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Unbiased Label

Unbiased Label

By Host Zara Korutz

Tune in for real talk on fashion x culture that cuts through bias. On this podcast, we believe that labels belong on clothes, not people! Join the journey of discovery at the intersection of industry and academia where we ask deep questions meant to inspire change.

New York-based host Zara Korutz has been in the media space for over a decade with brand expertise in luxury, fashion and arts. Zara earned an MA (with Distinction) in Fashion Critical Studies from Central Saint Martins in London and is now a PhD Fashion Studies researcher at Massey University. For more info, www.unbiasedlabel.com
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Mykel C. Smith is a New York Fashion Cult Icon

Unbiased Label Jul 21, 2021

00:00
20:37
McQueen's Voss S/S 2001 Show Review with John Matheson

McQueen's Voss S/S 2001 Show Review with John Matheson

This episode is a McQueen I Voss I S/S 2001 runway show review with the incredible London based John Matheson aka @McQueen_Vault.

John, who has been curating is private McQueen archive for over 25 years, has contributed to many fashion discussions, publications, and exhibitions including LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and NGV (National Gallery Victoria, Melbourne).

If you love Lee Alexander McQueen, then this conversation is for you. I hope you enjoy and please share your thoughts!


***WARNING: Video contains images that may be considered sensitive ***


Runway Video Courtesy of Alexander McQueen YouTube channel. You can access it HERE.


#leealexandermcqueen #alexandermcqueen #mcqueen #mcqueenvault #johnmatheson #unbiasedlabelpodcast #zarakorutz

Jan 20, 202413:59
Tee Eben x Franklin Fresh: The Culture of Streetwear

Tee Eben x Franklin Fresh: The Culture of Streetwear

This episode is a conversation with two culture makers based in London-- Terence Eben (Tee) and ⁠Franklin Fresh⁠.

Tee built streetwear brands in the U.S. from back in the day in the 1990s. He has always played a role in bridging culture from the early days of hip hop emergence.  Tee's brand NEVER FADE focuses on marrying social agenda and design philosophy, with a focus on creating a label as an advocate for the global millennial generation. Franklin Fresh found his way to fashion as a stylist who partners with Trap Star as a brand collaborator. Franklin is also a musician and visual artist.

Follow Franklin Fresh's Spotify page HERE.

#fashion #streatwear #culture #hiphop #virgilabloh #music #musicandfashion

Sep 15, 202323:38
NYFW Special Episode: Adrian Alicea

NYFW Special Episode: Adrian Alicea

This episode is a conversation with Adrian Alicea, Voguing Icon of the Red Era Ballroom and New York City fashion designer. Alicea will show his eponymous brand in NYFW on Sunday, September 10th at La Mama.

Alicea toured the world as a professional dancer alongside the legendary Willi Ninja including two electrifying performances in “Deep in Vogue” and “Waltz Darling” by the multi-talented Malcolm McClaren. You may remember the now iconic image of Alicea vouging the runway with Iman and Willi Ninja for Thierry Mugler in 1989. Alicea also modeled and danced the runway for Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferre, Vivienne Westwood, and Patricia Fields to name a few. He has also been featured in Vogue around the world for his performing and fashion designs.

Adrian Alicea is a new romantic of romantic excesses. Creating a pirate-like fairy-tale of disguises, he walks a tightrope between ironic hedonistic inclination and highly serious commentary.
There is an insane carcinogenic, merciless narcissism. There is a deafening, endless shout of “gimme more!” – Earl Murray

A special shout out to Edwin Fontanez--it's because of your fashion show Bondages in 1989 that today, I met Adrian. Thank you also to Smile Design Gallery on 57th St. for the incredible studio space. We love the whole crew over there!


#NYFW #adrianalicea #deepinvouge #Voguing #Vogue #Newyorkfashion #fashion #NYCfashion #unbiasedlabelpodcast

Sep 05, 202323:09
David Curtis-Ring: Artist Maker of Wedgwood Armour for Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY SS24 Collection

David Curtis-Ring: Artist Maker of Wedgwood Armour for Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY SS24 Collection

David Curtis-Ring is a British artist and designer, based in London. He specialises in creating set design and sculpture for installation, film and performance. David is known for his collaborations with Craig Green, working alongside the designer, since the brand’s launch in 2013. He was production designer for Pink Floyd’s The Endless River film directed by Ian Emes and in 2020 he designed the multi-sensory installation Next Landscape for C.P. Company’s FW020. David graduated from Goldsmiths University in 2008 with a BA in Fine Art Textiles. His sculptures have appeared in Vogue, GQ, Dover Street Market and Harrods. While other collaborations include work with Nick Knight, Adidas, Champion, Moncler and Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey.

#DavidCurtisRing #Fashionsetdesigner #charlesjeffreyxWedgwood #wedgwood

Aug 11, 202327:20
Frank New: It's A Queer Barbie World

Frank New: It's A Queer Barbie World

Barbie, the movie, is the much anticipated summer film of 2023! So, we had to join the Barbie conversation with Barbie Guru Frank New who is a New York-based Barbie collector and academic from the queer lens. Frank travels the globe sharing their Barbie research. Frank lives fearlessly out-loud with authentic fabulousness! Frank is the founder of fashion and event production company ManYourStyle. Frank received a Master of Arts in Costume Studies at New York University.


#barbie #queerbarbie #barbiethemovie

Jul 17, 202325:54
Kimberly Jenkins: Fashion Blueprint for Breaking Boundaries

Kimberly Jenkins: Fashion Blueprint for Breaking Boundaries

This episode a conversation with Kimberly Jenkins who is a brilliant, boundary breaking woman and world-renowned fashion educator, consultant, and leading voice on fashion and race.  Kimberly is the founder and CEO of Artis Solomon, a fashion consultancy firm, and founder of The Fashion and Race Database, a one of a kind learning platform that is supported by subscribing universities and museums globally. Most recently, she co-produced and hosted the podcast, "The Invisible Seam," in partnership with Tommy Hilfiger, highlighting the underrepresented contributions Black culture to fashion.

Kimberly who is based in New York—is a fashion boundary-breaking role model—a trailblazer who is pushing for change in fashion. For over a decade, Kim has been studying the impact of our clothes and how we express ourselves, through the lenses of politics, race, psychology and anthropology. Kimberly is best known for introducing the course, Fashion and Race, at Parsons, and for working as an education consultant for Gucci in Europe and Asia to support their efforts on design and cultural awareness. Kim’s important work has been recognized by many publications including Vogue, The Business of Fashion, The Financial Times, The Washington Post , The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Guardian, DAZED, i-D, W, and NYLON to name a few.

Please join me as I talk with Kim, an OG of Fashion Studies who is reshaping boundaries.

#kimberlyjenkins #fashionandrace #invisibleseam #fashionstudies

Jul 14, 202331:58
BONUS: Is secrecy still a relevant luxury fashion marketing tool?

BONUS: Is secrecy still a relevant luxury fashion marketing tool?

