Podcast Summary: Fashion People – "The Man Repeller Attracts"

Episode Details:

• Title: The Man Repeller Attracts
• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Host: Lauren Sherman
• Guest: Leandra Medine Cohen (Author, Editor, and Stylist)

1. Introduction

In this episode of Fashion People, host Lauren Sherman welcomes Leandra Medine Cohen, a renowned author, editor, and stylist. The discussion centers around the recent shifts in the fashion industry, the culmination of designer transitions at major luxury brands, Leandra’s upcoming jewelry collaboration with Aflalo, and current street style trends on the Upper East Side.

2. Navigating Designer Transitions in the Luxury Fashion Industry

Lauren and Leandra delve into the recent appointments of Jonathan Anderson at Dior and Pierre Paolo Piccioli at Balenciaga, marking the end of a tumultuous period of designer changes within the luxury sector.

• Leandra’s Perspective:
  "I think the thing that's more meaningful is actually that it has netted out at all... the future of the industry looks a little bit clearer than it has in many years." — [10:37]

Leandra expresses optimism about the stabilization within the fashion houses, emphasizing that this clarity allows for a creative revolution. She highlights Pierre Paulo Piccioli's ability to express sensuality through his designs, suggesting a positive shift towards more innovative and enjoyable fashion.

• Lauren’s Insights:
  "I think it also inspires companies that don't have as many resources... to be more creative." — [12:12]

Lauren shares her hope that these changes encourage smaller companies to innovate, moving the industry away from becoming a mere commodity market and ensuring that fashion remains special and valued.

3. Current Street Style Trends on the Upper East Side

Leandra provides an insider’s view of the evolving street style in New York's Upper East Side, noting a blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary pieces.

• Key Observations:

  • Vintage Graphic Tees & Low Rise Everything: Emphasis on nostalgic fashion elements.
  • Bucket Hats: Continuing popularity among trendsetters.
  • Trench Coats and Cargo Pants: Persistent staples in the local fashion scene.

• Accessory Highlights:
  "I noticed three pairs of the Bowden silver studded sandals... they look like very French sandals." — [22:03]

Leandra points out the resurgence of specific designer shoes and Hermes bags, reflecting a blend of classic luxury and modern trends.

4. Personal Reflections and Lifestyle

The conversation shifts to Leandra’s personal life, balancing motherhood with her creative endeavors.

• Leandra’s Experience:
  "I'm pretty good. I have a nine-month-old baby at home... raising new life on earth." — [08:29]

She shares insights into managing her time and creativity, highlighting the challenges and rewards of her multifaceted life.

5. Launching a Fine Jewelry Collaboration with Aflalo

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Leandra’s latest venture: a fine jewelry collaboration with Aflalo.

• Origin of the Collaboration:
  "It started as me just playing around and having fun with this jewelry... has turned into this collaboration." — [30:42]

Leandra recounts how her interest in lab-grown diamonds led to a partnership with Aflalo, resulting in a nine-piece collection named Summer Diamonds. This collaboration emphasizes classic design infused with modern, lab-grown diamonds.

• Philosophy Behind the Collection:
  "These are all really simple, classic designs. And if you love them when they're natural but not when they're lab, what does that say about how much you actually like them when they're natural?" — [35:00]

Leandra challenges traditional perceptions of diamonds, advocating for lab-grown stones by highlighting their perfection and ethical advantages.

6. Pricing and Market Strategy

The collection is positioned with transparent pricing, ranging from $3,000 to $9,500, based on production costs rather than fluctuating market standards for lab-grown diamonds.

• Leandra on Pricing:
  "Our prices are informed by cost... the lab-grown market is so all over the place." — [37:51]

This strategy ensures accessibility while maintaining the brand's reputation for quality and exclusivity.

7. Integrating Family Business and Future Plans

Leandra touches upon her family’s longstanding involvement in the jewelry industry and how her venture complements rather than competes with their traditional focus on natural gemstones.

• Family Dynamics:
  "I've spoken to my brothers... it just didn't make sense because it's lab grown stones." — [38:20]

She plans to expand future collaborations to include semi-precious stones, integrating more deeply with her family's business while maintaining her unique creative direction.

8. Conclusion and Collection Launch

The episode concludes with details about the Summer Diamonds collection launch, available for pre-order starting Thursday and appointments at the Aflalo showroom in New York.

• Leandra’s Excitement:
  "You got it. I need more time. I'VE got like kids to raise and maybe a book to write." — [28:36]

Lauren expresses her enthusiasm for the collection, anticipating its positive reception within the fashion community.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're on the brink or like we're actually already in motion with a sort of creative revolution." — Leandra Medine Cohen [12:12]
• "If you love them when they're natural but not when they're lab, what does that say about how much you actually like them when they're natural?" — Leandra Medine Cohen [35:00]
• "These are all really simple, classic designs... what constitutes what I find beautiful." — Leandra Medine Cohen [35:00]

Key Takeaways:

• The stabilization of designer roles at luxury brands marks a new era of creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.
• Street style on the Upper East Side remains a mix of vintage charm and modern trends, with significant emphasis on classic accessories.
• Leandra Medine Cohen’s collaboration with Aflalo represents a forward-thinking approach to jewelry design, emphasizing ethical and sustainable choices with lab-grown diamonds.
• The integration of family business practices with modern creative ventures showcases the evolving nature of traditional industries in contemporary fashion.

Next Steps: Listeners interested in Leandra Medine Cohen’s Summer Diamonds collection can visit aflalo.com for pre-orders and showroom appointments. Stay tuned to Fashion People for more insider insights and upcoming collaborations in the dynamic world of fashion.