ICYMI: Rachel's Bestie - Brian Atwood

Summary

Podcast Summary: Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe
Episode: ICYMI: Rachel's Bestie - Brian Atwood
Release Date: May 9, 2025

In this milestone episode of Climbing in Heels, Rachel Zoe welcomes her first male guest, the esteemed footwear designer Brian Atwood. As a trailblazer in the fashion industry, Brian shares his inspiring journey from his early days in Chicago to becoming a renowned name synonymous with elegance and innovation in footwear design.

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1. Introduction

Rachel Zoe sets the stage for a groundbreaking episode by introducing Brian Atwood as the first male guest on her show. She highlights Brian’s illustrious career and his longstanding friendship with her.

Rachel Zoe [02:34]: "Today is a monumental day in Climbing in Heels history with we have our first male guest on the show... Brian Atwood. He is truly one of the most talented footwear designers in the fashion industry."

---

2. Early Life and Education

Brian delves into his upbringing in Joliet, Illinois, and his formative years attending an all-boys high school. He reflects on the profound influence his mother had on his appreciation for fashion and aesthetics.

Brian Atwood [04:46]: "I saw how she dressed. I loved her style. I would always watch the whole process... I wanted to be part of it."

His passion for art naturally steered him towards fashion, leading him to pursue studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.

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3. Modeling Career and Versace

While at FIT, Brian's modeling career unexpectedly took off when an agent discovered him in Milan. This serendipitous encounter led to an opportunity with Gianni Versace, catapulting him into the heart of the fashion world.

Brian Atwood [09:52]: "I had an interview with him... I am now not just living in Milan. I am working for Gianni Versace. And this has started, like, the dream."

He recounts his early days working closely with Donatella Versace on the Versus Women's line, emphasizing the collaborative and familial atmosphere within the Versace team.

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4. Transition to Footwear Design

Although initially focused on clothing, Brian's passion for shoes emerged organically. It wasn't until Donatella tasked him with designing haute couture shoes that Brian truly found his niche in footwear design.

Brian Atwood [13:02]: "It wasn't until Johnny asked me to create shoes for the haute couture. His 96. Was it 96, 96. Haute couture. And I'm like, you just say yes. Yes is always the right answer and then you just deal with it."

This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey as a footwear designer, blending artistry with functionality.

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5. Launching His Own Brand

In March 2001, amidst global uncertainties, Brian launched his own shoe brand. Despite the challenges of starting a business during tumultuous times, his resilience and unwavering belief in his vision led to the brand's success.

Brian Atwood [17:27]: "I thought, well, it can only get better because we've been through hell. So I said, you just got to stick with it. Everything eventually will come back."

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6. Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Positivity

Rachel and Brian engage in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of positivity in both personal and professional spheres. Rachel highlights Brian's infectious optimism, contrasting it with her own struggles with negativity.

Rachel Zoe [24:05]: "I have never once seen you discouraged... you bring your energy and your love and your positivity first and foremost to everything."

Brian attributes his positive outlook to his upbringing and the profound influence of his mother, emphasizing the significance of finding light even in the darkest times.

Brian Atwood [26:51]: "There has to be some light. Whether it's dismal, whether it's a speck of light, just, you know, look to that to find your energy."

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7. Working in the Versace Family

Brian shares poignant memories of working closely with Gianni Versace and the familial bond within the Versace office. He recounts the emotional impact of Gianni's passing and the solidarity among the team during that period.

Brian Atwood [19:52]: "We were in Rome, and I remember sitting on the floor with Donatella... it was shocking to see."

The camaraderie and mutual respect within the Versace family fostered a supportive environment, allowing the team to navigate challenges together.

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8. Advice to Entrepreneurs

Brian offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of integrity, authenticity, and the courage to defy conventional norms.

Brian Atwood [35:14]: "Never compromise your integrity. Never compromise what you believe in."

He underscores the necessity of maintaining a unique voice in a saturated market, encouraging designers to embrace their individuality rather than conforming to existing trends.

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9. Rapid-Fire Section

The episode features a lighthearted rapid-fire segment where Rachel and Brian exchange quick personal preferences, providing a glimpse into his personality beyond the professional realm.

• Coffee or Tea?
  Brian: "Coffee."

