Fashion People Podcast Summary: Episode "TikTok Shoppies"

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Host: Lauren Sherman (Puck Correspondent)

In this episode of Fashion People, hosted by Lauren Sherman, the conversation navigates through a myriad of topics central to the fashion industry's backstage dynamics. From collaboration launches and luxury brand strategies to the burgeoning influence of TikTok Shops and significant leadership shifts within renowned fashion houses, this episode delves deep into the current pulse of the multi-trillion-dollar fashion business.

1. Skiing and the Intersection of Luxury and Functionality

Time Stamp: 07:46 – 11:20

Lauren Sherman and Angela Kinsey engage in a discussion about the differing approaches between American and European consumers toward luxury goods in the skiing realm. Angela posits that Americans prioritize the technical and competitive aspects of skiing over the fashion-forward elements commonly embraced in Europe.

• Angela Kinsey (08:58): "Americans in general are much more focused on the competition and the sport aspect, whereas skiing is so a part of the lifestyle in Europe where there's a real elegant way of doing it."

This conversation highlights the cultural disparities in luxury consumption, emphasizing that while European markets might favor high-fashion ski attire, American consumers lean towards functionality and performance.

2. Becky Malinski's "Holiday Things" Collection with Alex Mill

Time Stamp: 11:20 – 21:21

A significant portion of the episode centers around Becky Malinski's recent collaboration with Alex Mill, resulting in the "Holiday Things" collection. Becky outlines the genesis of this partnership, emphasizing a seamless synergy between her design vision and Alex Mill's brand ethos.

• Becky Malinski (12:03): "It was about a year process, start to finish. We started in January... We wanted something really dressy along those lines."

Becky details the meticulous process of fabric selection, design iteration, and the collaborative brainstorming sessions that led to the collection's fruition. The positive reception of the collection is evident, with Becky sharing enthusiastic feedback from both consumers and the Alex Mill team.

• Becky Malinski (18:16): "Feedback has been fantastic. One customer wrote... they were so glad to see it and that they felt like they were heard as a woman."

This collaboration not only showcases the fusion of design aesthetics but also underscores the importance of authentic partnerships in driving successful fashion initiatives.

3. Navigating the Holiday Sales Season: Tips and Recommendations

Time Stamp: 22:54 – 36:24

Lauren and Angela shift focus to the bustling holiday sales period, offering listeners strategic advice on discerning quality purchases amidst the frenzy of discounts.

• Lauren Sherman (23:56): "But what have I been looking at? Obviously, I've been looking at Bally's website..."

They highlight brands like Bally, Lisa Yang, and Ann Daughter, recommending specific pieces that offer both style and longevity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of investing in items that resonate with one's personal style rather than succumbing to superficial sale-driven impulses.

• Angela Kinsey (26:26): "Lisa Yang sweaters... they're so soft and the cuts are nice and the colors are nice. Highly recommend that."

Additionally, they caution against purchasing items solely based on discounted prices without considering their genuine appeal and utility.

4. The Rise of TikTok Shops and Their Impact on Fashion

Time Stamp: 36:24 – 43:40

A focal point of the episode is the emergence of TikTok Shops and their disruptive potential in the fashion marketplace. Lauren Sherman explores how TikTok Shops amalgamate the functionalities of platforms like Amazon and QVC, creating a dynamic environment for both established brands and emerging designers.

• Lauren Sherman (34:17): "TikTok Shops have taken the QVC model and the Amazon Marketplace model and merged them."

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by TikTok Shops, such as the proliferation of dupe culture and the platform's rapid scalability since its inception in 2023. Angela questions the sustainability and authenticity of purchases made through TikTok, reflecting concerns about data transparency and brand integrity.

• Angela Kinsey (35:21): "It's always good to have accountability and have transparency. So it does kind of feel like it's the first time that people are questioning... what is controlling that and controlling the data."

The hosts also contemplate the potential regulatory challenges TikTok Shops might face, especially amidst growing scrutiny over data privacy and platform governance.

5. Leadership Shifts: Julian Klausner Takes the Helm at Dries Van Noten

Time Stamp: 40:01 – 51:24

The episode transitions to significant leadership changes within the fashion industry, particularly focusing on Dries Van Noten appointing Julian Klausner as the new creative director.

• Angela Kinsey (40:21): "I think that's great and nice... We need new talent. It's the same problem in every industry at the moment."

Lauren and Angela discuss the implications of Klausner's promotion, highlighting the importance of fostering diverse leadership within fashion houses. They critique the industry's tendency to perpetuate homogeneity in leadership roles and advocate for more inclusive practices.

• Lauren Sherman (40:53): "We need all everybody getting these jobs. And a big issue is that at the bottom, people who are interns, they're hiring their friends when they're assistants and their friends tend to look like them."

The dialogue underscores the need for structural changes in hiring and promotion practices to cultivate a more diverse and representative leadership cadre in the fashion world.

6. Louise Trotter's Potential Appointment at Bottega

Time Stamp: 43:40 – 52:24

Continuing the theme of leadership transitions, Lauren Sherman announces rumors about Louise Trotter potentially taking over at Bottega Veneta. The hosts express their insights and expectations regarding this possible appointment.

• Lauren Sherman (46:32): "She's someone who has worked really, really hard and is not flashy, doesn't seem to want to be the center of attention..."

Angela commends Trotter's design prowess and her ability to maintain a clear identity across different roles. However, Lauren shares personal reservations about one of Trotter's recent collections with Carvin, hinting at challenges in aligning creative vision with brand expectations.

• Angela Kinsey (47:58): "She has a very clear identity and idea... I think Bottega is a very... perfect match for the technical abilities of Bottega with her design aesthetic."

The discussion encapsulates the complexities of leadership transitions in luxury brands, emphasizing the balance between innovation and brand heritage.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Industry Reflections

Time Stamp: 52:39 – End

As the episode winds down, Lauren and Angela reflect on the interconnectedness of design, functionality, and brand evolution in the fashion industry. They express optimism about emerging leaders like Trotter and advocate for continued dialogue around diversity and technological integration in fashion.

Notable Quotes:

• Angela Kinsey (08:58): "Americans... are much more focused on the competition and the sport aspect, whereas skiing is so a part of the lifestyle in Europe."

• Becky Malinski (18:16): "Feedback has been fantastic... they felt like they were heard as a woman."

• Lauren Sherman (34:17): "TikTok Shops have taken the QVC model and the Amazon Marketplace model and merged them."

• Angela Kinsey (35:21): "It's always good to have accountability and have transparency."

• Angela Kinsey (40:21): "We need new talent. It's the same problem in every industry at the moment."

This episode of Fashion People offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends, strategic collaborations, and pivotal changes shaping the fashion landscape. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, Lauren Sherman and Angela Kinsey provide listeners with an in-depth understanding of both the creative and business facets of the fashion world.