This BONUS episode is a talk with host Zara Korutz on the current state of marketing and the luxury fashion industry in a post-pandemic world using Maison Margiela as a case study thread of debate. This talk isn't a super deep dive analysis but rather is meant to be a conversation starter so please share your thoughts on social media or on our website unbiasedlabel.com.

Host, Zara Korutz launched Unbiased Label podcast after earning her MA (with Distinction) in Fashion Critical Studies from Central Saint Martins in London (2020). She is now a Fashion Studies PhD Researcher at Massey University. Zara’s viewpoint sits at the intersection of industry and academia with over a decade of experience in the media space—including at The Washington Post—with brand expertise in luxury, fashion and arts. 


#luxury #luxuryfashion #margiela #maisonmargiela #luxurymarketing

Jun 23, 202317:09
Dior Fall 2023 – Mumbai, India Fashion Show: A Review with Shriya Zamindar, Mukul Bhatia and Jebin Johny

Dior Fall 2023 – Mumbai, India Fashion Show: A Review with Shriya Zamindar, Mukul Bhatia and Jebin Johny

This episode is a conversation with three Indian fashion voices — Shriya Zamindar, Mukul Bhatia and Jebin Johny — examining the Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2023 runway show that took place on March 31, 2023 at The Gateway of India in Mumbai. This fashion meets cultural celebration came 60 years after Dior first traveled to India to showcase the brand’s spring-summer 1962 couture collection by Creative Director, Marc Bohen.

— Guests —

Shriya Zamindar is the Fashion Features Editor for Vogue India. Shriya has also written for publications including Vogue Business, Grazia India, and 1Granary. Notably, Shriya wrote the words for Vogue India’s March-April issue cover story interviewing catwalk queen Naomi Campbell.

Mukul Bhatia, is an award-winning visual artist from India focused on sustainability, travel and fashion. Mukul has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, GQ and TEDx, and winner of Cosmopolitan India’s 2020 Blogger Award for ‘Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year’.

Jebin Johny is a sustainable luxury fashion designer based in Kerala whose work features hand-painting and handloom fabric. Jebin launched his brand Jebsispar in 2015 at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. His designs have been featured in Vogue India, The Indian Express, The Hindu and The Hindu Metro Plus, and worn by Hindi film actresses including Sonam Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin and Vidya Balan.

— Show Reference Links —

The making of Dior Fall 2023 in India: https://youtu.be/bwIVOc-_3go

Dior Fall 2023 Show: https://www.youtube.com/live/BfxdKZvpG6s?feature=share

#christiandior #dior #vogueindia #mariagrazia #diorfall2023 #luxuryfashion

Jun 16, 202357:27
Finnegan Shepard: Boys, Boys, Boys

Finnegan Shepard: Boys, Boys, Boys

This episode is a conversation with Finnegan Shepard who is founder of Both& Apparel—a company that closed on one-million seed round and is pioneering non-binary fashion, starting with apparel for trans men. The company is powered by the belief that trans masculine, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people deserve gender joy through fashion.

On March 31, 2023, Both&, launched their first global advertising campaign photographed by non-binary photographer Lydia Garrett of creative agency WongDoody. This campaign launch coincided with Trans Day Visibility and promoted the labels new denim line.

The campaign is called “Boys, Boys, Boys” perhaps as a play on the phrase ‘boys will be boys,’ which is often used to describe gendered stereotypes of masculine heteronormative behavior, except in this case, instead of depicting cismen, the campaign uses transmen to define masculinity and sex appeal—a clear inspiration coming from famed images of the 1990s Calvin Klein’s underwear campaigns whose attractiveness was charged with classical ideas of traditional masculinity and whiteness. In the Both& Apparel campaign whiteness is replaced by ethnic diversity and the viewers gaze is displacing hypermasculinity by hypertransvisibility. The intention of the campaign is made explicit, it’s all about sex appeal and being desired.

Please join me as I talk with Finnegan via Zoom from his home in New Mexico. We talk about the growth of Both&, their global campaign, and dive into ideals of trans masculinity that no longer belong to cis men. 

 

#transfashion #transmasculinity #fashion #genderjoy #both& #finneganshepard 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 


May 29, 202344:36
Dana Thomas: What's the fashion news, kiddo?

Dana Thomas: What's the fashion news, kiddo?

This episode kicks off a new season and is a conversation with the legend Dana Thomas who is a world-renowned fashion author, journalist, podcast host, and leading voice on sustainability.  Dana has been called “The Woodward and Bernstein” of the fashion industry because of her investigative style of reporting.

Dana’s intelligent reporting style comes from her journalism training at The Washington Post where she wrote for many sections including the Style section with fashion editor Nina Hyde along with former Executive Editor Ben Bradley who would stop by Dana’s desk and ask, “what’s the news kiddo?”

Dana’s work is focused on highlighting fashion change makers. She is the European Sustainability Editor for British Vogue, and hosts “The Green Dream,” a weekly podcast on sustainability, produced by Wondercast Studio. Dana wrote the screenplay for Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams, a feature documentary directed by Luca Guadagnino, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2020. And in 2016, the French Minister of Culture named her a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

In 2007, Dana published the New York Times bestseller, "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster". In 2015 she published “Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano”. And most recently, in 2019, Dana published “Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes”.

Please join me in conversation with Dana over zoom from her home in Paris as we share stories of working at The Washington Post, talk about her incredible career and body of work including her podcast the Green Dream as well as her books.  And, of course, I get Dana’s thoughts on the state of fashion.

Sign up for Dana's Green Dream Newsletter here: https://www.thegreendream.studio/



THIS SEASON IS DEDICATED TO ANDREA MESSIMER-HENLEY (1972-2022).  I MISS AND LOVE YOU, FRIEND!


#fashion #danathomas #fashionjournalism #sustainability #fashionsustainability #BritishVogue #The Washington Post #fashionpodcast


May 15, 202326:02
Imposter Syndrome x Fashion: Dr. Carolyn Mair

Imposter Syndrome x Fashion: Dr. Carolyn Mair

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Carolyn Mair who is a London based author, educator, speaker, consultant, Charted Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society.  

In 2012, Dr. Mair developed the Psychology Department at London College of Fashion and created the world's first Psychology for Fashion Masters degrees (MA and MSc).  In 2018, Dr. Mair published The Psychology of Fashion.  The idea of 'fashion psychology' has now become a growing global phenomenon thanks to the original work by Dr. Mair who is constantly in the press all over the world including The Washington Post, Vogue Business, NBC News, WWD, The Observer, ELLE, The Guardian, Harper's Bazaar, and The Atlantic to name a few.   

Follow Carolyn on social media, particularly Twitter @Carolyn_UK and Instagram @Psychologyforfashion 

A heartfelt thank you to Soho Radio Studios in London. 