• Southern Italy or Southern France?
  Brian: "Italy."

• Favorite Dessert?
  Brian: "Tiramisu is like right up there."

• Platforms or Knee-High Boots?
  Brian: "Platforms for sure."

• Advice for 20-Year-Old Self?
  Brian: "Never compromise your integrity."

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10. Conclusion

Rachel wraps up the episode by expressing her gratitude for Brian's candid insights and inspiring narrative. She emphasizes the importance of Brian's advice on embracing positivity and authenticity.

Rachel Zoe [38:05]: "Thank you so much to my friend Brian for being the first male guest on Climbing in Heels. Tell me if you want more because I think I have to add more boys to this."

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Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Zoe [24:05]: "You have to bring your energy and your love and your positivity first and foremost to everything."

• Brian Atwood [35:14]: "Never compromise your integrity. Never compromise what you believe in."

• Rachel Zoe [32:28]: "Find the light. It's really important in business and it's really important in life."

---

Brian Atwood's episode on Climbing in Heels is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering positivity. His journey from a suburban Chicago upbringing to the pinnacle of the fashion industry serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives alike.

Transcript

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Did you know Dansko has been supporting women pursuing meaningful work since 1990? Yep, Dansko the Clog Company. But it's more than just footwear. Dansko is a symbol of comfort, quality and purpose. Women wear Downsco shoes as a badge of their values and a nod to the work they do every day. Work that makes a difference in their communities. One bold step at a time. Downsco's heritage collection and newest designs are made for life on the move. Dansko slip on and go easy to adjust styles, save you time, while their commitment to high quality materials ensures long lasting comfort and durability. Whether you're on your feet all day, tackling big goals or simply embracing every day, Dansko is there to support you every step of the way. Because at Dansco, every decision is made with you in mind, from the shoes they design to the impact they make. Step into comfort and purpose today. Visit danskO-A-N-S-K-O.com radio to learn more or try a pair. That's dansco.com radio.

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[Rachel Zoe]

Hi everyone, I'm Rachel Zoe. And you're listening to Climbing in Heels for your weekly dose of glamour, inspiration, and, of course, fun. Today is a monumental day in Climbing in Heels history with we have our first male guest on the show, which I normally don't allow, but he happens to be the king of heels and my best friend for over 20 years. The king, the prince, Brian Atwood. He is truly one of the most talented footwear designers in the fashion industry. And he's sharing his story with us. From fit and modeling to working with the icon and legend Gianni Versace himself, Brian's positivity is truly infectious and I cannot wait for you to hear more of his incredible journey. So Brian is my favorite Leo. I also want to say that Brian is the first male to ever appear on Climbing in Heels.

[Brian Atwood]

Okay, true. I didn't know that.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yes, you are the first, not the last, the first one we have let into this studio on this podcast.

[Brian Atwood]

Okay.

[Rachel Zoe]

And I thought about it big Ally, obviously, because I thought it would be great to talk about the man who has designed heels for women that I have climbed in for the last 20 years. And you know, because obviously when I say climbing in heels, it's very tongue in cheek. But all the women that I've had on here, I really like to talk about the journeys of how we get to be who we are. Right. Because that's a question I've been asked throughout my career, is how did you become Rachel Zoe? And my answer is always like, no idea. There was not a plan. There was definitely not a plan. I just worked really fucking hard and here we are. So I want to talk a little bit about your story because it is a really good one. And you came up in a time where it's like the height of fashion. Literally the height of fashion. So you did go to college. I want to start there. You grew up where, let's share with everybody.

[Brian Atwood]

Grew up in southwest suburb of Chicago, Joliet, Illinois.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay.

[Brian Atwood]

Went to an all boy high school. So great. Didn't really study fashion barely, you know, I knew I loved art so that there was an art class. I was so excited that I'm like going to kind of get my creativity, of course, part, you know. Of course. Always knew in my gut I wanted to do, be in, do something with fashion.

[Rachel Zoe]

I was always so like, you knew coming up as a boy in, in suburb of Chicago, like fashion was clear.

