Speaking Of Fashion

The Vanilla Issue

Speaking Of Fashion is a podcast by The Vanilla Issue, exploring the people, ideas, and stories shaping fashion today. Hosted by Shreya "BrownFashionGal" Shrivastava, each episode brings together designers, creatives, founders, and industry voices for honest conversations about building a career, finding your creative identity, navigating the fashion world, and everything in between.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Speaking Of Fashion #6 Alan Taylor

    The conversation delves into the intersection of fashion and sports, exploring Alan's journey into fashion, his experience at Simone Roshan and McQueen, the transition to a baseball streetwear brand, the influence of athletes in fashion, the impact of athleisure and active wear, missed opportunities in sports and fashion collaboration, and the misconceptions of running an independent label. The conversation covers the challenges of fashion design, the impact of social media, support for emerging designers, the relevance of fashion schools, and navigating social media algorithms. Key takeaways include the importance of a logistical mindset and the challenges faced by designers during Fashion Week. Takeaways Fashion and sports have a strong connectionThe intersection of fashion and sports culture is a growing trend Logistical mindsetFashion Week challenges Chapters 00:00 Alan's Journey into Fashion05:38 Alan's Experience at Simone Roshan and McQueen08:44 Transition to Baseball Streetwear Brand17:53 Athletes as Fashion Influencers21:12 Athleisure and Active Wear in Fashion23:28 Missed Opportunities in Sports and Fashion Collaboration26:52 Misconceptions of Running an Independent Label27:22 The Reality of Fashion Design29:28 The Impact of Social Media31:14 Support for Emerging Designers37:09 Relevance of Fashion Schools46:35 Navigating Social Media Algorithms

  2. Aug 9

    Speaking Of Fashion #5 Maximilian Raynor

    The conversation covers Max Raynor's journey into fashion, his experience at CSM, the impact of social media on the fashion industry, and the challenges of running a fashion business. It also delves into the role of creative directors, the pressure to design for social media, and the formation of trends in the industry. The conversation covers the topics of celebrity dressing, the process for young designers to dress celebrities, the challenges and opportunities of getting on the fashion week calendar, and the aspirations of a designer to lead a fashion house or collaborate with heritage brands. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the fashion industry, including the role of creative directors, the importance of community and support, the impact of privilege, and the pursuit of a career in fashion. It also emphasizes the need for authenticity, finding one's own path, and the significance of taste and inspiration. Takeaways Fashion education and experience are deeply personal and can shape a designer's creative journey.The impact of social media on the fashion industry has led to a shift in focus from creativity to virality and marketing.The pressure to follow trends and design for social media can be a challenge for designers, especially when running a fashion business. Celebrity dressing involves being tactful with design, being visible on social media, and avoiding paying for celebrity endorsements.Getting on the fashion week calendar requires being present, visible, and involved in the industry, as well as seeking scholarships and support initiatives.The designer aspires to lead a fashion house, collaborate with heritage brands, and explore new and unique ways of generating revenue through collaborations and sponsorships. Creative directors play a crucial role in the fashion industryCommunity and support are essential for success in the fashion industry Chapters 00:00 Journey into Fashion02:00 CSM Experience06:00 Impact of Social Media on Fashion11:20 Challenges of Running a Fashion Business17:04 Role of Creative Directors and Trend Formation24:27 Celebrity Dressing and Visibility25:21 Challenges of Getting on the Fashion Week Calendar45:47 Aspirations to Lead a Fashion House and Collaborate with Heritage Brands50:06 The Role of Creative Directors51:11 Community and Support in Fashion52:06 The Impact of Privilege53:34 Pursuing a Career in Fashion55:02 The Importance of Taste and Inspiration56:27 Challenges and Support in the Fashion Industry57:32 Finding Inspiration and Support58:04 The Role of Privilege in Fashion59:01 The Pursuit of a Career in Fashion01:00:23 The Importance of Community and Support01:01:19 The Impact of Privilege in Fashion01:02:18 The Pursuit of a Career in Fashion01:03:08 The Role of Support and Privilege01:04:19 The Pursuit of a Career in Fashion01:05:08 The Impact of Privilege in Fashion01:06:38 Concluding Remarks

