Best Designer Handbags Podcasts (2025)

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How Salt Athletic Became the Cleat Bag Athletes Want (and Parents Trust) | Emily Blumenthal & Rafael de la Vega 32:31

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2d ago32:31

32:31

A single on-field embarrassment became the spark for Salt Athletic—Rafael de la Vega’s patented cleat bag designed for the athlete who uses it and the parent who buys it. In this episode, Rafael shares how early missteps with PR, broad targeting, and hype burned cash, and how a hard pivot—economics first, accelerator support, and factory access in …

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How Erbology Turns Nature’s Rituals into Modern Medicine 33:07

9d ago33:07

33:07

Send us a text In this third episode of the Farmatuur Podcast, we dive into the world of Erbology together with co-founder Irina. Irina takes us back to her childhood in Moldova, where summers were spent in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with herbs drying on newspapers, homemade tinctures and the quiet wisdom of plants. That early connect…

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What It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman 37:56

9d ago37:56

37:56

Think launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising. Nancy doesn’t sugar…

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Scaling Smarter with Nicole Levy from Baikal Handbag Manufacturing | Emily Blumenthal & Nicole Levy 41:06

16d ago41:06

41:06

Ever wonder why some emerging handbag brands thrive while others stall before launch? In this episode, Nicole Levy of Baikal Handbag Manufacturing breaks down the real operations behind successful accessories brands—from timelines and tariffs to minimums, materials, and distribution strategy. Nicole explains why your first collection should be thre…

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Dr. Jessica Quillin & The Power of Cohesive Luxury Brand Storytelling | Emily Blumenthal & Dr. Jessica Quillin 38:14

23d ago38:14

38:14

What if the real engine of modern luxury isn’t loud marketing—but meaning delivered consistently across every touchpoint? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Quillin, fashion strategist and PhD in 19th-century poetry, breaks down how elevated storytelling creates brands that feel unified on the site, in the feed, and in the store. She shares her journey f…

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🎙️ Carrying Craft and Clarity: How Adriana Castro Built a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Adriana Castro 41:17

1M ago41:17

41:17

What if the secret to growth isn’t chasing the next trend—but carrying a dream with enough grit to outlast them? In this episode, Adriana Castro shares how she turned Colombian craftsmanship and business discipline into a timeless accessories brand. Leaving a safe corporate path for design school, she transformed professors into mentors and built h…

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🎙️ From Soho to Sustainability: How Steven Alan Built—and Rebuilt—a Lasting Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Steven Alan 42:16

1M ago42:16

42:16

What if the difference between a forgettable line and an enduring brand came down to a handful of details and a few brave decisions? In this episode, Steven Alan unpacks how a small Soho storefront became a global showroom, why discovery will always trump trade-show buying, and how clean distribution keeps both the magic and the margin intact. From…

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Alchemy of Purity: How Dr. Doris Brandhuber Turns Chemistry into Conscious Beauty 37:27

1M ago37:27

37:27

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Doris Brandhuber, the brilliant chemist and co-founder of Less is More, whose journey from a small lab behind a hair salon to pioneering clean beauty is nothing short of inspiring. Doris shares how her deep love for nature and her scientific expertise in biomimetic formulations came together to r…

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Quitting Marc Jacobs to Create an Iconic Brand: The Story of Joy Gryson | Emily Blumenthal & Joy Gryson 49:53

1M ago49:53

49:53

What happens when you walk away from Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein—and bet on your own name instead? In this episode, Joy Gryson shares the bold pivot from corporate fashion to building a modern handbag brand that exploded in Korea and won a loyal global following. She reveals how consulting bridged the leap, why she and her husband chose small Ital…

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Clare V and The Art of Intentional Growth: Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare Vivier 37:41

2M ago37:41

37:41

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a small retail dream into a lasting fashion empire? Clare V, founder of her namesake brand, proves that steady growth, not viral fame, builds a real legacy. Starting with a 500-square-foot shop in Silver Lake, Clare turned local roots into a thriving retail network by prioritizing people over transactions. From mat…