[Brian Atwood]

To you for sure. It was clear to me because such a young. I think my mother had a lot to do with it because, you know, we hear that so. And so is your muse. I really believe that she was my muse in. I saw how she dressed. I loved her style. I would always watch the whole process that fascinated me of women getting ready.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

And it's like the change and how they feel, you know, everything changes.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

You put on a lipstick, you put on a heel and earring, and I think I was captured by that magic, and I wanted to be part of it.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yep.

[Brian Atwood]

And, you know, fashion then was all about clothing. It was, you know, rarely about shoes. They were. It was more the shoe was almost just to compliment the dress. It wasn't something like art, you know, art. And we start dressing from our shoes up, you know, and then it all changed. But, yeah, that was my first.

[Rachel Zoe]

I remember being with you in one of my houses one summer, and you, like, you're like, can I watch you put your makeup on? You're like, I love this part. Like, you're like, I love the transformation. I'm like, good, because I'm about to be transformed. I need to transform right now. And I love that you loved that, because I don't know that many people that, like, the dress is one thing, but I thought that was super interesting that you loved seeing, like, the natural beauty into what they become in that moment. Because that's the chameleon part of it. Right, Right.

[Brian Atwood]

And I think everyone wants to pretend at some point, you know. You know, with guys, it's different. What, are you putting gel in your hair? I mean, you can do kind of whatever, but women, it's just. It's really art. And I just love the whole. The whole transformation. It got me really excited to see.

[Rachel Zoe]

And so then you went to fit, right? You went to.

[Brian Atwood]

Well, first, because, you know, I knew at such a young age what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to move to New York and go to fashion school, because that's what you just.

[Rachel Zoe]

You did the dream.

[Brian Atwood]

And so my parents were like, okay, let's agree on something. So they both went to, like, siu, Southern Illinois University. So they said, why don't you go there like a cut, like a college? Like, just not.

[Rachel Zoe]

Right. Like, get your bachelor of Arts, like.

[Brian Atwood]

Let'S say a normal.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

School. Like, to see what else you might want to do. So I said, okay, cool. We'll do that for two years. Two years comes around. I'm like, guess what two years did. It got the bachelor, you know, the whole thing. I want to go to New York. I know that. And even down in the college, there were some kind of Fashion courses that I could take.

[Rachel Zoe]

I mean, but it wasn't a fashion.

[Brian Atwood]

No, it was not a fashion school. So. So I think. And that was good. And that was a great experience for me to be in. And, you know, I just knew I wanted to start my fashion career, so moved to New York, went to fit. Literally new ever.

[Rachel Zoe]

Were you ever like, the poor fashion student or were you always Prince Brian?

[Brian Atwood]

Rachel? No.

[Rachel Zoe]

Is this like this. Like this scene in the David Beckham documentary when she's like, we were middle class. He's like, your dad was driving a Rolls Royce or whatever.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, that was hilarious. No, it was not. I was. I would say I was just enjoying. I wasn't like, crazy.

[Rachel Zoe]

You weren't starving?

[Brian Atwood]

No, I had a great New York experience. You know, just everything New York had to offer, whether it was club life, fashion, excitement, it was like I just took it all in. The city was like I was a sponge. So it was so exciting to be here, be there. And, you know, I fell in love with it ever since. Can't get enough of it.

[Rachel Zoe]

No place like it, honestly. But then, okay, so how does the king, Gianni Versace, How. How do you go from fashion student at FIT to Brian Atwood that now works for Gianni Versace and Donatella? Like, how does that.

[Brian Atwood]

So. So while I was at fit, I think towards the end, this is kind of like what you hear all happens all the time, but who knows if it does? So an agent saw me out. Whether I was at. Omar saw me out. I think I was either at a restaurant or a club. And they're like, oh, you should think about modeling.

[Rachel Zoe]

So she's the most gorgeous person I've ever seen. He needs to make money doing this. And so.

[Brian Atwood]

Exactly. And I'm like, oh, I can do this. I can make money, travel. And, like, New York is going to be there. New York is always there and amazing. So I said, okay, so let's do this. And I really use that as a vehicle to travel the world, meet the designers I wanted to work for. Because how else can I get so close and, like, say, oh, by the way, you know, modeling is just something I used to get here to meet. Totally meet you or whatever. So I remember, you know, I was in Milan and, you know, my mother was like, okay, how long are we going to, like, fly around the world? And, you know.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

Kind of has to have.