Jan 31, 202334:10
CHANEL 2022/23 Métiers d'art – DAKAR Fashion Show: Review with Senegalese Fashion Designer Milcos Badji

CHANEL 2022/23 Métiers d'art – DAKAR Fashion Show: Review with Senegalese Fashion Designer Milcos Badji

This episode examines the Chanel 2022/23 Métiers d’Art runway show that took place on December 6, 2022 at the former “Palais de Justice” Hall in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. Beyond cultural and artistic inspiration, I was curious to unpack this show, but given of my own limited Western perspective, I thought it most appropriate to seek answers from a local Senegalese who attended the show which led me to past Unbiased Label podcast guest Milcos Badji who is a Senegalese fashion designer from Dakar. The design ethos of Milcos is deeply connected to heritage with research at the center of his artistic process.  Nio Far by Milcos is unisex and handmade brand, and orders can be placed on-line at https://www.niofarbymilcos.com. 

Please join me as I talk with Milcos via zoom from his home in Senegal about his experience of attending the Chanel fashion show in Dakar. We discuss his thoughts and perspective on the show from the Senegalese lens including location, guests, music and fashion. I hope you find this conversation as enlightening as I did in terms of culture, history and perspective.

#Chanel #Dakar #Senegal #Fashion

Dec 29, 202232:36
African Fashion Journalist: Elvis Kachi

African Fashion Journalist: Elvis Kachi

This episode is a conversation with Nigerian Fashion Journalist Elvis Kachi. Kachi has been published in many magazines and news outlets including Vanity Teen, BBC, Guardian, BusinessDay Nigeria, Essence, and Quartz to name a few.

His reporting focuses on conversations with fashion designers whose work is changing the stereotypical ideologies of African fashion and breaking gendered norms.  Most recently, Kachi's work highlighted how transgender Nigerians could be jailed for cross-dressing if a proposed bill becomes law. The amendment – currently in parliament – would make it illegal for a person to wear clothes that do not match their gender assigned at birth.

This episode is published to coincide with African Fashion Week Season with Legos Fashion Week taking place on October 26-29, 2022. Please join me as talk with Elvis from his home in Lagos, Nigeria. We talk about his journey to becoming a fashion journalist, African fashion designers, and the restrictive Nigerian culture on gender and sexuality.  If you love fashion journalism from the African perspective, then this conversation is for you.


Oct 21, 202226:27
Fashion Prose by Gaurav Monga

Fashion Prose by Gaurav Monga

Gaurav Monga is a writer and teacher originally from New Delhi. He is the author of Tears for Rahul Dutta (Philistine Press, 2012), Family Matters (Eibonvale Press, 2019), Ruins (Desirepath Publishers, 2019), Costumes of the Living (Snuggly Books, 2020), My Father, The Watchmaker (Hawakal Publishers, 2020) and The English Teacher (Raphus Press, 2021). Gaurav's work has appeared in numerous literary magazines, including B O D Y, Fanzine, Juked, Tammy Journal, Spurl Editions, Queen Mob's Teahouse, Birkensnake amongst others.

Gaurav teaches English, German, literature, epistemology and creative writing, and has taught at schools and universities in India, Nepal, Switzerland, Dubai and the Czech Republic. Gaurav taught himself German to read the works of Franz Kafka, and is currently translating selected works of Robert Walser, Peter Bichsel and Paul Leppin from German to English. He is a member of an international art and lifestyle movement called Neo-Decadence.

Sep 26, 202235:09
Beau McCall aka "The Button Man"

Beau McCall aka "The Button Man"

This episode is a conversation with Beau McCall aka “The Button Man" who is a New York-based cultural tastemaker & visual artist that creates wearable and art by applying clothing buttons onto up-cycled fabrics, materials, and objects generating discussion on topics related to pop culture and social justice. 

McCall has been featured in the NY Times, Associated Press, NPR, and L.A. Times. His visual and wearable art has been included in many exhibitions and is held in the permanent collection of public institutions and by private individuals including the Museum of Arts and Design (New York), Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia), Victoria and Albert Museum (London), The Museum at FIT (New York), to name a few. 

In 2021, McCall released his debut artists’ book titled, REWIND: MEMORIES ON REPEAT, commissioned and published by SHINE Portrait Studio—that honors the legacy of ten of McCall’s deceased friends through collages composed of archival photos and images from his button artwork. The collages capture the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, from Philadelphia to New York, during the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the height of disco music and the AIDS crisis.  In 2024, McCall will debut his first-ever retrospective titled, Beau McCall: Buttons On! at Fuller Craft Museum. 

Aug 30, 202238:54
McQueen Vault: John Matheson

McQueen Vault: John Matheson

This episode is a conversation with John Matheson who is a London based Alexander McQueen enthusiast, archivist and owner of the Instagram account, @McQueen_Vault.

John has contributed to many fashion exhibitions, discussions and publications including Show Studio. Over the past two years, John has been working as a consultant on Alexander McQueen exhibitions with museums LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and NGV (National Gallery Victoria, Melbourne).

Please join me as I talk with John about his passion for McQueen, the history of his archiving and his contextual viewpoints on fashion. If you love Alexander McQueen, then this conversation is for you. I do hope you enjoy!

Jun 02, 202234:42
In conversation with Colleen Hill, "Reinvention & Restlessness: Fashion in the Nineties"

In conversation with Colleen Hill, "Reinvention & Restlessness: Fashion in the Nineties"

This episode is a conversation with Colleen Hill, Fashion Author and Curator at The Museum at FIT. Colleen holds an MA in Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice from FIT and is currently a PhD candidate at London College of Fashion. Her most recent exhibition Reinvention and Restlessness: Fashion in the 90s (2021) is on exhibit until April 17, 2022.

Colleen has authored or coauthored many books on fashion and contributed to numerous other publications including her latest book Reinvention and Restlessness: Fashion in the 90s (2021) which examines 'Nineties fashion--from grunge, to Clueless's Alaïa, to Margiela's new couture--is an essential reference point for contemporary style. This book, created in tandem with an exhibition at The Museum at FIT, documents the changing culture, attitudes, and creatives that ushered in our visual age' (Rizzoli).

In this talk, Colleen and I discuss her exhibition and book Reinvention and Restlessness: Fashion in the 90s, the art of curating, and workings of the Museum at FIT.

Mar 21, 202257:25
UNEDITED with Mukul Bhatia

UNEDITED with Mukul Bhatia

This episode is an unedited talk that I recorded over the summer with my friend and life guru Mukul Bhatia. It's a raw and vulnerable conversation with my puppy Bijou barking in the background. I talk with Mukul from Bali about all the important topics that intersect with living in a Post-pandemic world including sustainability, fashion, consumerism, society, trauma, relationship, and personal growth. 

Mukul Bhatia who is an award-winning visual artist from India based in Bali focused on sustainability, travel and fashion.  Mukul has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, GQ and TEDx, and winner of Cosmopolitan India’s  2020 Blogger Award for ‘Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year’.  

This episode is dedicated to the legacy of Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) who sadly passed away this week at the young age of 41. 💔 Virgil was a prolific zeitgeist cultural communicator and forever left his footprint on the world. His visionary work intersected many spaces including art, media, fashion, design and music. He didn't prescribe to bias, boxes, labels or limits; but lived and created with freedom of thought that birthed a new cultural code rooted in acceptance, kindness and inclusivity.

