Fashion & Founders is a media platform exploring how fashion is actually built. Hosted by Victoria Smith, the show sits at the intersection of fashion, technology, and capital spotlighting the founders, investors, and operators shaping the industry’s next era. Through long-form conversations, we go beyond trends to unpack fundraising, manufacturing, resale, AI, sustainability, career, and the evolving business of fashion. This is where fashion’s builders speak, share, and connect.
How Fashion is Forecasted with WGSN Head of Consumer Forecasting
What is trend forecasting? How are fashion trends predicted? How do brands predict what consumers will want years before it happens? In this episode, we go inside WGSN, one of the world's leading trend forecasting companies, to explore how fashion and consumer trends are forecasted and what founders, marketers, and creatives should be paying attention to now. Cassandra Napoli is the Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, where she helps brands understand how consumers think, feel, shop, and behave years before those shifts reach the mainstream. From AI and Gen Z to nostalgia, retail innovation, and the creator economy, Cassandra shares the frameworks WGSN uses to help companies future-proof their businesses and make better long-term decisions. We discuss how trend forecasting actually works, whether trends are really moving faster than ever, how AI is changing consumer behavior, and more. Whether you're building a fashion brand, working in marketing, launching a startup, or simply curious about what's shaping the future of consumer culture, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the world's biggest brands prepare for what's next. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow WGSN: IG: @ WGSN Website HERE Create Tomorrow Podcast HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
Luxury Business Secrets with LVMH Chairwoman
What business school won’t teach you about luxury. How do you work in luxury fashion? This is inside LVMH's playbook. This week, I'm joined by Pauline Brown, former Chairwoman of LVMH North America, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Aesthetic Intelligence . Pauline shares the lessons she learned leading some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. We cover a lot, from why climbing the corporate ladder doesn't always bring more freedom, to the mistake most people make when planning their careers, and why she believes taste will become one of the most valuable skills in the future of work. We also dive into what luxury brands understand about consumer psychology, how Dior and Chanel think differently from startups, what it really takes to break into companies like LVMH, and why Pauline convinced Harvard Business School to create a course on The Business of Aesthetics . Whether you're building a brand, growing your career, or simply trying to develop better taste, this episode is packed with frameworks you'll think about long after listening. In this episode, we cover: Navigating a career pivot How she transitioned from consulting to fashion and beauty The biggest career mistakes young professionals make Why taste matters more in the age of AI How to stand out when applying to luxury brands The psychology behind iconic brands like Dior and Chanel Why attention doesn't always lead to sales Three questions to ask before starting your own company Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Pauline Brown: IG: @ paulinegarrisbrown Book HERE Brunello: The Gracious Visionary Watch the documentary film HERE IG: @ brunelloilvisionariogarbato Thank you to this episodes's sponsor Blue Fox Entertainment! Thanks for listening!
Hervé Léger Creative Director Michelle Ochs: How She's Bringing the Brand Into a New Era
What does a creative director in fashion do? How do I get a job in fashion? What is fashion school actually like? Hear from Michelle Ochs, the Creative Director at Hervé Léger. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a career in fashion from landing an internship at Marc Jacobs before even starting Parsons to navigating the job market during the 2008 financial crisis. After co-founding Cushnie et Ochs and spending more than a decade building the brand, Michelle made the decision to close that chapter of her career. Today, she's the Creative Director of Hervé Léger, where she's reimagining one of fashion's most recognizable brands for a new generation. Michelle also shares the strategy behind Hervé Léger's resurgence, why runway shows aren't always worth the investment, how Gen Z is rediscovering the brand, what she actually looks for when hiring designers, and why she still wants candidates to bring a printed portfolio to interviews. Whether you're hoping to work in fashion, build your own brand, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic fashion houses, this episode is full of practical advice and an honest look at what it takes to evolve throughout your career. In this episode, we discuss: What fashion school is really like Getting her first fashion internship Navigating the fashion hiring landscape Starting a fashion brand Becoming a creative director Fashion marketing Rebuilding an iconic fashion brand for a new generation What fashion hiring managers actually want to see in interviews Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Hervé Léger: IG: @ herveleger Rihanna’s Iconic Dress Follow Michelle: IG: @ ochsmichelle TikTok: @ mrsmichelleochs Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
Morgan Riddle and Cherry Beagles: The Female Fan Economy and 400 Club