[Rachel Zoe]

Well, it's hard, I think, as a parent, because you want your child to have this experience. It's also terrifying, I think, as a parent like, are they going to get, like, taken advantage of? Are they going to get lost in a country? Like, yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

And then, you know, and you're like, as a model, you can really kind of travel and work wherever. If you want to go to Spain, you can get an agent in Spain and you can live and whatever. So, you know, I hand wrote out my resume. I hand wrote out my resume because I was like, okay, modeling has. I forget how many years, five or something.

[Rachel Zoe]

And I was like, you were smart enough to know that it has an end date.

[Brian Atwood]

Yes, for sure. And I knew that that's not what I wanted to do. So I literally hand wrote out my resume and I delivered it to Versace, Prada. I think I delivered it to Tom at Gucci, who was just like, the houses that I could see myself in. That always meant something to me. And, you know, I was like, when I was a young kid, I had a paper route. I was. And I remember I bought my first Versace shirt, which was a black linen shirt. It was $300 at Neiman Marcus. That could have been like $1500 back then. But I was like, this is like gold. And that's kind of why Versace was kind of my first pick, like, just to go there. And then I dropped the resume off to the person I was always speaking with, the age, the modeling, the casting person. So Versace called me and I had to be the day of or the day after I dropped it off. And I'm like, okay, I have an interview with him. And it was. I always compare it to, like, the draft or something. You're kind of like an art. You're a young artist, and stuff like this rarely happens. And all of a sudden, Picasso calls you into a studio and asks you, okay, here's the job. And I remember walking through a Parco Cimpione in Milan, like, holy shit. I am now not just living in Milan. I am working for Gianni Versace. And this has started, like, the dream. And I remember it was the best school ever. And I was working close, hired to work with Donatella on Versus Women's. And I didn't really get into shoes, even though as an adolescent, I was always sketching shoes and feet. But I had no idea what that meant. But it wasn't until Johnny asked me.

[Rachel Zoe]

A therapist would have a party with that.

[Brian Atwood]

But sure, yes, it wasn't until Johnny asked me to create shoes for the haute couture. His 96. Was it 96, 96. Haute couture. And I'm like, you Just say yes. Yes is always the right answer and then you just deal with it.

[Rachel Zoe]

Of course you panic after you say yes.

[Brian Atwood]

Yes. Just say yes and then it all kind of works.

[Rachel Zoe]

Figure it out. Figure it out.

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Did you know Dansko's been supporting women pursuing meaningful work since 1990?

[Rachel Zoe]

Yep.

[Dansko Announcer]

Dansko, the Clog company. But it's more than just footwear. Dansko is a symbol of comfort, quality and purpose. Women wear Dansko shoes as a badge of their values and a nod to the work they do every day. Work that makes a difference in their communities. One bold step at a time. Dansko's heritage collection and newest designs are made for life on the move. Downsco's Slip on and go easy to adjust styles save you time, while their commitment to high quality materials ensures long lasting comfort and durability. Whether you're on your feet all day, tackling big goals or simply embracing every day, Dansco is there to support you every step of the way. Because at Dansco, every decision is made with you in mind, from the shoes they design to the impact they make. Step into comfort and purpose today. Visit danskO-N-S-K-O.com radio to learn more or try a pair that's dancego.com radio go.

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[Rachel Zoe]

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[Brian Atwood]

So.

[Rachel Zoe]

So bring your high standards and never limit what you can find. Yeah. EBay. The place for new, pre loved, vintage and rare fashion. EBay. Things people love.

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[Brian Atwood]

And actually before I moved to Milan, I went to this kind of. I was like, am I doing something crazy? And you know, in a good way. And I went to this celebrity psychic and I still have that cassette tape. Who knows, you know when they recorded things on cassette tapes? Course. And I remember she was like, you're going to be famous for something to do with feet. And I was like, okay, here's your $200 or whatever, hun. This is not my dream. This is not what's going to happen. And she goes, I don't know, maybe you're going to do a Nike ad. Because I was a model back then. She was like, I was like, okay. She goes, do your feet hurt? Something about feet, right? And I was like, okay. And then after all this, I'm like, where's that tape? I need to listen to that tape again. Because it all like kind of revolved around feet. Sure, it revolved around feet. And you know, the Cinderella factor I call it.

