The Business of Fashion Podcast

Hailey Bieber, founder of the rapidly successful beauty brand Rhode, shares her journey from model to beauty mogul. She emphasizes Rhode's vision of creating an emotional connection with customers, aiming to evolve into a lifestyle brand beyond just skincare. Bieber discusses the strategic partnerships that bolstered growth, including an impressive retail collaboration with Sephora. With a focus on authenticity and community, she expresses her ambition for Rhode to become a legacy brand in the beauty industry.

Nike is undergoing a cultural shift, moving from a male-focused brand to one that champions female athletes. The recent 'So Win' campaign, featuring a Super Bowl ad, highlights this commitment. Key initiatives include partnerships with influential figures like Kim Kardashian and the launch of A’ja Wilson's signature sneaker. Nike's leadership is now more female-driven, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity and genuine engagement with women. This evolution aims to address past missteps and position Nike as a leader in the women's sports market.

Emily Oberg, the founder of Sporty & Rich, transformed her journey from Calgary to a streetwear mogul into a multi-million-dollar brand. She shares how her Instagram mood board evolved into a lifestyle empire, driven by community engagement and strategic pre-orders to manage rapid growth. Oberg discusses navigating uncertainties and the importance of risk in her entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, she explores blending luxury with accessible fashion and hints at her brand’s expansion into new territories like sexual wellness, reflecting on authenticity and personal fulfillment.

Priya Rao, Executive Editor of the Business of Beauty at BoF, discusses Hailey Bieber's monumental success with her beauty brand Rhode, which was recently acquired by E.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion. Rao highlights how Rhode's clean, minimalist aesthetic not only resonates with consumers but aligns perfectly with E.l.f.'s mission. The conversation dives into the unique value proposition of Rhode that sets it apart in the competitive celebrity beauty market and what this acquisition signals about the evolving landscape of beauty branding.

Giancarlo Giammetti, co-founder of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, reminisces about his serendipitous meeting with Valentino Garavani in 1960, which sparked a legendary partnership. He discusses the hurdles they faced in establishing Valentino as a fashion icon and the importance of nurturing new designers in today's commercialized landscape. Giammetti stresses the need for preserving creativity and the legacy of fashion while also highlighting the emotional connections tied to their work and the foundation's role in supporting future talent.

In this discussion, Daniela Morosini, BoF Senior Beauty Correspondent, examines the beauty industry amidst economic challenges. She reveals that the once-reliant 'lipstick index' is faltering, with major brands facing declining sales and shifting consumer habits. Morosini highlights the saturation of the market and the struggle for visibility, even with more affordable offerings. She also addresses how brands must adapt to the insatiable hunger for new products from younger consumers while reinventing their strategies to stay relevant.

Luca Solca, a senior research analyst at Bernstein specializing in luxury goods, joins Imran Amed, founder of The Business of Fashion, for a riveting discussion. They cover how the luxury market is grappling with economic uncertainties, especially in China. The duo highlights the need for brands to innovate amid consumer pushback against high prices. They stress the importance of aligning creative and business leadership to navigate shifts in consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations craving authenticity in luxury.

Lei Takanashi, a BOF correspondent and community-building expert, dives into how fashion brands can cultivate genuine connections in 2025. He highlights that consumers now prioritize brands' values over mere products. Takanashi identifies three community types: activity-based, personality-driven, and values-driven. He emphasizes the impact of shared interests and authenticity, showcasing brands like REI and Aerie that resonate with deeper consumer values. In a landscape shaped by economic pressures, the discussion reveals the importance of fostering inclusivity and emotional engagement.

In this enlightening discussion, guests Maryse Mbonyumutwa, Reni Folawiyo, Rozan Ahmed, and Laduma Ngxokolo explore the evolving narrative of Africa's fashion landscape. Maryse highlights the economic and social sustainability in Rwandan manufacturing. Reni shares her emotional journey launching Alara to uplift African creators. Laduma connects traditional designs with luxury knitwear, while Rozan emphasizes Africa's vital contributions to global fashion. Together, they redefine 'Made in Africa' and showcase the continent's potential in sustainable and innovative production.

Marc Bain, a tariff expert and technology correspondent, teams up with retail editor Cathleen Chen to discuss the recent temporary tariff reduction between the U.S. and China. They explore how this pause, while offering short-term relief, doesn't resolve the looming uncertainties in the fashion industry. Bain emphasizes that costs remain high despite lower tariffs. Chen highlights the vital role of consumer sentiment in shaping demand, indicating that the fashion landscape may continue to shift as retailers reassess their strategies in response to evolving trade dynamics.