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Inside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew Mathiasen 42:03

2M ago42:03

42:03

In an era dominated by DTC, what role do trade shows still play in building a fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we sit down with Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY Now, to unpack why wholesale isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for emerging accessory brands looking for long-term growth, especially now with The “It Bag x NY…

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Inside the Handbag Machine: How Cathy Schwartz-Shino Defines Real Brand Power | Emily Blumenthal & Cathy Schwartz-Shino 39:10

2M ago39:10

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By Emily Blumenthal

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Most worn Pre Loved Designer Handbags, Louis Vuitton & Chanel Bags, Sustainable Style 7:55

2M ago7:55

7:55

Summary In this episode, Cholpon shares her personal collection of pre-loved designer handbags, highlighting the unique features and stories behind each piece. From vintage Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Ralph Lauren, she discusses the practicality, style, and emotional connections these bags hold for her. The conversation emphasises the beauty of sus…

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From Apples to Handbags: Claudia Pievani’s Cruelty‑Free Fashion Revolution 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

Send us a text What if your favorite bag could be both beautiful and kind? We sit down with MioMojo founder Claudia Piani to unpack how next‑gen materials, apples, oranges, bamboo, olives, and even mycelium, are reshaping luxury without animal skin or chemical‑heavy tanning. Claudia shares how a love affair with nature became a design brief, a supp…

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From Boutique Dreams to QVC Star: Dawn Del Russo’s Reinvention Story | Emily Blumenthal & Dawn Del Russo 35:53

2M ago35:53

35:53

By Emily Blumenthal

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Building Handbag Joy: How Peter Gryson Turned Vision Into a Global Label | Emily Blumenthal & Peter Gryson 54:17

3M ago54:17

54:17

Ever wonder how a personal story becomes a global brand? Peter Gryson, co-founder of Joy Gryson, shares his journey from corporate fashion to building a handbag label that stands out in a crowded market. From retail floors to a VP role at Calvin Klein, his path reveals how determination, adaptability, and vision can turn obstacles into opportunity.…

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From Macy’s to QVC: Karen Giberson’s Accessories’ Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Giberson 37:33

3M ago37:33

37:33

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to break into the accessories world? Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council, pulls back the curtain on an industry made up of specialized silos that rarely connect. From Macy’s competitive executive training program to navigating the stigma of QVC, her path shaped a mission to create meaningful connections…

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Julie Deane CBE: The Post-It on the Factory Wall to the Sale of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 2 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane 26:46

3M ago26:46

26:46

As we continue the journey of what it takes to build a luxury handbag brand from scratch the harsh realities of the industry, we pick up where we left off with Julie Deane, and her difficult choice to sell her company. This is precisely the thrilling journey Julie Deane, founder of the Cambridge Statue Company, unravels with us. We take a deep dive…

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Julie Deane’s Tale from Kitchen Table to British Handbag Empire: The Creation of The Cambridge Satchel Company Part 1 | Emily Blumenthal & Julie Deane 1:04:15

3M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

“Have you ever wondered what it takes to create and scale a handbag brand? Quickly? Well, prepare to find out in this fascinating chat with our guest Julie Deane, the brains behind the Cambridge Satchel Company. Julie shares her journey from a humble start, fueled by her mother's support, to making a mark in the world of handbags, focusing on the s…

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From Charity Shops to Chic Looks: How I Find Rare Fashion & Homeware Gems 6:51

3M ago6:51

6:51

In this episode, the host shares her personal journey of shopping in charity shops, highlighting unique and vintage finds that showcase her love for fashion and home decor. From a stunning silk scarf to fine china, each item tells a story of discovery and appreciation for craftsmanship. The conversation emphasizes the joy of thrift shopping and the…

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“How you can own Chanel Bag without breaking the bank” 9:43

4M ago9:43

9:43

SummaryIn this episode, the speaker shares her personal journey of becoming a collector of vintage Chanel bags. She recounts her initial desire to own a Chanel bag, her experiences with purchasing both new and pre-loved bags, and the advice she received about the benefits of vintage bags. The conversation highlights the craftsmanship of vintage Cha…