[Rachel Zoe]

I mean, but like, actually, I mean, I think that's the thing. And I think like when I met you, probably around that time.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah.

[Rachel Zoe]

I just remember like you made the most gorgeous shoes. And I think you, I think you launched your own brand shortly after that. Right?

[Brian Atwood]

In 2001. Right after. God, yeah, right, right. I launched it March 2001. Then the whole world collapsed, you know, literally, literally. And I, I thought of it, I said, well, it can only get better because we've been through hell. So I said, you just got to stick with it. Everything eventually will come back. So it's never a great time to do something, just do it. And you know, it worked out.

[Rachel Zoe]

I mean, it's, it's interesting because I think, you know, I think a lot of the people that have been on this pod, myself included, you know, we talk a lot about sometimes not being supported on our journeys. Sometimes there's a lot of petty jealousy with women. And I'M wondering, like, did you ever experience that coming up? Were there people that, like, tried to take you down? Were they jealous of you? Or was it so small at that point that there wasn't really that stuff happening?

[Brian Atwood]

You mean like in the industry?

[Rachel Zoe]

Like Devil Wears product kind of stuff? Like, you know, a lot of petty girl, like.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, no, I mean, girl, you know. No, really, because we're all so, like, young and new.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah.

[Brian Atwood]

Especially in the office, because the Versace office was. I was the only one who spoke English, so it was a great way for me to learn Italian. You're just forced with it because I said, I'm not going to be that American sitting at a table, just saying. And not knowing what's going on. I was like, I'm going to learn it very basic, you know, and, you know, we were all in the same boat and more excited than backstabbing each other, of course.

[Rachel Zoe]

So you more had the experience of, like, it was almost like this young, like, incubator of a group that just all loved each other. And you're still friends with a lot of them now, right?

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And, you know, fashion always has drama. Of course. We always. And, you know, and. And that being the small. The small family business that it was, it was Johnny, Donatella and Santo. So it was just that that was your school and all the, you know, team that was around them, but it was.

[Rachel Zoe]

It's a really good smallest.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, it was great. At the same time.

[Rachel Zoe]

The same time, of course. And then when Gianni died and Donatella came in, you were still there. You stayed there for a while after.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, I was. I was with Donatello when the whole thing happened. We were. And that was the weirdest thing because, you know, it being such a small. Yeah, like a family company, you felt really part of that. It was kind of like your Italian family. And. And when that happened, we were in Rome, and I remember sitting on the floor with Donatella, we had all the models cards, because we were doing Don Ne Soto le Stele, which was a fashion show they did on the Spanish Steps in Rome. And Gianni had already flown because it was after the show, the couture show, he flew to Miami, which he always did. Like, okay, I'm done. I need vacation. So we did the Rome show. And then I remember we were just chatting and picking out models. They were also, like, cute boys and girls were all just, oh, that one, that one, that one. And then all of a sudden, Santo comes in the room and screams her name to, like, get, you know, Come here urgently. And I've never heard that tone. And I was like, okay, something's up, right? And then I think someone, minutes after that, they turned on the news and, you know, it was shocking to see. It was like, make. It was like a. Yeah, it was.

[Rachel Zoe]

Like, this is like a fever dream that isn't real.

[Brian Atwood]

It wasn't real. And then all of a sudden, when I saw, like, the stretcher and I saw the arm of Johnny, like, it came. Came off the stretcher or something. And that's the arm I remember seeing every morning in the office. Like, he would always. He called me Brian Eno, which means little Brian. Like. Like a child. Like, he always said, you're here to Brian Eno. You're here to learn. Take it all in. And I would always go in the office early because I just love being around the energy. I was like, yeah, of course. Obsessed with just being in that element.

[Rachel Zoe]

You can't pay for that.

[Brian Atwood]

In that moment, it all felt real. And you could hear pin drop every. No one knew how to deal with it or what happened. It was just not real bizarre. And the office was like a morgue for probably three weeks. And I remember when someone turned on music, and then it was just like, you know, this is happening now.

[Rachel Zoe]

We have to like.

[Brian Atwood]

And actually, Donatella's first show, I remember everyone was very emotional. And then before the show started, there was this butterfly flying around. And to this day, even Santa d' Orazio, Donatello, we all know that was Johnny coming in to check on things.

