Podcast Summary: Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe
Episode: ICYMI - Fashion Legend, Laura Brown
Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "ICYMI - Fashion Legend, Laura Brown," Rachel Zoe sits down with the illustrious Australian fashion journalist, Laura Brown. As a former editor-in-chief of InStyle magazine and former executive director of Harper's Bizarre magazine, Laura brings a wealth of experience and unique insights into the world of fashion journalism and female entrepreneurship.

Meet Laura Brown

Rachel begins by introducing Laura Brown with heartfelt enthusiasm, highlighting her multifaceted personality and impressive career trajectory.

Rachel Zoe [02:09]: "She is clever, she's smart, she's witty, she's funny. She is Laura Brown. She's an incredible Australian fashion journalist..."

Laura echoes this warmth, setting a comfortable tone for the conversation.

Journey from Australia to New York

Laura shares her motivations for moving from Australia to New York, driven by a journalistic instinct to experience the fashion world firsthand rather than through secondhand sources.

Laura Brown [05:00]: "I wanted to see them alone with my own eyes. I want to be at the fashion show or the freaking movie or whatever the hell it was."

She reflects on the challenges of feeling removed from the immediacy of the fashion scene in Australia before the digital age.

Laura Brown [06:23]: "I wanted to feel the culture happening, like, in my face in a way..."

Career Milestones: Harper's Bazaar and InStyle

Laura recounts her early days at Harper's Bazaar, emphasizing the collaborative and creative environment fostered by Glenda Bailey, the former editor-in-chief.

Laura Brown [12:00]: "I started working with Glenda Bailey in Valentine's Day 2005 and worked with her for 11 years..."

Their partnership was marked by innovative photo shoots and a shared sense of humor, which Laura credits for much of her success.

Navigating the Corporate Landscape

Despite her achievements, Laura discusses the transient nature of corporate roles and the importance of leaving on good terms.

Rachel Zoe [15:29]: "It was about how you leave."

Laura Brown [15:33]: "You can't just be gracious always."

She emphasizes the value of maintaining strong professional relationships and the lasting impact of her work.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

Anticipating changes in the media landscape, Laura reveals her decision to establish her own media company, LB Media. This move was initially a "slow boil" plan but accelerated unexpectedly when InStyle shut down.

Laura Brown [32:17]: "I actually registered my own media company a couple of years ago and stuck it in a folder on the back."

The shift allowed her to leverage her extensive network and the equity she had built over her career.

Building LB Media: An Umbrella of Creativity

LB Media is described by Laura as an "umbrella over a buffet," encompassing various facets of media production, including podcasts, films, design, and public relations.

Laura Brown [42:13]: "LB Media is characterized as an umbrella over a buffet... it's all the things."

She highlights her passion for connecting people and fostering a sense of community through creative collaborations.

Personal Life and Balance

Laura delves into her personal life, discussing her late marriage at 47 and the importance of self-reliance and personal fulfillment.

Laura Brown [26:57]: "I felt that I had my own worth. I made my own money. I was professionally established."

She shares a heartfelt story about meeting her husband, Brandon, and the balance she strikes between her career and personal happiness.

Lessons on Confidence and Purpose

Throughout the conversation, Laura imparts wisdom on professional confidence and the significance of recognizing one's own value independent of corporate affiliations.

Laura Brown [38:35]: "I can articulate the ownership of what I've done and the pride in the work that I've done."

Rachel echoes this sentiment, discussing the broader challenges women face in cultivating genuine confidence amidst societal expectations.

Impact of Single Parenthood

Rachel touches upon a recurring theme among successful women she has interviewed: the influence of being raised by single mothers.

Rachel Zoe [47:43]: "Every woman, except for two, were raised by a single mother."

Laura Brown [48:35]: "I was raised by a single mom, only child in Sydney, Australia."

They discuss how these experiences instilled resilience and a strong work ethic, shaping their paths to success.

Future Endeavors and LB Media's Vision

Looking ahead, Laura outlines her vision for LB Media, which includes a diverse range of projects spanning magazines, podcasts, films, and more. She emphasizes flexibility and community-building as core components.

Laura Brown [43:01]: "LB Media is like sections of a magazine... words, pictures, podcasts, film, producing, design..."

Conclusion

Rachel Zoe concludes the episode by praising Laura's dedication, work ethic, and her unconventional yet impactful approach to fashion journalism. Laura's journey from a determined Australian journalist to a pioneering media entrepreneur serves as an inspiring testament to female resilience and innovation.

Rachel Zoe [49:14]: "How could you not fall in love with Laura? The fact that she left Australia and moved to New York proves her work ethic, how dedicated she is and how ambitious she is."

Key Takeaways

• Pursuit of Authenticity: Laura's move was fueled by a desire to experience the fashion industry authentically rather than through isolated, secondhand information.

• Value of Relationships: Maintaining strong, positive professional relationships is crucial for long-term success and opportunities.

• Embracing Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship allows for greater creative freedom and personal fulfillment.

• Confidence and Self-Worth: Recognizing and owning one's professional achievements fosters confidence and resilience.

• Impact of Upbringing: Being raised by single mothers has significantly influenced the work ethic and success of many women in the industry.

Notable Quotes

• Rachel Zoe [02:09]: "She is clever, she's smart, she's witty, she's funny. She is Laura Brown."

• Laura Brown [05:00]: "I wanted to see them alone with my own eyes. I want to be at the fashion show or the freaking movie or whatever the hell it was."

• Laura Brown [38:35]: "I can articulate the ownership of what I've done and the pride in the work that I've done."

• Rachel Zoe [47:43]: "Every woman, except for two, were raised by a single mother."

This episode offers a deep dive into Laura Brown's remarkable career and personal journey, providing listeners with valuable insights into the interplay of passion, resilience, and community in achieving success. Whether you're an aspiring fashion journalist or a budding entrepreneur, Laura's story is a beacon of inspiration.