Virgil left a legacy built by a superhuman work ethic filled with risk, failure, success, collaboration, accessibility, conviction, criticism, friendship, love, passion, vision and clarity. He opened doors and paved the way for future generations because he believed that his voice as a black man needed to be heard.

I had the privilege to hear Virgil speak during the 2018 Vogue Paris Fashion Festival and these are my notes from his talk:

Youthful outlook of Paris.
Friendship.
Organic.
Authentic.
Transparent.
Design for a need to exist.
Intrigue.
Controversial.
Collaboration.
Transparent-shows who you are--Is harder and takes more time.
Transparency allows for people to make a connection. Creates a dialogue. Meeting someone half way.
Understand the ecosystem we live in.
Blurred lines.
Luxury is old word-new word is coveted!
Emotional connection is the NEW luxury!!!
Youthful approach with respect to Heritage.
Adapt to environment and not industry.
Image and text based culture.
People see when things are fake.
Biggest success is when organic happens!!
Advertising is about relevance and importance.
How do you create Desire?
Fulfil dreams.
Cutting corners cuts artistic vision.
Branding and iconography signifies history and importance.
Bestow meaning.
Art & fashion collaboration.
CORE-has beating heart.
Experience over transaction.
Untraditional ideas may be relevant and update the industry.
What is exciting and relevant?

Thank you for dedicating your life to being a cultural change maker. The world desperately needed you, Virgil. Rest in peace.

Dec 02, 202101:14:05
BONUS: The Babushka Headscarf Style. A Symbol of a Cultural Revolution.

BONUS: The Babushka Headscarf Style. A Symbol of a Cultural Revolution.

This bonus episode is a critical fashion talk by host Zara Korutz focused on the investigation of the babushka headscarf style trend by examining its cultural implications both historically and in contemporary context. 

Additionally, Jacqueline Pham from the Asian Fashion Journal investigates the lack of representation of Asian plus-size models. 

If you geek out over fashion and culture, then this talk is for you… Please engage with your thoughts afterwards on social media or with a personal voice note. 

References available upon request.

Cover Photo: Gucci X Dapper Dan. Courtesy: https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/gucci-dapper-dan-collection 

Nov 18, 202129:48
Michelle Obama's Official Make-up Artist: Carl Ray

Michelle Obama's Official Make-up Artist: Carl Ray

This episode is a conversation with Carl Ray, a Washington, D.C. based celebrity make-up artist, who has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. Carl's prolific work is evidenced in his position as official make-up artist for former First Lady Michelle Obama since 2009.  Carl has also worked with a long roster of notable clientele including: Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Claire Danes, Diane Von Furstenberg, Debra Messing, Stella McCartney, Kerri Washington, Gabriel Union, Adrianna Lima, Allison Janey, Julia Child, Melinda Gates, Pricilla Chan Zuckerberg, Anna Nicole Smith, Nancy Pelosi, Queen Rana, Queen Noor, Sir Paul McCartney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Freeman, Lin - Manuel Miranda, Hugh Jackman, former President Bill Clinton, and former President Barack Obama. The artistic style of the 'Carl Ray Way' is rooted in enhancing a woman’s natural beauty. He enjoys getting to know each individual woman so he can bring out her own personality. Carl prides himself on complimenting individual beauty, and his range of techniques allows him to deliver a natural glam, polished, clean, fresh, and beautiful look. Carl has been voted “top make-up artist” by Washingtonian magazine since the inception of his career in Washington, DC in 1999 and is the go-to make-up artist for weddings. His work has appeared in the bridal magazine covers & pages of: Brides, Martha Stewart, Vogue, The Knot, Washingtonian Bride and Groom, Inside Weddings, Town and Country Weddings, Modern Luxury Brides, Engaged, Bridal Guide, Wedding Style, and Premiere Bride. Carl's work has appeared on and in the magazine covers & pages of Vogue, Glamour, Elle, In Style, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Ebony, Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, More, Ladies' Home Journal, Variety, Seventeen, Red Book, People and Time.
Nov 03, 202136:19
Is a $200K Fashion Education at Central Saint Martins Worth It? I ask Aleks Mitrovic.

Is a $200K Fashion Education at Central Saint Martins Worth It? I ask Aleks Mitrovic.

This episode is conversation between Zara Korutz and Aleksandar (Aleks) Mitrovic who both graduated with an MA from Central Saint Martins in 2020 during the pandemic.  Zara graduated with an MA in Fashion Communication: Fashion Critical Studies and Aleks graduated with an MA in Fashion (womenswear pathway).  Aleks spent the past 7 years at Central Saint Martins on the journey of becoming an elite fashion designer earning an MA, BA (Hons) and Foundation diploma in Fashion.  He also received the Ye Lin Scholarship and Nina Stewart award. Aleks is currently is an Associate Designer at DIETY New York and has interned at Hillier Bartley, JACQUEMUS, J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, and his designs have been featured in Vogue and 1 Granary. When launching his final MA collection during London Fashion Week 2020, Aleks expressed that in some ways the collection is a continuation of his pre-collection that was inspired by 1990’s dull office look. Aleks' final collection structurally stands on its own and is similar to the designer who was born in Serbia during the Bosnian Civil War era.  To Aleks, “The MA is all about looking inside of yourself instead of looking at outside sources.” He continued, “They drum into you it’s all about your vibe and things you are interested in.” This sentiment reinforces the idea that becoming a fashion designer at CSM is rooted in self-expression and is a journey of discovery. Considered to be an elite global fashion training ground, Central Saint Martins (UAL) is an art and design school in London, England with a history dating back to 1896. The MA Fashion course, launched in October 1978 by Bobby Hillson, has birthed internationally renowned fashion designer ‘gods’ like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Craig Green, Sarah Burton, Kim Jones, Ricardo Tisci, Jonathan Saunders, and more.  According to Business of Fashion, the MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins, led by Fabio Piras, is ranked 1st in the world with a 11% acceptance rate, 56% international student population, 98% graduation rate, and 23:1 student teacher ratio.  At Central Saint Martins, the fashion tuition for international students is as follows: MA is approx. $46,000,  BA is approx. $95,116, and Foundation is approx. $25,315 (source: https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins).  Please join us for a conversation between two CSM MA graduates of the class of 2020 during the pandemic, fashion school as part of the fashion structural system, and discuss the reality of pursuing a career as a fashion designer.

#centralsaintmartins


Oct 27, 202129:58
The Art of Conscious Fashion Design: Jebin Johny

The Art of Conscious Fashion Design: Jebin Johny

This episode is a conversation with Jebin Johny who is a sustainable luxury fashion designer based in Kerala, a state on the southwest Malabar Coast of India. Jebin launched his brand Jebsispar in 2015 at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. His designs have been featured in Vogue India, The Indian Express, The Hindu and The Hindu Metro Plus, and worn by Hindi film actresses including Sonam Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin and Vidya Balan.   

Jebin's handwoven and handprinted cotton fabric designs are rooted in the cultural identity of his home, inspired by his family and tells the emotional stories of migrants. The ethos of Jebsispar is art and soul as reflected in the brand's ethical way of existing from design to manufacturing. 