[Rachel Zoe]

To make sure all was good.

[Brian Atwood]

No, to check on things. And I still get chills and emotional because I know it for a fact, and it's still like magic. It was great.

[Rachel Zoe]

And I think that's right around the time that I met you, because it was Donatella's show when I met you.

[Brian Atwood]

I think it was.

[Rachel Zoe]

It was.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, it was.

[Rachel Zoe]

I had worked with Gianni right before he died on trying to remember which client it might have been. Like Cameron Diaz for Shrek. We were doing something. I can't remember. But, you know, I think coming up in that. And I think. I think something I try to really express to the younger generation now with all these, like, flex days and vacation and like, whatever, and they're like. And they always go, how are you successful? And what do you say? You were the first one there and the last one to leave. It didn't matter what you were being paid. You always answered the phone like if. If they needed you. It was like. It was like boot camp. It was like fashion boot camp, right? But the best boot camp. And taught you everything.

[Brian Atwood]

You know, make yourself indispensable. If. If that's possible. As much be the, you know, just be the best that you can be. You know, who cares? It's an hour later or something, or you have to do something, but they can never say you didn't try or didn't do what was required. You went more, you did more.

[Rachel Zoe]

Always more, always more. And, you know, something I want you to share, I think that, I think is important for entrepreneurs that listen is, you know, having your own business, having your own brand, it's. It's a lot. It's a lot. And, you know, there's highs, there's lows, there's the lowest, the lowest lows, the highest highs, even when it's not your own business. Right? But the thing about you that I always say, and I said it in my Instagram post for your birthday, is like, I have never once seen you discouraged. I've never seen you look or feel defeated, and I've never seen you bring a negativity to anything you do. Literally anything. But, like, even if it's like, I mean, anytime, maybe the closest thing is, like, when you're over, like, an event and you don't want to be out anymore, you're like, I'm done. Like, Busta, I'm going up. Like, I'm tired. But. But typically, you bring your energy and, like, your love and your positivity first and foremost to everything. I feel like you have a gratitude, like, I'm the opposite in terms of, like, I'll look at the forecast. I'll be like, oh, my God, I have to cancel. Oh, my God, I have to do this. Oh, my God, it's raining. Oh, my God, nobody's going to come. Oh, my God. And you always go at it like, it's going to be fine. It's going to be fine. And I want to. I want to talk about that because I want to understand where that came from. I like to take that from you when I'm with you. And it doesn't even matter if it's like a bad restaurant, if it's like, your food sucks, you're like, it's fine. Like, everything is fine all the time. But you mean it genuinely. It's not disingenuous. And so I think even when the sky is, in fact, falling, you continue to power through with a positivity that I think is very infectious. And I. And I want to understand where that came from, because it applied to your business and everything else that you do.

[Brian Atwood]

Yeah, I mean, I think that it definitely came from childhood and with my upbringing, with my mother, I think that just magic. She is magic. She's the matriarch, as you all can imagine. And we love her so much. I think that, you know, I remember a poster I had on my wall, this beautiful lion, must have been a lion or something, and that I loved. And it said, it's hard to be as humble when you're as good as I am or something. And it was just funny because I don't know what that kind of just said.

[Rachel Zoe]

It resonated with you.

[Brian Atwood]

Just kind of. And just kind of be humble and nothing is that horrible. There's even, even though there's so many, so many horrible things, at some point there has to be some light. And whether it's dismal, whether it's a speck of light, just, you know, look to that to find your energy. Because it's so easy to get in our head and get deep and dark and not be able to come out of it. And, you know, and that's when you have to step away, go to a quiet place. And I, you know, I'm not going to be like all, go be quiet with yourself. Because it does make a difference. It does when it's too much, when the noise outside is too much. And it can be too much a lot of the time, you know, just go somewhere quiet. Whether it's walking on the beach, walking, you know, going into your bedroom and putting on headphones and listening to white noise or, you know, something quiet, calm the mind. Because the mind is a strong tool that can, you know, really take you to, you know, a dark place.

[Rachel Zoe]

Pretty good.