This week on Fashion and Founders, I'm joined by Morgan Riddle and Cherry Beagles, co-founders of The 400 Club, a community redefining sports through the lens of fashion, culture, and female fandom. Morgan Riddle was called “The Most Famous Woman in Mens Tennis” by the New York Times and now she is moving her focus to female fans in all of sports. Cherry Beagles founded The 400 Club in 2024, a community reimagining what sports fandom looks like for women, gaining recognition and named Forbes 30 Under 30. Together, they're building one of the most exciting brands at the intersection of fashion, sports, culture, and community. We discuss their experiences at F1, Wimbledon, the US Open, the Super Bowl and more. At The 400 Club they’re brining women together for the biggest live sporting event watch parties and industry events. We talk about why women's sports is far bigger than a trend, how social media has transformed the fan experience, why brands are still missing the mark with female consumers, and the enormous opportunity at the intersection of sports, fashion, and community. If you've ever wondered where the future of sports is headed or why fashion brands, founders, and creators are paying so much attention this episode is for you. Female sports fans aren't new. They're finally being seen. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow The 400 Club: IG: @ the400club Join the 400 Club HERE Follow Morgan Riddle: IG: @ moorrgs Follow Cherry Beagles: IG: @ cherry.beagles Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
Make a Career out of Taste with VP of Partnerships at ShopMy
This week on Fashion and Founders Podcast, I’m joined by Caley-Rae Pavillard, VP of Partnerships & Business Development at ShopMy. If you've spent any time around creators lately, you've probably heard the same thing: "Get on ShopMy." But why has it become such a powerful platform for creators, brands, and tastemakers? In this episode, we discuss why creators are becoming the new retailers, how affiliate marketing is reshaping the industry, and why follower count matters far less than most people think. Caley shares what brands are actually looking for, how creators can turn recommendations into recurring revenue, and why human taste may become even more valuable in an AI-driven world. Consider this your ShopMy Success Guide and Masterclass in Influencer Marketing. We cover: How creators are making millions through affiliate revenue The shift from attention to influence What brands really want from creator partnerships Why authenticity still wins The future of shopping, discovery, and personal brands Whether you're a creator, founder, marketer, or simply curious about where commerce is headed next, this episode is packed with insights. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow ShopMy: IG: @ shopmy Join ShopMy as a creator HERE Join ShopMy as a shopper HERE Follow Caley-Rae: IG: @ heycayrae Caley’s ShopMy Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
Answering Your Biggest Fashion Career Questions: Solo Episode
This week, I’m answering your questions in a solo episode. I asked you to send in your biggest questions about working in fashion, founder tools, networking, fashion tech, and building a career you actually love, and we're covering all of it. From how to pivot into fashion from a different industry or degree, how to attend New York Fashion Week, the tools I’ve used to grow on social media, and the fashion tech companies and trends I'm watching closely right now. Whether you're trying to land your first fashion job, grow your platform, or simply understand where the industry is headed, I hope this episode gives you a few practical takeaways you can use immediately. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Links for mentioned items in the episode: Fashion Career Playbook Copenhagen Fashion Brands Dressing Professionally on a Budget Flatter Blazer No Blister Flats Earrings Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
LoveShackFancy: Fashion Editor to Empire with Rebecca Hessel Cohen
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder of LoveShackFancy. They discuss how Rebecca went from working as a fashion editor at Cosmopolitan to building one of the most recognizable brands in fashion. Rebecca shares the story behind the original bridesmaid dress that launched the company, the early years before opening a retail store, and how LoveShackFancy evolved from a niche aesthetic into a full lifestyle universe. They also discuss the viral ruffle skirt that became one of the most copied fashion pieces online, navigating dupes and copycats, scaling without diluting the brand, building immersive retail experiences, and what makes collaborations actually work. Plus Rebecca’s advice for standing out in fashion, building a recognizable point of view, and turning aspiration into community. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow LoveShackFancy: IG: @ loveshackfancy TikTok: @ loveshackfancy Shop Follow Rebecca: IG: @ becknyc TikTok: @ becknyc_ Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
The Brand Behind Acquired Style’s Viral Bachelorette Trip: Swan Beauty
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Colby Mitchell, founder of Swan Beauty, the AI beauty tech startup that went viral after sponsoring Acquired Style’s bachelorette trip. They discuss the strategy behind the partnership, the inbound after the trip, and the theories circulating the internet. The conversation explores the intersection of beauty and technology, the future of AI-powered skincare, and the journey to building Swan Beauty. If the bachelorette trip content left you wondering what is Swan Beauty, listen here and learn what’s next for them after their viral moment. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Swan: IG: @ swanbeauty_us Swan Beauty Website Try the app Follow Colby: IG: @ colbytmitchell Family Office Episode Mentioned HERE Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
The Future of Beauty with Glamsquad founder Giovanni Vaccaro
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Giovanni Vaccaro, co-founder of GlamSquad, to talk about the future of beauty and how access is changing everything. What used to be reserved for celebrities and top influencers, getting your hair and makeup done at home, is now available on demand. Giovanni breaks down how GlamSquad made that shift possible, turning luxury beauty into something people can actually use in their everyday lives. They discuss the rise of convenience-driven services, the connection between beauty and confidence, and how platforms like GlamSquad are redefining both access and the way creatives work. If you’ve ever wondered how people always have glam for events, shoots, or fashion week this is how. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Glamsquad: IG: @ glamsquad Follow Giovanni: IG: @ giovannivaccaro Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Building a Brand That Means Something: Sali Christeson Founder of Argent