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From Courtroom to Catwalk: Jimena Suarez’s Vegan Handbag Revolution | Emily Blumenthal & Jimena Suarez 32:23

4M ago32:23

32:23

What happens when an environmental lawyer trades the courtroom for the world of fashion? For Jimena Suarez, founder of From Sentient, it means creating vegan handbags that blend Mexican craftsmanship, innovative materials, and ethical values—without sacrificing style. Sixteen years after going vegan, she saw a gap in the market for beautiful, high-…

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How Sujin Osatarayakul Builds Bags Like Buildings | Emily Blumenthal & Kazumi Takahashi & Sujin Osatarayakul 25:37

4M ago25:37

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For Sujin, handbags aren’t sewn—they’re constructed. Trained as an architect, she approaches her brand, Elemood, with the same principles she’d apply to a building: structural integrity, simplicity, and form as function. With no fashion or sewing background, she pioneered designs like the Mono bag—crafted from a single piece of material—and the Exp…

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How Odoba Turned Heritage Into a Handbag Brand | Emily Blumenthal & Odoba Nnani 33:43

4M ago33:43

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For Odoba Nnani, building her brand became a masterclass in trusting instincts and weaving cultural heritage into every creation. Born in Nigeria and moving to the U.S. at eight through the visa lottery, she balanced family expectations with a growing creative drive. When the pandemic hit, she traded law school dreams for crafting accessories that …

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Motherhood Meets Handbags: The Story of Misenver | Emily Blumenthal & Shinyoung Park 30:50

4M ago30:50

30:50

What happens when you mix a mischievous spirit, versatile design, and a new baby? For Shinyoung Park, it led to the creation of Misenver —a handbag brand born at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurial ambition. In this inspiring episode, Shinyoung shares her path from fashion school in Korea to working in LA’s clothing industry, and how…

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From Coma to Comeback. Sam’s Unbelievable Recovery 1:16:44

4M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Greene shares his profound journey of personal growth, detailing the challenges he faced, including a life-threatening health crisis. He emphasizes the importance of perspective, accountability, and the role of pain in fostering resilience. The discussion also touches on the significance of finding purpose, the impa…

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Healing Through Handbags: Chelli Look’s Journey of Creativity and Loss | Emily Blumenthal & Chelli Look 30:51

5M ago30:51

30:51

Chelli Look’s story is as inspiring as it is emotional. A self-taught designer since high school, she began making handbags after her sister challenged her to “figure it out yourself.” What started as a creative outlet became a livelihood—and later, a lifeline through unimaginable personal loss. In this moving episode, Chelli opens up about losing …

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Dating in the Digital Age: Too Many Choices, Too Little Connection 1:16:44

5M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

In this conversation, Sam Greene and Cholpon delve into the complexities of modern relationships, exploring the rise of singleness, the challenges posed by dating apps, and the impact of social media on dating dynamics. They discuss generational differences in relationship expectations, the biological clock for women, and the importance of communic…

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From Walmart Fabric to a Multi-Million Dollar Brand: Jessy Dover’s Bold Blueprint | Emily Blumenthal & Jessy Dover 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

When Jessy Dover sewed her own hot pink prom dress from Walmart fabric, she had no idea it would spark the vision for Dagne Dover—now one of the most functional (and stylish) handbag brands on the market. In this episode, Jessy shares her journey from Parsons to co-founding a powerhouse trio with Melissa Mash and Deepa Gandhi. From winning a Coach …

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What Really Makes an It Bag in 2026? Beth Goldstein Breaks It Down 🎒📊| Emily Blumenthal & Beth Goldstein 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

Think you know what defines an “It Bag”? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Beth Goldstein, Executive Director of Footwear & Accessories at Circana, joins Emily Blumenthal to unpack how social media has transformed the handbag market—and why a $299 Trader Joe’s tote can now claim the title. From viral hits to lasting brands, Beth…