[Brian Atwood]

It can be quickly if, if, if every, if you're feeling punched, you know, feeling beaten up or things aren't working out and you're like, why? Why? I think it's very important to step away and take a minute, take as long as you need, but def. It helps tremendously. And then it always changes your outlook on it.

[Dansko Announcer]

It's sandal season at Dansco. That's right. Dansko, the iconic clog brand, now offers sandals. Whether you're looking for stylish wedges, comfy flats or trendy cork sandals, dance Go has you covered. And don't miss the all new platform Pro cloud. Visit Dansko D a N-S-K-O.com to explore Dansko's full range of supportive and fashionable footwear from Dansko's iconic heritage Clogs to the latest designs. Dansko's easy to wear slip ons and adjustable styles are made to support you through even the busiest days. Plus enjoy free shipping and returns. Visit Dansko D a N-S-K-O.com forward/radio today.

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[Rachel Zoe]

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[Disney World Announcer]

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[Rachel Zoe]

It is innate to you. I feel like you've had this since I met you. But I also feel like, you know, I think we've all been through our shit, right? We've all been on our downs and our and our ups and I feel like you always come up smiling. Does it become like a conscious effort that you make to do that? Like do you if you find yourself going I can Go dark here. But I'm not going to because I think that's important for entrepreneurs, honestly.

[Brian Atwood]

Right. And. And I know when you can easily do that and focus on the crap of a situation and turn it into, you know, a lot more just. It's like, all right, do I want to focus on that and feel like that it's just. It's kind of a choice sometimes.

[Rachel Zoe]

Of course.

[Brian Atwood]

And, you know, not easy. But I think. I think I've noticed it enough so that I can stop it. Change it. Yeah, I can change it. And I think that if you can notice it, you. You definitely get you. You know how to change it then?

[Rachel Zoe]

Because I'm would. I would like to share that with everyone, and I'd like to take that from you, because every time I'm with you, I'm reminded that you could turn this into a happy moment. You don't have to be so intense about something, you know, And I think, like, that's something I'm working on this year. You know, it's sort of like find the light. Right. I know that sounds so corny, but I think it's really important, and I think it's really important in business and it's really important in life, and it's completely true.

[Brian Atwood]

They don't just make this stuff up from. You know, this isn't something that, like.

[Rachel Zoe]

Cliches exist for a reason, actually.

[Brian Atwood]

Right. They do exist, and it is inside you. You can, you know, be your own. You can be your own magic, create, you know, it's all inside you. You just have to get. Gets muted down. It's. It gets clouded a lot. So we kind of ignore it. We forget that the ability is inside of us. Just have to listen to it. And no one time is to step away for a second.

[Rachel Zoe]

So what is next for Mr. Brian Atwood? Prince? Brian, like, what are you most excited about right now in your life and go forward besides living in Halston's former house in Fire island, which is so beautiful.

[Brian Atwood]

We love that.

[Rachel Zoe]

And in New York City, of course.

[Brian Atwood]

Just really focusing on, you know, relaunching the brand and all of this, you know, making beautiful shoes. I think there are so many different, different things that I'd like to do as far as, you know, fashion has changed as, you know, fashion has changed so quickly and exciting as well. But just need to really focus on what I love doing, and that's creating beauty and that I will continue doing. And we're magic.

[Rachel Zoe]

We need your magic for as many people as possible.

[Brian Atwood]

Absolutely. Put them back On a pedestal and.

[Rachel Zoe]

We all have to climb in Brian Atwood heels forever. So. By the way, I do as illustrated on my Fire island excursion. I know I kept those babies on. I love you so much. We're going to do quick rapid fire before I let you go. You ready?

[Brian Atwood]

Oh my God.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay. Coffee or tea?

[Brian Atwood]

Coffee.

[Rachel Zoe]

Who's your hero?

[Brian Atwood]

My mother.

[Rachel Zoe]

Make me weep right now. I already know this answer. Southern Italy or southern France?

[Brian Atwood]

Italy.

[Rachel Zoe]

I knew you were going to say that. Favorite dessert?

[Brian Atwood]

I mean I love it all. I mean tiramisu is like right up there.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay. I also know this. Platforms or knee high boots?

[Brian Atwood]

Ooh, platforms for sure.

[Rachel Zoe]

Yeah. What's your biggest pet peeve?

