Podcast Summary: "Back to School with Kate Bartlett: Why She’s Getting a Fashion MBA"

Podcast: Let's Get Dressed
Host: Liv Perez
Guest: Kate Bartlett
Date: October 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Liv Perez sits down with renowned fashion creator Kate Bartlett, who is currently pursuing a luxury and retail MBA at NYU Stern. The conversation centers around Kate’s decision to return to higher education after establishing a successful influencer career, her experience in a specialized MBA program, the realities of balancing school and work, and how the classroom is shaping her future in fashion. The episode offers a candid look at education, content creation, career reinvention, and the evolving landscape of the influencer industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kate's Fashion Journey & Virality

• Liv recalls discovering Kate through a viral backpack-packing video and reminisces on their first meeting at the Golden Heart Awards.
  • “You were, like, fit. And I was like, who is this cute, amazing woman… I loved it. It was very inspiring.” — Liv (03:53)

2. The Decision to Pursue an MBA

• Kate always had NYU in mind, but attended FIT for undergrad due to financial constraints. After several years as a full-time creator, she craved professional growth and new challenges.
• Influencer Mare (@Data But Make It Fashion) encouraged Kate to consider graduate school.
  • “I started studying for the GMAT that night… it was immediately like, I know that this is the right move for me.” — Kate (09:46)

3. The NYU Luxury & Retail MBA Program

• The program is small (25 students), mostly women, and highly specialized and intensive with a one-year timeline.
• Real-world experience is prioritized with projects for brands like Ferragamo and planned trips to Florence.
  • “Every single consulting project that we do, we work directly with the brand.” — Kate (27:19)
• Coursework includes statistics, retail strategy, AI, and operations; some classes are challenging (‘the AI is all math. It’s not for me.’ — Kate (27:44))

4. Application Process & Advice (GMAT Prep)

• Kate used the Target Test Prep platform and studied extensively, even while traveling.
  • "I would be studying on a plane with my whiteboard and doing my math problems in the airport.” — Kate (11:00)
• She found the structure of exam prep oddly satisfying compared to the unpredictability of content creation.

5. Balancing Content Creation with Graduate School

• Summer was “intense,” with 9–5 classes and content work after hours.
• The busier schedule has led to greater creativity and productivity.
  • “I have better ideas when I’m busy… I have much more to talk about now.” — Kate (18:01)

6. Community, Structure, and Solitude

• Both Liv and Kate reflect on the sometimes isolating reality of content creation.
  • “Being an influencer is like being by yourself on an island… you’re throwing pasta on the wall and seeing what sticks.” — Liv (16:41)
• School provides routine and community, elements often missing in solo creative work.

7. Finding Personal Style

• Style clarity developed over years of “trial and error.” Kate and Liv agree that experience and time are critical.
• Kate uses an “outfit bank” on her camera roll to keep track of styled outfits for future reference.
  • "I'll spend an afternoon or an evening putting outfits together...and so when I'm packing for a trip or just getting ready very quickly, I'll go to my outfit bank." — Kate (21:04)

8. The State and Evolution of Influencing

• Influencing is here to stay but is rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive.
• Kate is fascinated by the gendered divide in live-streaming popularity and by the rise of creators who share about full-time careers outside of social media.
  • “You have to reinvent yourself over and over and over again.” — Kate (14:19)
• Niche content and consistency help with engagement and algorithm favorability.

9. Retail Experiences & Shopping Habits

• Memorable retail experiences, like visiting the American Girl Doll Store, shape early consumer perceptions of service and brand magic.
  • “For probably 70% of the women in the class, the most memorable retail experience they had was going to the American Girl Doll store.” — Kate (31:56)
• Both Kate and Liv prefer secondhand shopping, mainly through The RealReal, praising its quality and uniqueness over fast fashion.

10. Lessons from Business School & Career Aspirations

• Learning new aspects of the business (e.g., operations) helps clarify what she enjoys and what to avoid.
• Kate envisions possibly working in-house for a brand or platform, drawn to the strategic side of the industry.
  • "Whenever I was in these situations, I was always so much more fascinated with talking to the people who work for the brand…" — Kate (30:46)

11. Advice for Others Considering Fashion Education

• “There’s never going to…your money is never going to be wasted by educating yourself more and your time is never going to be wasted…Being educated is sexy and it is hot.” — Kate (35:33)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On being a fan of the show:
  • “I’m a Let’s Get Dressed super fan, and I listen every week.” — Kate (02:48)
• On motivation for school:
  • “I want to be the best suited for those positions when they arise one day, if they do.” — Kate (12:45)
• On working and learning:
  • “It’s been difficult but fun. And I have liked having this added structure in my life.” — Kate (15:38)
• On personal style:
  • “Time is your best friend when it comes to fashion.” — Liv (20:22)
• On the importance of community:
  • “It’s so hard to gain a good reputation, but it’s very easy and very quick to get a bad reputation.” — Kate (30:20)
• Host’s affirmation:
  • “I think it’s going to dramatically alter and define your career. And I’m excited to see you running one of the biggest luxury brands in a few decades from now.” — Liv (36:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:45] Kate’s background, the early viral moment, and NYU experience
• [06:06] Details on the NYU luxury and retail program
• [09:42] The catalyst and decision process for applying
• [11:00] GMAT study method & influencer work-life insight
• [14:19] Reinvention and sharing her school journey with followers
• [15:38] Balancing school, content, and time management
• [18:52] Developing a personal style and the outfit “bank” system
• [22:44] State of influencing and content strategy
• [26:36] Course breakdown and immersive brand experience projects
• [28:29] Tech in fashion: AI and its place in the curriculum
• [31:56] Impactful retail experiences and nostalgia
• [34:42] Secondhand shopping and The RealReal
• [35:33] Final advice for pursuing fashion education

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is warm, encouraging, and packed with practical advice for aspiring fashion professionals and creators. Both Liv and Kate speak openly about the challenges and evolution of their industry, championing reinvention, ongoing education, and building a supportive community. The conversation is both aspirational and pragmatic—perfect for those considering a leap into fashion, business school, or content creation.

End of Summary.