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From One Bag to a Global Brand: Rebecca Minkoff on Building Fashion That Lasts 👜🌍| Emily Blumenthal & Rebecca Minkoff 39:16

5M ago39:16

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What does it take to turn one handbag into a worldwide fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with the iconic Rebecca Minkoff to unpack the journey from her first design to building an empire that changed the handbag industry forever. It all started with the Morning After Bag—a now-legendary design born f…

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Best Sunglasses for High Cheekbones 👏 Stylish + Comfortable 4:57

5M ago4:57

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SummaryIn this episode, the host discusses the challenges of finding stylish sunglasses that fit well for individuals with high cheekbones. She shares her personal favorites, including brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Fendi, and emphasizes the importance of comfort and fit. The conversation highlights the difficulties faced by those with h…

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What It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand in 2024 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy Forman 37:56

5M ago37:56

37:56

Think launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising. Nancy doesn’t sugar…

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How Kerri Quigley Built a Fashion Empire—One Kid at a Time 🧵✨| Emily Blumenthal & Kerri Quigley 38:56

6M ago38:56

38:56

What happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for teaching? For Kerri Quigley, it led to The Fashion Class—a sewing and design school that’s igniting creativity and confidence in the next generation of makers. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Kerri shares her incredible journey from launching an underwear line at 17 to buildin…

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Inside Clare V.: How a DIY Laptop Case Sparked a Handbag Empire 🧵👜 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare Vivier 39:51

6M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we dive into the story of Clare Vivier, the founder behind the effortlessly cool handbag brand Clare V.—a name synonymous with California style and functional fashion. What began as a side hustle crafting chic laptop cases has grown into a nationwide brand with 14 retail locations and a cult following. Clare…

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Vegetarian Protein Hacks for Fat Loss and Energy 22:18

6M ago22:18

22:18

In this conversation, Cholpon and Nivita explore the intricacies of a vegetarian diet, focusing on protein sources, the importance of macronutrients, and the balance between fat loss and nutrition. Nivita shares her journey into nutrition, the significance of exercise, and how mental health is influenced by diet. They also discuss the creation of s…

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How Monica Botkier Turned a Side Hustle into a Handbag Legend 🔥👜| Emily Blumenthal & Monica Botkier 59:43

6M ago59:43

59:43

Before every influencer had a brand and every bag had a waitlist, there was the Botkier Trigger Bag—an iconic design that redefined what it meant to blend fashion and function. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Monica Botkier joins us to share the real story behind one of the most game-changing handbag brands of the early 2000s—and how she’s…

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How to Choose the Perfect Hat for Royal Ascot and Royal Ascot tips in 2025 | Exclusive Interview with Milliner Sarah 31:51

6M ago31:51

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In this engaging conversation, Cholpon and Sarah discuss the art of hat making, particularly in the context of the upcoming Royal Ascot. Sarah shares her journey into millinery, the importance of choosing the right hat, and the trends for this season. They explore the significance of comfort in fashion, the sourcing of materials locally, and the re…

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From Street Interviews to Red Carpets: How @TheeFashionMix Became Fashion's Digital Insider 🎤👠| Emily Blumenthal & Michaela “Ms. Mix” Cacho-Negrete 29:18

7M ago29:18

29:18

What does it really take to go from fashion fan to front-row reporter in today’s content-saturated world? Michaela Mix Caccia Negrete—better known as Ms. Mix of The Fashion Mix—proves that bold moves and relentless hustle still open doors. After being rejected from nearly 70 NYFW shows, she didn’t turn around—she turned up. With a mic in hand and s…

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"Longevity, Motivation & Biohacks: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive | Sam Greene x Cholpon" 59:59

7M ago59:59

59:59

Summary In this conversation, Cholpon and Sam Greene explore various aspects of health, fitness, and longevity. They discuss the challenges of motivation for exercise, the importance of muscle training, and the impact of nutrition on overall health. The conversation also delves into the role of organic foods, the necessity of supplementation, and t…