[Brian Atwood]

But I do it also procrastination. So I mean that is. And like being late but procrastinate.

[Rachel Zoe]

But you're both of those.

[Brian Atwood]

Yes. I. I mean.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay. Okay. What advice would you give your 20 year old self?

[Brian Atwood]

What would I give my 20 year old self? I think really just continue to never compromise your integrity. Never compromise what you believe in. And I think that's also what Johnny told me too. And that's part of the whole school of being in the Versace, you know, time, the realm is. He always said you're here to learn, never compromise. I learned it from him because people loved and hated his stuff. So it was. It's true, you know, but he kept.

[Rachel Zoe]

Doing exactly that and he didn't care.

[Brian Atwood]

He kept doing it. And I think that for a designer or someone who is in the creative field is something very important because you can always be persuaded or tend to be like, oh well, it's not fitting into this box.

[Rachel Zoe]

Sure.

[Brian Atwood]

But if you fit into that box, you're competing with everyone who's already in that box. Be do something different that is very you and have a voice. Have, you know, say what you want, stick to it. Always. Always.

[Rachel Zoe]

And it is hard. It's not.

[Brian Atwood]

It is hard and it takes a lot of guts because you might not. People might not appreciate it instantly but I think they always come around to it. Yeah, they do.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay.

[Brian Atwood]

Sorry I sidetracked. Sorry. No, it's perfect.

[Rachel Zoe]

Martini or margarita?

[Brian Atwood]

Margarita.

[Rachel Zoe]

I knew that we could be on the newlyweds. By the way, I just let you know what's another career you would want to try.

[Brian Atwood]

To architect or rock star. I don't know which one comes for first, but I think I couldn't be more different. By the way, I know I'm going to go with rock star. I always think I'm a good singer, but probably not probably architect first. I also wanted to be a plastic surgeon because I love creating beauty. So I thought I'd be really good with the face, so. All right.

[Rachel Zoe]

Oh, my God, that's.

[Brian Atwood]

I have three. Sorry.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay. I love that. Okay. Ask permission or ask forgiveness.

[Brian Atwood]

Forgiveness probably.

[Rachel Zoe]

Duh. Rules don't apply to Prince Brian. Okay, who is your Hollywood crush?

[Brian Atwood]

Oh, my Hollywood crush. Let's see, who's your free pass with? Jake Henry Cavill, probably.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay. And what about a woman?

[Brian Atwood]

I mean, Angelina?

[Rachel Zoe]

Stunning or past icon?

[Brian Atwood]

I think probably Marilyn still fascinates me for some. Yeah, same, I think. Yeah.

[Rachel Zoe]

Instagram or TikTok?

[Brian Atwood]

Instagram.

[Rachel Zoe]

Okay.

[Dansko Announcer]

I love you.

[Brian Atwood]

Oh, my God. I love you. You're my icon, baby. You are my icon, baby. You are right there.

[Rachel Zoe]

You are my icon and I love you so much. I love that I got to be with you this year.

[Brian Atwood]

Me too. It was so fun.

[Rachel Zoe]

Love having you. I love that you're the first honorary guy to ever be on Climbing in Heels. It's only appropriate. It's only appropriate.

[Brian Atwood]

It really is.

[Rachel Zoe]

I love you. Thank you so much to my friend Brian for being the first male guest on Climbing in Heels. Tell me if you want more because I think I have to add more boys to this because there are so many men in my life that I love and respect and would be so incredibly inspirational for all of our listeners. I really loved Brian's advice about saying yes and figuring it out later. I'm actually going to take his advice. I will see you all next week on the pod.

[Dansko Announcer]

It's sandal season at Dansco. That's right. Dansco, the iconic clog brand now offers sandals. Whether you're looking for stylish wedges, comfy flats or trendy cork sandals, dance Go has you covered. And don't miss the all new platform pro clog. Visit Dansko D A N-S-K-O.com/radio to explore Dansko's full range of supportive and fashionable footwear. From Dansko's iconic heritage clogs to the latest designs. Dansko's easy to wear slip ons and adjustable styles are made to support you through even the busiest days. Plus enjoy free shipping and returns. Visit dansco d a N-S-K-O.com forward/radio today.

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