In this episode, I reconnect with designer Brian De Carvalho after a year, diving into his incredible journey from studying fine art to becoming a self-taught fashion designer during the pandemic. Brian shares how creating clothes for himself led to opportunities to dress drag queens and celebrities, all while establishing his unique voice in the fashion industry.

We discuss the challenges young designers face, the artistry of corsetry, and the struggle to balance family expectations with creative freedom. Brian also reflects on the transformative moment he received John Galliano’s blessing, how it inspired him to take his work seriously, and the lessons he’s learned while building his own brand. This is an inspiring and candid conversation that’s a must-listen for aspiring creatives and fashion lovers alike

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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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