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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.