Please join us as we talk about the fashion system in India, Art of fashion design, culture of Kerala, and examine the importance of consciousness in fashion focused on sustainability and ethical practices.  

Oct 27, 202128:30
Fashion No Filter: Simon Ungless

Fashion No Filter: Simon Ungless

This episode is a conversation with avant-garde fashion legend Simon Ungless who is the Executive Director of the Fashion School at San Francisco's renowned Academy of Art University where he has a twenty-plus year tenure and was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree. His fashion academic approach is built around artistic first principles rooted in the passion to create, collaborate and above all, challenge the status quo. Ungless' own fashion brand When Simon Met Ralph reflects his signature bold designs and focuses on sustainable up-cycling that gives clothes new life. 

In the early 1990s while studying at Central Saint Martins, Simon became friends and collaborators with schoolmate Lee McQueen. Simon's signature roadkill prints and multi-technique graphic patterns walked the runway of Alexander McQueen's prolific early collections including AW 1993 Taxi Driver, AW1994 Banshee, SS1995 The Birds, AW1995 Highland Rape, SS1996 The Hunger, and AW1996 Dante. 


Oct 27, 202157:51
Global Editor, CNN Style: Fiona Sinclair Scott

Global Editor, CNN Style: Fiona Sinclair Scott

This episode is a conversation with Fiona Sinclair Scott, Global Editor of CNN Style, who oversees CNN's award winning international coverage of the arts, design, fashion, beauty and luxury. Prior to CNN, Fiona was an executive producer of video for I-D Magazine.
In March 2020, CNN Style launched a new dedicated beauty section with coverage focused on "the expanding definition of beauty." In April 2021, CNN Style launched a new series called 'Hyphenated' exploring complex issues of identity among minorities in the United States.
This week's segment of The Asian Fashion Journal with Jacqueline Pham explores the Chinese luxury consumer goods market.
A special thank you to the amazing Will Fitzpatrick at Soho Radio Productions for sound engineering.
Oct 06, 202138:37
Starring Celebrity Hairdresser: Ted Gibson

Starring Celebrity Hairdresser: Ted Gibson

This episode is a conversation with Icon American celebrity hairdresser Ted Gibson who is known for his couture hair both on the runways and in magazines including Vanity Fair, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, In Style, Vogue, WWD, and Allure. Ted's long list of Hollywood clients includes Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, Priyanka Chopra and Jessica Chastain, to name a few.
Ted along with his husband and colorist Jason Backe opened the World's First Smart Salon in Los Angeles named Starring by Ted Gibson designed by architect Francisco Gonzalez Pulido.
In 2020, Ted and Jason launched The Worth Up Alliance Foundation which is a coalition of change agents, dream makers and emerging beauty entrepreneurs supporting the industry with education, coaching, mentoring, networking, and start-up capital grants.
Sep 22, 202154:41
Masculinity Redefined: Fashion Designer Tokyo James

Masculinity Redefined: Fashion Designer Tokyo James

This episode is a conversation with British-Nigerian Fashion Designer Tokyo James and American-Nigerian Photographer and Creative Director Mikey Oshai who is the man behind the brand's visual imagery.  Tokyo's studio is based in Lagos and since the brand's launch in 2015, has taken the fashion world by storm with impeccably tailored designs, strong cultural meaning and intensity of storytelling which is re-defining the modern man with an unapologetic intersectional aesthetic of individual thought and identity. Tokyo has received global acclaim by Vogue, I-D, W, CNN African Voices, and Harper's Bazaar U.K.  Recently, Mikey Oshai was featured in CNN Africa.

In partnership with Jaqueline Pham and The Asian Journal we are launching a new segment highlighting fashion through the lens of Asian culture. Please tune in after the conversation for intriguing fashion insights by Jaqueline reporting from Vietnam.   Special thanks to Will Fitzpatrick at Soho Radio in London for sound production.

#tokyojames #lvmhprize #Nigerianfashiondesigner

Sep 14, 202157:36
The Psychology of Fashion: Dr. Carolyn Mair

The Psychology of Fashion: Dr. Carolyn Mair

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Carolyn Mair who is a London based author, educator, speaker, consultant, Charted Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. In 2012, Dr. Mair developed the Psychology Department at London College of Fashion and created the world's first Psychology for Fashion Masters degrees (MA and MSc). In 2018, Dr. Mair published The Psychology of Fashion. The idea of 'fashion psychology' has now become a growing global phenomenon thanks to the original work by Dr. Mair who has been cited in numerous press outlets including Refinery 29, Vogue Business, NBC News, WWD, The Observer, ELLE, The Guardian, Harpers Bazaar, and The Atlantic to name a few.
Follow Carolyn on social media, particularly Twitter @Carolyn_UK and Instagram as Psychologyforfashion.
Sep 08, 202144:02
I Deserve Couture: Hanan Besovic

I Deserve Couture: Hanan Besovic

Season 2 kicks off with a conversation with fashion commentator Hanan Besovic a.k.a the Instagram handle "I Deserve Couture". Hanan holds the self-professed degrees of PhD in meme, Masters in throwing shade, and a minor in fashion.

#ideservecouture

Sep 01, 202141:17
The Fashion Archive: Odunayo Ojo

The Fashion Archive: Odunayo Ojo

This episode is a conversation with Odunayo (Ayo) Ojo, a British-Nigerian, who is a London based fashion wonder boy that has taken the fashion world by storm with his critical point of view rooted in deep research. Ayo's free-thinking perspective has created a fanbase with over 70k subscribers on his YouTube channel-- The Fashion Archives. Currently, Ayo is a BA Fashion Journalism student at Central Saint Martins.  He also writes for BOF and has launched his own publication The Fashion Archive Magazine. Please join me as I talk with Ayo about his Nigerian roots, fashion journey including becoming a YouTube fashion sensation, obsession for fashion, and academic life at Central Saint Martins. Connect: The Fashion Archive YouTube Channel  IG: @fashionroadman  @thefashionarchivemag

Aug 04, 202130:30
The Power of Fancy Dress: Dr. Benjamin Wild

The Power of Fancy Dress: Dr. Benjamin Wild

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Benjamin Wild who is a U.K. based cultural historian specialising in the study of Fancy Dress Costume. Dr. Wild has authored many pieces of work including books A Life in Fashion The Wardrobe of Cecil Beaton (2016) and Carnival to Catwalk: Global Reflections on Fancy Dress Costume (2020). Additionally, he is co-host with Lucy Clayton of the Dress Fancy podcast. Dr. Wild is a Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies at The Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Fancy Dress also known as Costume or Fancy Dress Costume is defined by Dr. Wild as a performative form of dress, imaginative and incongruous, work for a discrete occasion and limited time that disrupts the place of the individual within the social and political relationships of a specific community (2020, p. 1).
In this episode, we explore ideas of history and culture reflected in fancy dress costume both in society and on the runway.
Jul 28, 202138:32
Mykel C. Smith is a New York Fashion Cult Icon

Mykel C. Smith is a New York Fashion Cult Icon

This episode is a conversation with Mykel C. Smith whose New York based namesake creative agency is a think tank for all things fashion. In 2020, Mykel was featured in a CFDA article by Karyl Truesdale who described him as, "a most amazing and very grandiloquent creative who brings the drama to everything he touches!"   Mykel has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years as an event producer, celebrity stylist, casting director, event planner and creative director. 