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Sali Christeson, founder and CEO of Argent, to discuss what it really takes to build a fashion brand over the long term. Sally shares her path from tech to launching Argent, and how a gap in the workwear market led her to create a brand rooted in both function and purpose. They get into raising venture capital in fashion, navigating the “messy middle” of growth, and why most brands don’t make it past the early years. Sally also shares how Argent went from strong growth to zero revenue during COVID and the unexpected moment that turned things around. The conversation covers hiring, trusting your instincts as a founder, evolving workwear culture, and why there’s no shortcut to building a brand that lasts. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Argent: IG: @ argent Shop Argent Follow Sali: IG: @ salichristeson Brand Highlight: Alexandra Madison Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Vestiaire Collective: the $1 Billion Resale Platform
In this episode, Victoria sits down with the Chief Business Officer of Vestiaire Collective, Klemen Drole. They discuss how the company evolved from a niche resale platform into a global leader in secondhand luxury. He was previously the Chief Technology Officer and shares the tech innovations Vestiaire is implanting to keep up with demand. They break down the realities of building a fashion resale company over 15+ years, from overcoming early stigma around secondhand to reaching profitability and scaling globally. The conversation explores how Vestiaire balances supply and demand, pricing millions of unique items, and the keys to their growth. They also dive into how trends emerge in real time on resale platforms, the role of AI in authentication and curation, and how luxury brands are increasingly partnering with resale platforms. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Vestiaire Collective: IG: @ vestiaireco Shop: vestiairecollective.com Brand Highlight: Melisse Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
The Business of Being an Influencer with Hannah Lizzy
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Hannah Krohne, Hannah Lizzy on TikTok, a fashion creator who turned TikTok into a launching point for her career. Landing roles at David Yurman, Danielle and Alix in styling, and ASOS in merchandising and trend analysis before ultimately going full-time as an influencer. They discuss her path from posting in her college dorm to building a platform that now functions as both content and portfolio. Hannah shares what it really looks like to balance a 9–5 with content creation, from filming multiple videos a day to navigating the transition out of corporate. They also get into the financial realities of influencing, including inconsistent income, brand deals, and the unexpected costs behind “free” product. The conversation breaks down how brands actually choose influencers, the behind-the-scenes of Fashion Week dressing, and why so much of what you see online isn’t as it seems. They also explore the role of content in building a career in fashion, why you don’t need a traditional fashion background, and how to position yourself for opportunities in the industry. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Hannah: IG: @ hannahlizzy_ TikTok: @ hannahlizzy_ Brand Highlight: Paris64 Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund: What It’s Really Like to be a Finalist
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Ashley Moubayed, founder of Don’t Let Disco and a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. They discuss her journey from building the brand as a side hustle to becoming a full-time founder, and the realities of growing a fashion business. Ashley shares what it’s really like to go through the CFDA Fashion Fund, from the application process to the impact it has on credibility and growth. They also break down the cost of New York Fashion Week, navigating press, and why relationships and long-term partnerships are key in the industry. The conversation explores storytelling in fashion, misconceptions around jewelry, and why visibility doesn’t always equal value. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Don’t Let Disco: IG: @ dontletdisco Shop Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
OOTD: Viral Fashion Content Strategy
In this episode, Victoria sits down with the team behind OOTD, one of the fastest-growing fashion media platforms capturing street style around the world. What began as candid outfit videos filmed on the streets of New York has quickly evolved into an international fashion community covering major cultural moments from Coachella to Fashion Week. They discuss the strategy behind creating viral fashion content, scaling, and monetization. No longer just online they have built a network of creators across cities like New York, Paris, and London hosting dinners and events with their community. Since they’ve scaled so quickly they discuss fashion tech and building internal technology needed for their business. Plus they’re hiring and share their vision for how OOTD could become one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow OOTD: IG: @ ootd TikTok: @ ootd ootd.com Follow Cory and Nic: IG: @ corymuroff IG: @ wantthisnic Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 60% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Matilda Djerf: Behind the Brand
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Matilda Djerf, the founder of Djerf Avenue, to discuss how she built one of the most recognizable aesthetics in modern fashion. They talk about launching a brand with strong values, building community both online and offline, and navigating the realities of running a global business in your early twenties. Matilda also shares lessons on leadership, vulnerability on social media, and why taking care of yourself is essential when building a company. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Matilda: IG: @ matildadjerf Follow Djerf Avenue: IG: @ djerfavenue Shop Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!
