Second Life

Before Jamie Haller launched her namesake shoe and apparel brand, she worked behind the scenes in the fashion industry in corporate retail. In the 2000s, she designed pieces for big brands of the era like Wet Seal, Guess, and Bebe. After learning the ins and outs of fashion production at a macro level, Haller left the corporate world to work for smaller brands where she had more creative control over her work, allowing her to hone her style as a designer. During the pandemic, she wanted to venture outside of what she knew and landed in a different realm of design: home renovation. Her eye for fashion translated well in the world of interiors, allowing her to gain clients quickly and make a name for herself in the space. Haller’s love for trying new things also led her to a new category of fashion she hadn’t yet conquered: shoes. In 2020, she launched her namesake shoe line and released her now-famous penny loafer style that has become an everyday staple for countless fashion insiders. She later returned to her roots when she expanded into apparel with a line she created with women like her in mind. Today, she’s brought the many skills and talents she’s acquired over the years together with her first storefront in Montecito, California, where you can shop her brand in an intimate space she designed herself.

Paul Tazewell is the award-winning costume designer behind the magical world of Wicked and Wicked: For Good. In this episode, Who What Wear Senior Fashion and Social Editor Tara Gonzalez sits down with Tazewell to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated finale of Elphaba and Glinda’s story. He discusses all of the thoughtfully detailed costume choices and Easter eggs you might miss during your first viewing and shares his design process for some of the standout pieces from the movie, including Glinda’s glamorous wedding dress and Dorothy’s iconic crystal shoes. Plus, he tells us how it felt to make history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked Part 1.Listen to Paul’s episode on Wicked Part 1 here!

Erica Malbon is the co-founder of Malbon Golf—the game-changing, fashionable golfwear and lifestyle brand that seeks to break tradition by inviting anyone and everyone to enjoy what she calls the “greatest game on Earth.” Malbon Golf began as an Instagram mood board created by her husband, a longtime golf enthusiast. When the couple decided to make Malbon into a full-fledged brand, Erica didn’t have any experience in the sports or retail industry. That said, she had developed an entrepreneurial spirit from her time as co-founder of her first venture, The Now, an L.A.-based massage business that offers luxury spa treatments at an affordable price point. Having learned firsthand what it takes to run both the operational and creative sides of a company, Erica was more than prepared to reimagine golfwear for a new generation and create a brand with a mission to make the sport more accessible. Since launching in 2017, Malbon has amassed a community of golf lovers that includes veteran fans of the sport, professional athletes, and celebrities like Justin Bieber. And they’ve expanded their brand around the world with locations in China, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Mona May is the costume designer of the ’90s cult classic film Clueless. In this episode, Who What Wear Senior Fashion and Social Editor Tara Gonzalez sits down with May to mark 30 years after the film’s release and to look back on the movie’s instantly recognizable fashion. May tells us about how she turned herself into a fashion “detective” when sourcing pieces for Clueless and how she mixed high and low fashion to tell a story and stay within her modest budget. She dishes on what it was like fitting Alicia Silverstone for Cher’s iconic yellow plaid suit and the story behind the giant hat Stacey Dash wears for Dionne’s matching look. Plus, May gives us a peek into her new book, The Fashion of Clueless, which features pages from her sketchbook for the movie and exclusive interviews with the cast.

Melanie Bender, Founder and CEO of Lore, transitioned from aspiring STEM professional to beauty executive, building brands like Versed and Rhode. She reveals how her background in environmental science and aerospace engineering has shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Melanie shares her journey to starting Lore, a fragrance brand that invites storytelling through scent. She explores her unique approach to developing fragrances based on feelings and art, and discusses the challenges of entering the fragrance world, emphasizing the importance of passion and creativity in her work.

The hosts dive into a fabulous holiday gift guide, covering everything from stylish jewelry and comfy loungewear to unique thrifty finds. They recommend personalized gifts like dog portraits and custom items that show you care. Cozy essentials such as hotel robes and vintage books are also highlighted. To top it off, they take on a fun challenge with pre-loved gifts, swapping treasures found on eBay. This playful exchange showcases the charm of curated, secondhand shopping.

Celia Muñoz, founder and creative director of La Coqueta, is a powerhouse in the childrenswear industry, turning her passion for Spanish craftsmanship into a luxury brand. She shares her journey from studying psychology and juggling a growing family to launching a successful business with no prior experience. Discover how community feedback shaped her designs and the royal endorsement that skyrocketed her brand. Celia also discusses navigating growth in the U.S. market while staying committed to quality and the importance of teamwork.

Enrique Melendez, a celebrated stylist recognized for his work with Jenna Ortega, dives into the actress's gothic glam transformation. He discusses the strategic planning behind Ortega’s striking looks for the Wednesday season 2 press tour. From the reaction to the bold Ashi Studios latex gown to the creative evolution of a custom Zach Posen dress, Enrique shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. He highlights the influence of iconic designers like Givenchy and reflects on the trends he observed during Fashion Month.

Toni Chapman, also known as The Moody Foody, is a culinary content creator and cookbook author, celebrated for her journey from a bank teller to a food entrepreneur. In this chat, she shares how cooking elaborate lunches for her boyfriend transitioned into her meal-delivery service, ToniCooks. Toni talks about her viral moment after getting fired, how COVID boosted her business, and her creative process behind her new cookbook, 'Everything's Good.' She offers insights on recipe development, entrepreneurial lessons, and the importance of self-care in balancing work and life.

Kate Hawley, a talented costume designer known for her work with Guillermo del Toro, shares insights on designing for his retelling of Frankenstein. She delves into her extensive research process, revealing how historical elements influenced her saturated color palettes. Hawley discusses Mia Goth's dual roles, highlighting color-coding and symbolic accessories like a Tiffany-made beetle necklace. Expect fashion trends like feathered headpieces and striking malachite colors to emerge from the film's stylized designs!