Currently, Mykel is producing the S/S 2022 Cult of Individuality X HVMAN runway show called ASCENSION which takes place on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Cult Lab located in New York, NY. Cult of Individuality was founded in 2009 by founder and designer Ron Poisson and has forged a reputation as the Jeansmith rooted in badass rock and roll. The brand ethos is a community of people who beat to their own drum of individuality and identify as a misfit, outsider, dreamer, trail blazer, and contrarian.  The global denim streetwear brand is all about quality and being a "Cult of One...The Cult of you."

Please join me as I talk with Mykel at his New York City home office just days before the Cult of Individuality Fashion Show.

Jul 21, 202120:37
Research & Heritage: West African Fashion Designer Milcos Badji
Jul 14, 202137:18
Fashion Critical Studies @ Central Saint Martins: Dr. Elizabeth Kutesko

Fashion Critical Studies @ Central Saint Martins: Dr. Elizabeth Kutesko

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Kutesko who is the MA course leader for Fashion Critical Studies at Central Saint Martins in London. Elizabeth published the book Fashioning Brazil: Globalization and the Representation of Brazilian Dress in National Geographic (Bloomsbury 2018) which examines the dynamics between subject, photographer and viewer exploring Brazilian dress and fashion practices within key global cultural debates.
Dr. Kutesko earned her PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca Arnold. Elizabeth's research interests are Latin American bodily practices and the intersections of fashion, cultural identity, representation and power.
This talk examines the idea of decolonisation and ideas of power and representation along with notions of popular cultural trends within the fashion industry.
Jul 07, 202129:34
Transmasculine Fashion Design: Finnegan Shepard

Transmasculine Fashion Design: Finnegan Shepard

This episode is a conversation with Finnegan Shepard who is a writer and founder of Both&--a start-up clothing brand which answers the needs of the transmasculine or gnc-identified community.  The ethos of Both& is evidence-based fashion design stemming from personal conversations that creates a space for a diverse and underserved population.  Each capsule drop is made in small batches and garments are sustainably and ethically produced.  Finnegan, who grew up in both America and England, shares his journey of becoming an entrepreneur through being a renaissance man. Finnegan shares wisdom learned on his journey starting with a love of academia and pursuing a PhD at Cambridge to becoming the founder of a fashion brand. His nonlinear path is filled with experiences good and hard which led to discovering the importance of humanity in business.  --------------------------- As we celebrate Pride month, may we be reminded of the importance of honouring the unique specialness of ourselves and each other.  One of the challenges that the trans community faces is labels on dressing rooms.  If you want to help, please start advocating for a friendlier retail experience for all by asking brands to remove gender specific dressing rooms. Together we can uplift and amplify the voice and visibility of the trans community.
Jun 30, 202137:15
BONUS: The Dandy as Original Street Style Innovator

BONUS: The Dandy as Original Street Style Innovator

This bonus episode is an academic talk by host Zara Korutz focused on the dandy as the fashion innovator of street-style using style as agency. Dandy fashion connects to authenticity as a creative expression and position within society. In this talk, I explore the notion of fashion capitals, the style of the dandy, social meaning behind the fashion, and black dandies with roots in Africa and the Caribbean.
Dandyism's historical roots creates a myth of authenticated personal identification. The word “myth” is not an untruth but rather a complicated system that theorist Roland Barthes describes as a form of communication.
If you geek out over fashion theory, then this talk is for you… Please engage with your thoughts afterwards on social media or with a personal voice note.
References:
Barthes, R (1957) Mythologies
Breward, C. (2016) The Suit. London: Reaktion Books.
Croll, J. (2015) Fashion that Changed the World. London: Prestel.
Lewis, S.P. (2017) Dandy Lion. First edition. New York, N.Y: Aperture.
Meinhold, R. and Irons, J. (2014) Fashion Myths. Bielefeld: Transcript Verlag.
Musgrave, E. (2019) Sharp Suits. GB: Pavilion.
Rocamora, A and O’Neill, A (2008) ‘Fashioning the Street: Images of the Street in the Fashion
Simmel, G. (1905) “Fashion” International Quarterly, 1,22, pp. 130-155
Woodward, S (2009) ‘The Myth of Street Style’, Fashion Theory, 13, 1: 83 – 102
Cover Art Photo of Dandy Wellington By Julia Bahlsen
Jun 23, 202128:10
A Gay Baby Boomer's Journey to Out and Proud: Ken Regnier

A Gay Baby Boomer's Journey to Out and Proud: Ken Regnier

This episode is a conversation with Ken Regnier who came out as an openly gay man at the age of 28 in 1991. Being raised Catholic in Aurora, IL, a mid-west manufacturing suburb outside of Chicago, the pressures to conform to a straight existence in society prevented him from living his authentic self.  Ken shares his personal journey of moving away from his hometown in order to live his true identity as an openly gay man. His story reveals trials of self-acceptance, heartaches of loss, and triumphs of love. Ken currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his husband Carl and double-doodle dog Ollie. 

Jun 16, 202137:50
London Underground Fashion Factory: Tee Eben

London Underground Fashion Factory: Tee Eben

This episode is a conversation with Terence (Tee) Ayuk Eben who is founder of the Never Fade Factory -- a futurist fashion brand showroom based in Soho, London. The flagship underground concept store and creative space is focused on innovation, social impact, technology and sustainability. The creative-process is the heartbeat of the Never Fade Factory which promotes artistic community for fashion, art, photography, design and exhibition.

The ethos of the Never Fade Factory is to incubate and accelerate emerging talent by providing free work space and commercial opportunity to showcase their art fostering a knowledge based ecosystems of support, teaching and sharing human resources within the creative industries. This philosophy creates brand collaborations between emerging brands and corporate partnerships focused on tech and sustainability.

Please join us for an on-location conversation that took place on a sunny Saturday in the window of the Never Fade Factory located on Old Compton Street where we discuss Tee's journey of being the only black owned business in Soho and examine fashion from a zeitgeist point of view including circular fashion and the Factory's #swapfactory partnership with Lablaco.
Jun 09, 202134:08
Success and the City: Bruce Weldyn

Success and the City: Bruce Weldyn

This episode is a conversation with Bruce Weldyn who is a New York City based luxury fashion business insider, author of 'If You Can Put Ketchup on it, Don't Eat it' and co-founder of ALL11-- a sales training platform with a 'talk show' style format. For over 20 years, Bruce's retail leadership success has extended across luxury fashion brands including Prada, Gucci, Armani, John Varvatos, David Yurman and Bergdorf Goodman.

Recently, Bruce completed an Instagram Vlog project called '75 Success Secrets in 75 Days'--daily conversations with guests on topics based on the book 'Do The Right Thing Do It All The Time: 75 Success Secrets Listed for Fast Reference by Frank Leigh (2020).