NYFW isn't "dead," but it is too expensive
New York Fashion Week isn’t dead, but it is changing. In this solo NYFW recap, Victoria breaks down what felt different this season and how Fashion Week is getting too expensive. From major brands like Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs showing off-schedule, Thom Browne showing in San Francisco, brands giving away show tickets leading to how NYFW could be evolving into an “Art Basel”-style citywide experience. She also shares the fashion tech + retail innovation that caught her eye, the behind-the-scenes realities of how outfits (and glam) actually happen during Fashion Week, and the pop-ups + community events that proved NYFW is increasingly about access, culture, and connection not just runway invites. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Rebecca Minkoff episode on fashion week being to expensive HERE Thanks for listening!
Ganni Chief Sustainability Officer Lauren Bartley
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Ganni’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Bartley. They discuss how the brand approaches sustainability and design, as they set trends rather than following them. Lauren unpacks Ganni's transparent approach to sustainability reporting, its investment in next-generation material innovation, partnerships in resale and repair, and how the brand balances trend-setting design with long-term environmental strategy. They also explore Scandinavian sustainability culture, the importance of consistency over perfection, and why innovation is key to moving fashion forward. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Ganni: IG: @ ganni Shop HERE The Ganni Playbook Follow Boii Studios: IG: @ boiistudios Shop HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Copenhagen Fashion Week Trends and Takeaways
In this episode, Victoria recaps her experience attending Copenhagen Fashion Week from street style and behind-the-scenes access to the sustainability frameworks shaping the future of fashion. She breaks down what makes Copenhagen different from other fashion capitals, why transparency and public access matter, and how brands are rethinking design through the lens of weather, function, and real life. Victoria also shares insights from industry panels, a Substack hosted dinner, standout designers, and why she believes climate-adapted fashion and functional pieces are the next major shift in the industry. Plus a back stage interview with designers Marie and Julie Skall of Skall Studio. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Find the Brands mentioned on: Substack and ShopMy Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
COVID Side Hustle to the Red Carpet: Undone by Kate
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Kate March, founder and designer of Undone by Kate. She shares how a pandemic project became a made-in-New-York bespoke, bridal, and special occasion brand. Kate shares her path from celebrity styling to teaching herself how to sew on YouTube, creating her first upcycled tees that sparked demand, and the influencer moment that drove $10K in Shopify sales in one day. They talk bootstrapping on unemployment checks, learning pricing the hard way, building a local contractor network, and why made-to-measure is both the new luxury and true size inclusivity. Plus: a last-minute Selena Gomez VMAs dress pivot, bridal trends, and Kate’s best advice for breaking into fashion. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @ victorias Follow Undone by Kate: IG: @ undonebykate Shop Custom Looks HERE Fashion Career Playbook HERE Brand Spotlight : Aven Atelier Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Marina Larroudé: Reinventing the Footwear Business Model
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Marina Larroude, founder of Larroudé, to unpack how she built one of fashion’s fastest-growing footwear brands by rewriting the rules. Marina shares her journey from interning at Condé Nast to leading fashion at Barneys, and how those experiences revealed the white space that inspired Larroudé. They dive into why footwear is one of the hardest categories in fashion, how vertical integration and pre-orders became a growth engine, and why the brand chose profitability over “growth at all costs.” Marina also offers sharp career advice for early builders, the truth behind “good taste,” what fashion school doesn’t teach, and why progress done daily compounds over time. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @ fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @ victorias Follow Larroude: IG: @ marinalarroude IG: @ larroude Website Fashion Job Board HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening!
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings supplied by Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed August 1, 2026.
Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
