Podcast Summary: "Behind the Scenes of An Iconic Slam Shoot w/ Sydnee Paige"

Fudd Around And Find Out
Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Azzi Fudd with co-host Ashanti Plummer, Guest: Sydney Paige (Stylist)

Episode Overview

This episode of “Fudd Around And Find Out” goes behind the scenes of Azzi Fudd’s recent cover shoot for SLAM magazine, focusing on the collaborative process between Azzi and her stylist, Sydney Paige. The discussion explores how they brought creative, storytelling-inspired looks to life on set—highlighting the intention behind each fashion choice, the importance of a trusted team, and how style for women athletes is evolving. The episode closes with fashion games and candid banter about current trends, offering listeners an authentic peek inside both the high-pressure and joyful sides of working in sports fashion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Context

• Azzi Fudd (02:00): Welcomes listeners and introduces both co-host Ashanti and guest Sydney, setting the tone for a “really fun episode” about the iconic SLAM magazine shoot.
• Ashanti Plummer (02:20): Brings up the recent release of Azzi’s SLAM cover, kicking off the deep dive into the experience.

2. The Creative Styling Process

• Meeting and Early Collaboration

  • First collaboration was Fashion Week (04:06), with SLAM being only their second major project together.
  • Sydney Paige discusses her excitement about breaking out of traditional Fashion Week limits when collaborating with Azzi for SLAM, aiming for something more creative and narrative-driven (04:06–05:22).

• Fashion Inspiration and Process

  • Sydney’s process: She researches the athlete’s past looks, then pulls a range to see what resonates, emphasizing the importance of “reading people’s energy” to ensure confidence and comfort (06:21).
  • About Azzi: “She’s very open to experimenting and trying new things… but she’s also not going to wear anything she doesn’t feel comfortable or feel right in” (07:18).
  • Three words Sydney uses to describe Azzi’s style: “Experimented. Girly. Also. Pretty. And fun.” (08:17)

3. Behind the SLAM Shoot

• Initial Reaction

  • Azzi: “Really? They want me on the cover? Are you sure? Really?” (08:34)

• The Vision and Hero Look

  • Sydney Paige describes wanting to push beyond the usual jersey-only shoot, pulling together layered looks using custom cut-and-sew jerseys, suits, standout nails, and more (08:50–11:36).
  • Collaborators credited: Jack T. (brainstorming), Jocelyn (designer who created the hero look from reworked jerseys with a dramatic train), Sarah (nails), Haley (hair), and Lionel (makeup).
  • Azzi’s reaction: “It was unreal...to see all the details, like the lace in it and the stars...it was so impressive. It still impresses me.” (11:36)

• Details and Meaning

  • The shoot drew inspiration from what worked during Fashion Week, incorporating motifs like custom nails (with athlete numbers) and designer suit elements while staying true to the SLAM brand (14:40).
  • The “hero look,” featuring a suit with a custom jersey train, is labeled by all as the standout (12:46).

• Fan-Only Details

  • Nails by Sarah referenced previous Most Outstanding Player winners’ numbers, a detail filled with pride and history (16:33, 19:21).

• Comparisons to Previous SLAM Covers

  • Azzi reflects that her first cover with Paige (in 2021) was simpler and less storytelling-driven:
    “It just wasn’t nearly as fun or exciting like style-wise as this past one. It didn’t tell a story like this one...There was more story behind absolutely every detail in it, which I love.” (20:06)

4. Sydney Paige’s Backstory

• Sydney never saw herself as “fashion” growing up in a sports family, but caught the bug senior year of high school through blogs and eventually moved to New York to study fashion (24:06).

• Transitioned from a corporate fashion job into styling after being inspired by photoshoots—emphasizes the value of assistant work, persistence, and learning by doing (26:12).

• Defines difference between corporate fashion (“the back end, of how the pieces like get into certain stores...just not for me”) and freelance styling (27:20).

• If she could raid anyone’s closet: “Honestly, right now, I would choose Skylar [Skylar Diggins]...so many dope pieces.” (28:07)

5. Athlete vs Celebrity Styling

• Differences include not just body type but the comfort and authenticity athletes require, since their primary public identity is performance, not fashion (29:40).
• Sydney feels her sports background helps her understand those priorities: “Sometimes you do just want to, like, throw something cozy on...Just being mindful of what feels right to them” (30:55).

