple, practical items on a grand scale. 

 

Industry Challenges 

The conversation sheds light on the scarcity of black talent in design rooms and the industry's preference for European pedigree. 

Aaron shares his personal experience of breaking into the industry, working with Emmanuel and Garrow's American diffusion line, and the subsequent shift in the fashion landscape. 

 

Launching A Potts and Creative Vision 

The discussion transitions to Aaron's decision to launch his own line, A Potts, in 2019, and the pivotal role of meditation, self-reflection, and personal fashion creations in the process. 

Brandice recounts her positive experience wearing an A Potts dress to the White House and the enthusiastic response from security guards.  

Aaron talks about his intentional vision for A Potts as the go-to brand for creative professionals, emphasizing the importance of community, collaboration, and the energy infused into the creative process. 

The conversation concludes with Aaron's aspirations for A Potts, his desire to feed the lives of creators, and the impact of culture in today's interconnected world. 
 
Website: APOTTScollection
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