Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: Untangling Fashion's Obsession with Smoking
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Host/Author: Shameless Media

1. Introduction and the Stylish Gift Guide

Timestamp: 00:15 - 04:03

The episode kicks off with hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe and Annika Joshi Smith welcoming back Rhiannon Joyce, Shameless Media's Head of Business Development. Rhiannon announces the launch of the Stylish Gift Guide, their fourth iteration aimed at supporting Australian and New Zealand brands. She emphasizes the guide’s accessibility, featuring items ranging from under $50 to just below $500, and includes exclusive discount codes.

Notable Quote:

Rhiannon Joyce (01:00): "We want to encourage people to shop local for the holiday season... We've tried to keep [the gift guide] accessible but also have that elevated premium option there if you're wanting something a bit bougie."

2. Handbag Lifesavers Segment

Timestamp: 04:03 - 08:00

The hosts transition to their favorite Handbag Lifesavers, sharing practical and quirky items they keep in their purses. Annika highlights essentials like Liquid IV for hydration, mini Vaseline lip balms, and Eclipse mints, while Madison discusses items such as Listerine patches, tampons, band-aids, and lip liners. Rhiannon adds her daily antihistamines and the importance of having practical items on hand.

Notable Quotes:

Annika Joshi Smith (05:00): "Liquid IV is honestly the best thing ever... it literally keeps me going."

Madison Sullivan Thorpe (07:45): "I have lip liners and lip glosses floating at the bottom. The best kind of nudes."

3. LVMH's Acquisition of Polene: Impact and Reactions

Timestamp: 08:00 - 16:13

Madison introduces the topic of LVMH’s acquisition of Polene, a French luxury leather goods brand known for its reasonably priced, high-quality handbags. The acquisition has sparked concerns about potential price hikes, as seen through TikTok videos showcasing lengthy lines outside Polene boutiques. Rhiannon discusses the typical annual price increases in the luxury sector and speculates on LVMH's strategy to support Polene's expansion into categories like jewelry and footwear.

Notable Quotes:

Madison Sullivan Thorpe (08:08): "Polene was established in 2016... it's a pretty reasonable price point."

Rhiannon Joyce (10:43): "I think it's strategic of them to build a community with a lower price point and then slowly over time increase it."

4. Victoria Beckham's Eponymous Label Finally Profitable

Timestamp: 16:13 - 25:58

The discussion shifts to Victoria Beckham's eponymous brand, which has turned a profit after 17 years, overcoming accumulated losses of £66 million. Victoria credits the introduction of her beauty line, particularly her 2023 perfume, as the turning point. The hosts praise her for resilience and strategic reinvestments, noting her savvy marketing and social media presence as key factors. They also mention her recent Netflix series as a significant PR boost, enhancing her brand’s visibility and relatability.

Notable Quotes:

Rhiannon Joyce (16:13): "Victoria told Harper's Bazaar... 'When I created the fragrance, that's when I believe that we turn from a brand into a house.'"

Madison Sullivan Thorpe (19:59): "I think she is a genius for the beauty line... introducing her leather goods... has been a runway to profitability."

Annika Joshi Smith (19:21): "I think as well, pre-Covid when business was booming... I honestly thought that the business would have been in a far more profitable position."

5. Mango and the Use of AI Avatars in Fashion

Timestamp: 26:00 - 31:54

Madison brings up Mango’s decision to replace human models with AI-generated avatars to accelerate advertising campaigns and stay competitive with brands like H&M and Zara. The hosts debate the implications of this move, expressing concerns about the loss of human connection and diversity. They highlight the tight profit margins of Polene and draw parallels with previous technological trends like NFTs, questioning the true innovation behind using AI in modeling.

Notable Quotes:

Madison Sullivan Thorpe (26:15): "We're seeing it from brands like Levi's, Louis Vuitton, Nike, who have all teamed up with AI modeling companies."

Rhiannon Joyce (27:33): "You're just trying to push more product out there, get it out there quicker, which just feeds this vicious cycle of trends and over consumption."

Annika Joshi Smith (28:56): "Fashion is a form of self-expression... What happens when you put artificial intelligence and avatars into these roles?"

6. Fashion's Enduring Obsession with Smoking

Timestamp: 31:54 - 40:21

The core topic, fashion's ongoing fascination with smoking, is explored through a feature by Hikmart Muhammad in WWD. The hosts discuss how smoking, particularly cigarettes, continues to symbolize glamour, edginess, and sophistication in the fashion industry despite health risks. They reference cultural icons like Kate Moss and contemporary trends where celebrities and brands incorporate smoking imagery in their aesthetics. The conversation touches on social media's role in glorifying smoking and its resurgence in modern fashion events and products.

Notable Quotes:

Rhiannon Joyce (33:04): "Smoking is the one vice that's outlived all the others... it hasn't ever really gone away."

Annika Joshi Smith (37:20): "We're seeing smoking paraphernalia across so many brands... it's totally having that cultural moment again."

Madison Sullivan Thorpe (39:27): "Having the conversations about celebrities smoking... it's making a comeback..."

7. Concluding Remarks

Timestamp: 40:21 - 41:19

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the highlights of their discussions and expressing excitement for future topics. They invite listeners to engage via email or social media, while also acknowledging their production team.

Additional Notes

• Notable Segments Skipped: The episode includes advertisements and promos for eBay and the Inherited podcast, which have been excluded from this summary as per instructions.

• Cultural References: The hosts draw connections between current trends and historical influences in the fashion industry, providing a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed.

This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "Untangling Fashion's Obsession with Smoking" episode of the Style-ish podcast, providing an informative overview for those who haven't listened.