Fashion People: New York, It’s a Wonderful (Shopping) Town
Hosted by Lauren Sherman, Puck Correspondent

Episode Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fashion People, Lauren Sherman welcomes fashion journalist Max Berlinger to discuss the latest happenings in the fashion industry. The conversation delves into creative director transitions at Loewe, the evolving landscape of department stores, and trends in athleisure wear.

Printemps Store Opening in New York

Lauren and Max kick off the discussion with Max’s experience at the Printemps store opening on Wall Street.

• Store Atmosphere and Design:
  Max describes the store as "fab" with "stunning architecture" featuring "soaring ceilings" and "mosaic tiles from the 30s" ([07:58]).

• Customer Experience:
  Lauren adds, “It has a very 1980s bonfire of the Vanities vibe,” highlighting the store's unique and extravagant interior ([09:09]).

• Historical Context:
  They touch upon Printemps’ history, including its past ownership by the P family and its acquisition by the Qatari royal family in 2013 ([07:24]).

Creative Director Shift at Loewe

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez stepping into the roles of creative directors at Loewe, succeeding Jonathan Anderson.

• Excitement for New Leadership:
  Max expresses optimism, stating, “I can't wait to see the first collection and see where they land” ([23:03]).

• Lauren’s Insights:
  Lauren emphasizes the importance of this transition, noting, “Loewe is on an upward trajectory... Pascal is the CEO, has an amazing reputation” ([28:05]).

• Challenges and Opportunities:
  They discuss the pressures faced by McCullough and Hernandez, with Lauren mentioning, “They were very successful. They had a lot in return. But creatively it stalled them” ([27:12]).

Future of Saks Global

Lauren provides updates on Saks Global, which now encompasses Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman as of January 2025.

• Corporate Developments:
  The discussion hints at ongoing changes within Saks Global, though specifics are limited ([04:31]).

Potential Creative Directors for Balenciaga and Fendi

Max and Lauren brainstorm potential candidates for leading creative directions at major fashion houses.

• Balenciaga Recommendations:
  Max suggests Marc Jacobs and Daniel Roseberry, highlighting Jacobs’ ability to “steal and say it” and Roseberry’s talent for “bold shapes” ([35:28]).

• Fendi's Future Leadership:
  Lauren advocates for phasing out the Venturini family to inject fresh ideas, stating, “It's time for a new big idea” ([34:07]).

Exploring Los Angeles Fashion Spaces

The conversation shifts to notable fashion stores and districts in Los Angeles, including ChCM, La Garcon, Venn Space, and Outline.

• Store Highlights:

  • ChCM and La Garcon:
    Lauren praises these stores for their complementary styles and curated selections ([17:21]).

  • Venn Space:
    Both hosts admire Venn Space for its shoe selection and boutique atmosphere, with Max sharing his appreciation: “The shoe selection's amazing” ([16:34]).

• Personal Shopping Preferences:
  Lauren and Max share their favorite spots and styles in LA, emphasizing the diversity and individuality of Los Angeles fashion ([43:02]).

Nike's Recent Performance and Athleisure Trends

Max and Lauren delve into Nike's latest quarterly results and the broader athleisure market.

• Nike’s Organizational Changes:
  Max summarizes recent leadership exits at Nike, indicating a possible restructuring ([46:34]).

• Sneaker Trends:
  Lauren discusses the resurgence of slimmer sneaker profiles, mentioning the Nike Internationalist as a “platonic ideal” for versatile wearers ([49:09]).

• Market Positioning:
  Max highlights Nike’s strategic advantage with brands like Adidas, which have extensive catalogs of slimmer sneaker profiles, positioning Nike well for future growth ([49:17]).

Personal Shopping Adventures

The hosts share their personal shopping experiences, highlighting challenges and triumphs in finding the perfect pieces.

• Lauren’s Shopping Stories:
  Lauren recounts her attempts to return a pair of Balenciaga shoes from Satire, ultimately growing fond of them despite initial doubts ([41:00]).

• Max’s Shopping Habits:
  Max describes himself as a “sample sale shopper” and a “real vintage person,” favoring casual and functional brands like Carhartt and Dickies ([43:27]).

Closing Thoughts

Lauren and Max wrap up the episode by reflecting on the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, the importance of creative leadership, and the ever-evolving trends in consumer preferences. They express excitement for upcoming events and future episodes, promising more insider insights into the multi-trillion-dollar fashion business.

Notable Quotes:

• Max Berlinger: “It’s very stunning because a lot of it is landmarks... it just felt cool to see like a real salon for occasion wear.” ([07:58])
• Lauren Sherman: “It's more of a destination because the interiors are so incredible... It’s like Dover Street Market, where you go there to see what they have and see the art.” ([11:09])
• Max Berlinger: “I am an optimist and I always am... I can't wait to see the first collection and see where they land.” ([23:03])
• Lauren Sherman: “Loewe is on an upward trajectory... Pascal is the CEO, has an amazing reputation.” ([28:05])
• Max Berlinger: “The shoe selection's amazing. Those dries... really sleek sneakers... they just fly off the shelves.” ([16:34])
• Lauren Sherman: “If you want to look cool or you just want to look good and you don’t want to have to think too hard, Proenza is the brand.” ([27:12])
• Lauren Sherman: “It’s time for a new big idea” ([34:07])

Conclusion

This episode of Fashion People offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the fashion industry, highlighting significant shifts in leadership, the reopening of iconic stores, and the latest trends in athleisure wear. Through insightful dialogue between Lauren Sherman and Max Berlinger, listeners gain an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of fashion.