  3. Aug 5

    Speaking Of Fashion #4 Brian Carvalho

    The conversation covers the journey of a self-taught fashion designer, the impact of meeting John Galliano, the challenges of being a working class designer, the exploitation and responsibility in fashion, the impact of collaborations and exposure, the role of London as a hub for emerging designers, and the inspiration from eighteenth-century costuming. It also delves into the elitism and gatekeeping in the fashion industry, as well as the hiring based on attitude and hunger rather than formal education. The conversation delves into the designer's creative process, inspiration, and the emotional impact of fashion. It also explores the designer's vision for the BDC woman, the influence of queer identity in fashion, and the evolution of the corset as a symbol of empowerment and liberation. Takeaways The fashion industry is evolving to include more self-taught and non-traditional designers.The challenges of being a working class designer in a glamorous and elitist industry. Drawing inspiration from the past for modern fashionThe emotional impact of fashion and the importance of creating an emotional reaction in the audience. Chapters 00:00 Influence of John Galliano01:00 Fashion Journey and Self-Taught Sewing01:30 Impact of Meeting John Galliano03:02 Fashion Education and Creativity05:35 Hiring Based on Attitude and Hunger07:14 Challenges of a Working Class Designer09:54 Exploitation and Responsibility in Fashion12:23 Impact of Collaborations and Exposure19:29 London as a Hub for Emerging Designers23:30 Elitism and Gatekeeping in Fashion28:41 Inspiration from Eighteenth Century Costuming28:48 Drawing Inspiration from the Past30:42 The Razor Blade Dress32:41 Unconventional Materials and Artistic Expression33:39 Influential Designers and Rebellion in Fashion35:44 The BDC Woman: Unapologetic and Confident38:20 Emotional Impact of Fashion40:23 Queer Identity and Fashion43:30 The Evolution of the Corset

  4. Jul 21

    Speaking Of Fashion #1 Dickson Lim

    In this episode of Speaking Of Fashion, we sit down with Dickson Lim to talk about fashion, identity, creative direction, and the vision behind building a brand with purpose. A conversation on finding your voice, trusting your perspective, and creating work that feels true to you. Hosted by Shreya "Brown Fashion Gal" Shrivastava.

  5. Jul 21

    Speaking Of Fashion #2 Alfonso Nava

    The conversation delves into the journey of Alfonso Maria Nava from law to fashion, the concept of fashion as art, the impact of AI on fashion and design, the role of taste and emotion in fashion, and the balance between being a designer and a content creator. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing content creation and design, the struggle of content creation, the pressure to produce in fashion, learning the technical aspects of fashion, the social element of fashion, the mission of fashion, and the impact of fast fashion. Key takeaways include the necessity of content creation and the importance of sustainability in fashion. Takeaways Fashion as a form of artImpact of AI on fashion and designEmotional connection in fashion Content creation as a necessityThe importance of sustainability in fashion Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Fashion08:21 Fashion as Art12:38 AI and Fast Fashion17:21 The Role of Taste and Emotion in Fashion22:20 Inspirational Designers and Content Creation25:38 Balancing Content Creation and Design26:58 The Struggle of Content Creation34:39 The Pressure to Produce in Fashion37:02 Learning the Technical Aspects of Fashion40:53 The Social Element of Fashion47:26 The Mission of Fashion51:27 The Impact of Fast Fashion

  6. Jul 21

    Speaking Of Fashion #3 Alvin Ho

    The conversation delves into the journey of a fashion designer, exploring the themes of creativity, inspiration, the business of fashion, and the return of fantasy in the industry. It also highlights the significance of couture and bridal wear, the identity of the 'House of Alvin' woman, and the challenges of navigating the fashion industry without traditional connections or financial backing. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the fashion industry, overcoming limiting beliefs, the significance of a business degree, and the cultural and family expectations associated with pursuing a career in fashion. It also explores the transition to a full-time pursuit of fashion. Takeaways Fashion as a World of Theatre and FantasyThe Business of Fashion and Brand Building Fashion industry gatekeepingOvercoming limiting beliefsThe importance of a business degreeNavigating cultural and family expectationsChallenges of pursuing a career in fashion Chapters 00:00 The Beginnings of a Fashion Journey03:05 The Theatrics of Fashion05:52 Inspiration and Creativity in Fashion08:50 The Return of Fantasy in Fashion11:59 Couture and Bridal Wear15:01 The House of Alvin Woman19:56 The Business of Fashion24:56 Navigating the Fashion Industry33:30 Overcoming Challenges and Gatekeeping40:31 Cultural Expectations and Pursuing Fashion49:04 Transitioning to Full-Time Fashion Pursuit

  • 6 Episodes

About

Speaking Of Fashion is a podcast by The Vanilla Issue, exploring the people, ideas, and stories shaping fashion today. Hosted by Shreya "BrownFashionGal" Shrivastava, each episode brings together designers, creatives, founders, and industry voices for honest conversations about building a career, finding your creative identity, navigating the fashion world, and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    The Vanilla Issue
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vanilla Issue