6. What Makes a Great Style Story for Women in Sports

• Having a trusted team that “accentuate[s] the best parts of you...When you have a team around you that understands that and knows how to bring it out of you through style, makeup, glam, hair—you’re really able to show your true self...your most confident self.” (32:13)

7. Advice for Finding Your Style

• “Staying true to you...perseverance...Trusting your gut about what works for you...not trying to fit in...Just like trusting your gut on that...sticking with your goals and like really just figuring out your, your way.” (33:14)

8. Fashion Trend Games: 'Fudd or Dud' (37:14)

A light-hearted rapid-fire segment where each person calls out whether a trend is a “Fudd” (fire) or “Dud” (not it):

• Big red boots: Dud for everyone; Sydney: “Those were crazy.” (38:05)
• Oversized blazers with biker shorts: Mixed; Sydney likes it, Azzi: “I can see it on someone else.” (39:14)
• Ballet flats: Qualified Fudd if styled right. Azzi: “It can be [alright], but it’s got to be done right.” (40:12)
• Denim jackets: Fudd for most, with jokes about generational fashion (41:02)
• Socks and heels: Generally a dud, but “Fudd on someone else.” (41:58)
• Sunglasses with everyday looks: Universal Fudd. Azzi: “I already have trouble seeing, but Fudd for other people.” (42:49)
• Designer varsity jackets: Everyone loves them—Sydney highlights the custom Aces jacket, brainstorming an Azzi version (44:00)
• Cargo mini skirts: Fudd for minis, dud for long (44:31)
• Low-rise jeans: Universal dud. Azzi: “I think that looks disgusting.” (45:36)
• Minimalist looks: Fudd for Sydney, but not for Azzi or Ashanti, who joke about their love of color and texture (46:03)

9. What the Fud of the Week

• SLAM cover leak: The shoot was leaked before the official release—"devastating" for the team (48:06).
• Ashanti: “I get that you guys are excited and you guys are fans, but, like, hold it down. Hold it down.” (48:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sydney Paige on Styling Philosophy:
  “I feel like a lot of my job is reading people’s energy and, like, what makes them look like they’re feeling good and feeling confident.” (06:21)
• Azzi Fudd, on the Hero Look Reveal:
  “Seeing it in person…Jocelyn did her thing. It was unreal. To see it on and see all the details…It still impresses me. What she did was phenomenal.” (11:36)
• Sydney Paige, Fashion as Empowerment:
  “You’re your strongest when you feel true to yourself…When you have a team around you that understands that and that’s able to bring that out of you through style, makeup, glam, hair—you’re really able to show your true self.” (32:13)
• Sydney Paige, Advice for Young Stylists:
  “Staying true to you, and perseverance—I think that is always key. … Just like trusting your gut…Sticking with your goals and really just figuring out your way.” (33:14)
• Azzi Fudd on Evolving Style:
  “I’m experimenting. Trying to figure out my style, what I like, what I don’t like.” (04:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:20 — Introduction to SLAM cover shoot and Sydney Paige
• 04:06 — How Azzi and Sydney started working together
• 06:21 — Sydney’s approach to athlete styling
• 08:17 — Defining Azzi’s signature style
• 08:50 — Creative vision for the SLAM shoot
• 11:36 — Crafting the hero look and Azzi’s reaction
• 14:40 — Subtle and intentional shoot details
• 16:33 — Nail art tribute to MOP winners
• 20:06 — Comparing this shoot to earlier SLAM cover
• 24:06 — Sydney’s journey from sports to styling
• 28:07 — Dream closets and style icons
• 29:40 — Difference between athlete and celebrity styling
• 32:13 — What makes a great style story for women athletes
• 33:14 — Advice for stylists and athletes
• 37:14 — “Fudd or Dud” trend game
• 48:06 — “What the Fud of the Week”: The SLAM cover leak

Tone and Dynamic

The episode feels like a laid-back, laughter-filled conversation among friends—honest, supportive, and occasionally self-deprecating. Sydney’s expertise shines through her measured, intentional approach, while Azzi’s curiosity and humility keep the discussion approachable. Ashanti acts as the lively bridge, pulling out insider moments and driving the games. The group’s respect for creative process, collaboration, and authenticity is evident throughout.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Great style stories are built on intention, comfort, and authenticity—especially for female athletes balancing visibility and self-expression.
• Building a team you trust is as crucial in fashion as in sport.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with your style, but honor your gut and your comfort zone.
• Details matter—even down to custom nail art or the way hair and makeup complement a story.
• Fashion in sports is entering a new era—where creativity, storytelling, and empowerment collide.

This summary captures the essence and flow of the episode, highlighting all major discussion points and the energy of Azzi, Sydney, and Ashanti. Listeners will walk away with a sense of what goes into creating an iconic cover shoot, and how style can empower women athletes to claim their spotlight in a way that feels authentically theirs.