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"The Cape That Changed Everything | How Tessy Built Sustainable Fashion Brand Human Highness” 24:42

7M ago24:42

24:42

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tessy shares her journey of creating Human Highness, a fashion brand focused on empowering women through unique, sustainable clothing. She discusses the importance of craftsmanship, organic materials, and the personal relationships that drive her production process. Tessy also reflects on her recent recognitio…

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From Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen Cardoso Created Bolsa Nova 👜🇮🇹 | Emily Blumenthal & Karen Cardoso 27:02

7M ago27:02

27:02

What happens when you walk away from decades of designing for other people—and finally bet on yourself? Karen Cardoso spent 30 years behind the scenes designing handbags for household names like Jessica Simpson and Franco Sarto. But when tariffs upended her production plans, she didn’t fold—she pivoted. That moment sparked the creation of Bolsa Nov…

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Luxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amery Built a Global Pre-Loved Handbag Empire ♻️👜 | Emily Blumenthal and Evey Amery 27:22

7M ago27:22

27:22

Step into the booming world of pre-loved designer handbags with Evey Amery, founder of EveysPreLoved, the London-based luxury consignment business redefining what “sustainable fashion” really means. 💼✨ From Chanel and Hermès to Fendi and beyond, Evey brings transparency, trust, and TV-presenter polish to a market where condition and authenticity ar…

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Reimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming Waste into the Future of Luxury 🧪♻️| Emily Blumenthal and Elyse Winer 32:01

7M ago32:01

32:01

Join Elyse Winer of Gen Phoenix as she reveals the groundbreaking technology turning discarded leather waste into high-performance recycled materials used by Coach, Dr. Martens, and more. 🌍👜 Since 2007, Gen Phoenix has diverted over 10,000 tons of leather from landfills using a patented process that creates sustainable leather with 80% less carbon—…

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Making Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 39:35

8M ago39:35

39:35

Join Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson, the leadership behind Graphic Image and GiGi New York, as they reveal how they transformed a specialized bookbinding company into a thriving luxury handbag brand—all while proudly keeping production 100% American. 🇺🇸💼 With smart pivots during the 2009 recession and a bold embrace of modern retail strategies like d…

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Elyce Arons from Crafting Kate Spade to Launching Frances Valentine | Emily Blumenthal & Elyce Arons 47:51

8M ago47:51

47:51

✨ A re-release of one of our favorite episodes! Step into the heart of New York’s fashion legacy with Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, as she shares the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic handbag brands of all time. 👜💫 From rural Kansas roots to building a global fashion empire alongside her best friend, the …

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"Fashion for Fraction: Style Your Life Without Breaking the Bank" 3:34

8M ago3:34

3:34

🎙Welcome to the First Episode of Fashion for Fraction! “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.” – Coco Chanel This bold quote speaks to the heart of my message — every woman has the power to look beautiful, feel confident, and live a balanced life. Hi, I’m Cholpon – a mother, wife, top-rated UK financial advisor, and fashion lover. In this very f…

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From Ziplocs to Luxury: The Hudson Bleeker Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Eram Siddiqui 34:40

8M ago34:40

34:40

What started with plastic grocery bags and Ziplocs sparked a travel accessory empire. Eram Siddiqui turned personal frustration into the polished, fashion-forward brand Hudson+Bleecker—now carried by Nordstrom, Revolve, and QVC. Her journey from sewing with her mom to sourcing manufacturers in China is a testament to grit, adaptability, and style-f…

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From Saks to Startups: Marketing That Sells with Ernest Moore🎯🛍️ | Emily Blumenthal & Ernest Moore 39:01

8M ago39:01

39:01

Step into the world of fashion marketing with Ernest Moore, of Moore Marketing & PR, a seasoned pro who’s worked with top PR agencies and retail giants like Macy’s and Saks. In this must-hear episode, Ernest unpacks the biggest marketing mistakes emerging designers make—and how to get real results without wasting time or money. 💸✨ With honest advic…