Fashion People: "Luxury, Democratized" - Episode Summary

Release Date: April 25, 2025

In this engaging episode of Fashion People, host Lauren Sherman sits down with renowned designer Reed Krakopf to delve into his illustrious career and his influential role in shaping the modern American fashion landscape. From his early days at Ralph Lauren to his transformative leadership at Coach and Tiffany, Krakopf shares invaluable insights into the evolution of accessible luxury and the current state of the fashion industry.

1. Introduction to Reed Krakopf's Career

Lauren Sherman opens the conversation by highlighting Reed Krakopf's significant contributions to iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Coach, and Tiffany. She emphasizes his pivotal role in the rise of accessible luxury and sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about his journey and the industry's dynamics.

Lauren Sherman [15:19]: "Reed, welcome to Fashion People. We're excited to hear about your remarkable career and insights into the industry."

2. Early Life and Education

Krakopf recounts his upbringing in Fairfield County, blending modernist design influences from his mother with American antiques. His unconventional educational path includes stints at the Berkeley School of Music and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston before earning a degree from Parsons in New York City.

Reed Krakopf [09:37]: "It was all very, very much a bit free form. It kind of suggested where I would end up in my career with this cross-section of business, fashion, creativity."

3. Beginnings at Ralph Lauren

His first professional experience was an unpaid internship at Ralph Lauren, where he immersed himself in the vibrant New York fashion scene of the 90s. Krakopf highlights the camaraderie and the learning opportunities presented by working alongside future industry giants like Tory Burch and Vera Wang.

Reed Krakopf [15:48]: "There was a real sense of camaraderie around New York fashion. It was really, you know, the American shows, the Italian, British, French. It was a major hub."

4. Transition to Tommy Hilfiger

After Ralph Lauren, Krakopf joined Tommy Hilfiger as Design Director, playing a crucial role during the brand's expansive growth. He credits Tommy Hilfiger for pioneering the integration of popular culture and fashion, setting the foundation for accessible luxury.

Reed Krakopf [25:04]: "It was about the democratization of luxury, which fit the American narrative really well."

5. Leadership at Coach

In 1996, Krakopf took on the role of Creative Director at Coach, then a $500 million public company owned by Sara Lee. Under his leadership, Coach transformed into a powerhouse of accessible luxury by outsourcing production to Asia and launching iconic collections like Signature C and Ergo.

Reed Krakopf [36:23]: "It was a redefining moment, certainly in Hambocks [sic] one."

6. Launching the Namesake Line

Krakopf spearheaded the launch of his own line under the Coach umbrella, aiming to infuse design credibility and differentiate the brand amidst the rising tide of designer labels. While the venture initially struggled with overlapping customer bases, it marked a significant push towards building a recognizable personal brand within a larger corporate structure.

Reed Krakopf [42:47]: "Accessible luxury was invented as an outgrowth of understanding how to grow a business."

7. Tenure at Tiffany & Co.

Post-Coach, Krakopf joined Tiffany & Co. as Chief Artistic Officer, introducing innovative concepts like "Everyday Objects" that blended functionality with high craftsmanship. His tenure lasted six years, culminating with the LVMH acquisition, after which he sought new ventures aligned with his passion for design and craftsmanship.

Reed Krakopf [63:17]: "The Everyday Objects piece was fascinating because it led me to a place in Tiffany that was always there, but I didn't realize it yet."

8. Current Endeavors and Philosophy

Today, Krakopf collaborates with investment groups to revitalize brands like John Hardy, focusing on enhancing design aesthetics while preserving craftsmanship. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and a singular design focus in today's competitive market.

Reed Krakopf [76:59]: "Authenticity is more important than ever because transparency is everywhere. Everyone knows everything."

9. Reflections on the Fashion Industry

Krakopf reflects on the transformations within the fashion industry over the past three decades, noting the shift towards specialized brands with a clear point of view. He critiques the overuse of sustainability as a buzzword and advocates for genuine brand identities that resonate with consumers on a deeper level.

Reed Krakopf [80:18]: "Those brands that embrace their unique point of view in the face of skepticism are the ones that are going to succeed."

Conclusion: A Legacy of Accessible Luxury

Reed Krakopf's journey through the echelons of American fashion underscores a legacy of making luxury accessible without compromising on quality or craftsmanship. His pragmatic approach to design and business continues to influence emerging brands and shape the future of the industry.

Lauren Sherman [80:47]: "Reed, I love this conversation, and I feel like everyone needs to listen to this who's in the business and who wants to do something interesting."

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Sherman [51:19]: "It feels like Coach was the center of accessible luxury."

• Reed Krakopf [44:39]: "Accessible luxury was invented as an outgrowth of understanding how to grow a business."

• Lauren Sherman [53:41]: "You deserve to be celebrated."

• Reed Krakopf [77:38]: "You just have to believe in what you do and stand for something."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Reed Krakopf's impact on the fashion industry, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the strategies behind building enduring and beloved fashion brands.