Join us as we talk about the reflection of Bruce's 75-day journey as he shares his secrets to success in life, business, and in the city or wherever you may live.
Jun 02, 202132:01
The Bronx Gender-Free Fashion Style: Victor Lopez

The Bronx Gender-Free Fashion Style: Victor Lopez

This episode is a conversation with New York based, Bronx raised freelance men's fashion stylist Victor Lopez. He has styled international creative campaigns for GQ, Vogue, MM Scene, Bello, 365 Male, Cool Korea and Travel Magazine France. Victor's unique visual style is personal and best described as a marriage between his passion for the 90s Hip-hop fashion combined with an innovative gender-neutral undertone which creates a fresh yet classic aesthetic.

As told to VoyageLA, Victor says, "as a young boy from the Bronx. I have never struggled when it came to style and fashion. I remember when I was younger, the kids at school would always ask me questions of 'where did you buy this?' For some reason, I always felt quite good when that happened. As I got older, I become more driven reading magazines like Vibe and XXL where I got most of my style from."

Please join us as we talk about the cultural influence of the Bronx on fashion, 90's Hip-hop, and the art of styling men in gender-neutral clothing.
May 26, 202134:06
The Fashion Battle of Versailles: Scott Schiavone

The Fashion Battle of Versailles: Scott Schiavone

Have you seen Netflix's biopic miniseries 'Halston'? This episode is with London based fashion historian and curator Scott Schiavone, who you may know from his YouTube channel Fashion &.  This timely conversation is about the 1973 fashion show (with Halston) that transformed fashion history--known as 'The Battle of Versailles'.    This monumental fashion competition is a story between the French, who were considered the giants of Haute Couture, and the Americans, who were the underdogs of Ready-to-wear. The French team was a roster of fashion kings including designers Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent,  Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, and Emanuel Ungaro. The American team was a diversified roster of designers including Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Bill Blass, Halston and Oscar de la Renta.    The gala fundraiser is described by Robin Givhan (2015) in the prologue of her book The Battle of Versailles as follows,  "On November 28, 1973, the world's social elite--men in dashing tuxedos and women dripping with diamonds--gathered in the majestic Theatre Gabriel at the Palace of Versailles.  Originally conceived as a publicity stunt and fund-raiser for the dilapidated French landmark, the Grand Divertissement a Versailles had become an international fashion extravaganza, bloated with pomp and passion.  Style writers and society columnists; royalty, tycoons, diplomats, and politicians; the creme de la creme of the jet set; stagehands, set designers, burlesque dancers, ballet starts, drag queens, glamorous models, famous choreographers, and one Academy Award-winning triple threat all watched in eager anticipation as five kings of French fashion faced off against five unsung American designers.  By the time the spotlight dimmed and the curtain came down on the evening's spectacle, fashion history had been made and the industry had been forever transformed."  Please join Scott and myself as we talk about this historical event that changed the global landscape of fashion by cementing the switch from the era of Haute Couture to the global explosion of Ready-to-wear fashion. If you love an underdog story woven with threads of beauty rooted in diversity, then this conversation is for you.   
May 18, 202148:14
Emotions in Your Clothes: Lucy Love

Emotions in Your Clothes: Lucy Love

This episode is a conversation with Lucy Love who is the founder and voice behind Purely Being Guided Meditations. In her decade long pursuit of living with transformation, Lucy has developed the art of meditation which she shares in her blog, Youtube channel, Instagram, Pinterest and weekly podcast Purely Being Guided Meditations.
Lucy's meditation philosophy is a "daily practice of tuning-in that allows you to recharge your body and mind while creating space to move from habitual living to inspired being." Please join us as we talk about what meditation is as a practice, fashion as a reflection of your internal light, the power of love to heal, and living in your purpose.
May 12, 202133:49
Cosmopolitan India's 2020 Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year: Mukul Bhatia

Cosmopolitan India's 2020 Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year: Mukul Bhatia

This episode is a conversation with Mukul Bhatia who is an award-winning visual artist from India based in Bali focused on sustainability, travel and fashion. Mukul has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, GQ and TEDx, and winner of Cosmopolitan India’s 2020 Blogger Award for ‘Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year’.
Please join us as we talk about India, the love of sustainable fashion, honest curiosity in gloablised culture, and art of boundless living.
May 04, 202126:59
Modern Slavery in the U.K. Fashion Textile Industry: Olly Kennedy

Modern Slavery in the U.K. Fashion Textile Industry: Olly Kennedy

This episode is a conversation with Olly Kennedy who is a consultant and PhD Researcher at the University of Liverpool focused on manufacturing operations and supply chain. In this talk, we examine the U.K. Modern Slavery Act, the exploitation in the fashion textile industry, the notion of boundaries, the power of consumption, and discuss frameworks as possible solutions to these complex social ills.

Recently, the Guardian announced that "the UK government is considering the introduction of a clothing trade adjudicator, who would monitor large retailers’ relationships with their suppliers. A former director of Labour Market Enforcement, Matthew Taylor, has also backed the concept amid fears that voluntary measures have failed to make substantial improvements to pay and working conditions in the fashion industry. The issue has been highlighted in the past year by revelations about conditions in the Leicester clothing factories supplying the online fashion group Boohoo as well as difficulties for overseas suppliers as orders were cancelled because of the global Covid pandemic (Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/22/uk-considers-clothing-trade-adjudicator-tackle-labour-abuses-working-conditions-mps)."

"The U.K. Modern Slavery Act will give law enforcement the tools to fight modern slavery, ensure perpetrators can receive suitably severe punishments for these appalling crimes and enhance support and protection for victims. It received Royal Assent on Thursday 26 March 2015 (Source: gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery-bill)."
The act will:

consolidate and simplify existing offences into a single act
ensure that perpetrators receive suitably severe punishments for modern slavery crimes (including life sentences)
enhance the court’s ability to put restrictions on individuals where it’s necessary to protect people from the harm caused by modern slavery offences
create an independent anti-slavery commissioner to improve and better coordinate the response to modern slavery
introduce a defence for victims of slavery and trafficking
place a duty on the secretary of state to produce statutory guidance on victim identification and victim services
enable the secretary of state to make regulations relating to the identification of and support for victims
make provision for independent child trafficking advocates
introduce a new reparation order to encourage the courts to compensate victims where assets are confiscated from perpetrators
enable law enforcement to stop boats where slaves are suspected of being held or trafficked
require businesses over a certain size to disclose each year what action they have taken to ensure there is no modern slavery in their business or supply chains

Apr 28, 202147:41
BONUS: Fashioning the 'Camp' Superman Body

BONUS: Fashioning the 'Camp' Superman Body

This bonus episode is a talk by Zara Korutz for the DePaul Pop Culture Conference "A Celebration of Superheroes".  Please join the conference on May 1, 2021 by registering at https://popcultureconference.com/2020-superheroes Abstract: Superman, who is a manufactured entertainment superhero character, can be considered an iconic symbol of the Pop-culture Movement in the 1960s— an era when cultural authorities used zeitgeist philosophies, like ‘Camp’, as a way of deciphering new intellectual approaches to artistic sub-cultural phenomena and social revolutions. Superman’s appearance holds cultural power through iconography which is a visual language of social significance that belongs in a larger contextual social structure as outlined in semiotics (Barthes 1995).  Superman’s power is marked by his fashion and is integral to understanding his identity. The often-dramatic transformation from his alter-ego identity allows for the possibility of another truth, and this duality creates a sense of magical escapism which is fundamental to understanding the superhero’s construct— wherein the costume, like a suit, is used as a ‘weapon of style’ (Breward 2016:116) that holds special powers of physical and ideological strength (Brownie and Graydon 2016).  Superman’s fashioned muscular body can be understood as a metaphor for transforming queer modes of representation in society into dominant modes through symbols of commodified hegemonic masculine power. Therefore, Superman’s secret is a paradox of perceived truth that is not fixed but relative to the state of being (Basu 2017). Sincere gratitude to Dr. Jane Tynan, Dr. Royce Mahwatte and Dr. Elizabeth Kutesko for their support of this research.   References Barthes, R. (1995) The Semiotic Challenge. University of California Press. Basu, P. (2017) The Inbetweenness of Things. Materializing Mediation and Movement Between Worlds. London and New York: Bloomsbury. Breward, C. (2016) The Suit: Form, Function and Style. London: Reaktion Books Ltd. Breward, C. (1998) Cultures, Identities, Histories: Fashioning a Cultural Approach to Dress,  Fashion Theory, 2:4, 301-313. Brownie, B. and Graydon, D (2016) The Superhero Costume. London and New York:  Bloomsbury Academic Publishing. Meyer, M. (1994) The Politics and Poetics of Camp. London & New York: Routledge. Sontag, S. (2018) Notes on Camp. Penguin Random House UK. Cover Photo: Courtesy ClipArt.info
Apr 20, 202109:53
Blockchain Basics Part 2: Maxim Silaev

Blockchain Basics Part 2: Maxim Silaev

This episode is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with Maxim Silaev who is an Entrepreneur & Technical leader/ Software Security Designer & Architect/ Quantitive trader based in Australia.  Max is founder of several global companies focused on algorithmic trading, cryptocurrency, Blockchain, artificial intelligence and software engineering.  For more information, please see https://maxsilaev.com Please join us as we talk about Blockchain technology, NFTs and the use of cryptocurrency. 
Apr 14, 202127:57
Blockchain Basics Part 1: Maxim Silaev

Blockchain Basics Part 1: Maxim Silaev

This episode is part 1 of a 2 part conversation with Maxim Silaev who is an Entrepreneur & Technical leader/ Software Security Designer & Architect/ Quantitive trader based in Australia.  Max is founder of several companies focused on algorithmic trading, cryptocurrency, Blockchain, artificial intelligence and software engineering who works with international partners from USA, Australia, UK, Singapore, Russia, Ukraine, India, Laos, and Thailand.   Maxim, who started his career almost 20 years ago as a software engineer designing and coding a number of network utilities and service cores, has since then focusing on the cybersecurity field where he worked with tech giants like Kaspersky Lab, IBM and Microsoft.  For the past 10 years, Maxim's focus is on AI technologies, and development of modelling algorithms and technologies. What makes Max different is the way he examines client’s business and offers bespoke digital solutions.   ——— Max has built over 30 projects in various industries and domains, which includes: - Prediction modelling - Mathematical statistics - Software engineering and team leadership - Big data analytics - Network security threat modelling - Threat and risk analysis - Software security design For more information, please see https://maxsilaev.com. Please join us as we talk about the use of technology to bridge the digital world with the physical world through unique interactive experiences.   In this episode, we talk about artificial intelligence, machine learning, data, and the use of Smart View technology in fashion retail. 
Apr 07, 202127:01
Personal Connection to Culture x Fashion Part 2: Rabi Yansané

Personal Connection to Culture x Fashion Part 2: Rabi Yansané

This episode is conversation with Rabi Yansane who is a Guinean-Senegalese, Paris-based fashion entrepreneur and cultural intermediary. She worked for many years as an intercultural language consultant in Germany, and also along side independent fashion designers in Japan, Senegal and France. While living in Tokyo, Rabi discovered her fashion purpose as an intercultural brand curator bridging together cultures and fashion. Rabi is founder of TAABARA, a clothing distribution company celebrating responsible African fashion in Japan.
Please join us for part 2 of a 2 part conversation talking about the beauty of being a fashion outsider, the art of being a cultural bridge, and the importance of acknowledging the artisan and the culture.
Mar 31, 202131:43
Personal Connection to Culture x Fashion Part 1: Rabi Yansané

Personal Connection to Culture x Fashion Part 1: Rabi Yansané

This episode is conversation with Rabi Yansane who is a Guinean-Senegalese, Paris-based fashion entrepreneur and cultural intermediary. She worked for many years as an intercultural language consultant in Germany, and also along side independent fashion designers in Japan, Senegal and France. While living in Tokyo, Rabi discovered her fashion purpose as an intercultural brand curator bridging together cultures and fashion. Rabi is founder of TAABARA, a clothing distribution company celebrating responsible African fashion in Japan.

Please join us for part 1 of a 2 part series conversation talking about the art of wanderlust, the beauty of discovering your purpose, the personal joy of fashion, and reflections of life.
Mar 24, 202126:35
In Talks with Fashion Podcaster Danielle Radojcin

In Talks with Fashion Podcaster Danielle Radojcin

This episode is a conversation with Danielle Radojcin who is a London based fashion, art and culture multimedia journalist and podcast producer. Danielle's clients include Miu Miu, Matches Fashion and the British Fashion Council. She started her career at Vogue and has worked at GQ, ASOS, Net-A-Porter and is currently a contributing editor for MATCHESFASHION.COM as well as an associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins on the MA Fashion Journalism course. Danielle is founder and host of the podcast In Talks With-- bitesize conversations with luminaries about contemporary culture.

Please join us for a casual conversation discussing Danielle's career as a fashion journalist and her wisdom on success, thoughts on culture and 1990s subcultures, and ideas surrounding fashion in the contemporary world.
Mar 17, 202133:21
Black Culture Matters: Christian Benjamin

Black Culture Matters: Christian Benjamin

This episode is a conversation with Christian Benjamin who is a Washington, D.C. based cultural tastemaker, thought leader and entrepreneur. Christian is the founder and Creative Director of Story MKTG, a full service creative and marketing agency focused on mission based initiatives with authentic storytelling representing cultures from communities of colour.  Story MKTG's client roster includes brands McDonalds, Ciroc, and Seagram's with a creative portfolio that includes White House Administration initiative My Brother’s Keeper under U.S. President Barack Obama, United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up initiative, San Francisco’s Young Community Developers Organization, and The Made in Africa Experience. Christian is also partner of Eighty5 Cigars, a Black-owned cigar company. Please join us for a conversation discussing the journey of being an entrepreneur, ideas rooted in authentic diversity & inclusion, the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in America, Black American culture, and Kanye West as a cultural change maker. For more information, please see www.storymktg.com and www.eighty5cigars.com
Mar 03, 202130:48