Podcast Summary: Style-ish Episode - "What The Devil Wears Prada Got Wrong About Fashion Girls"

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Madison Sullivan Thorpe
Co-hosts: Anika Joshi Smith & Joanna Fleming
Description: Style-ish dives deep into the worlds of fashion, branding, business, and beauty, unraveling industry trends and providing insightful commentary.

1. L'Oréal's Strategic Investment in Uni

[00:07:00]

The episode opens with a significant revelation in the body care industry: L'Oréal's recent investment in Uni, an up-and-coming Australian body care brand. Madison Sullivan Thorpe highlights the strategic move by L'Oréal to bolster its presence in the burgeoning body care market.

Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
"Uni is an Australian body care brand... L'Oréal have invested to enable her to launch into all Ulta stores in the US." [00:01:07]

This investment not only propels Uni into over 800 Ulta stores across the United States but also signifies L'Oréal's unwavering commitment to expanding its portfolio in the body care sector. The discussion further delves into how this move positions L'Oréal against other prominent brands like Sol de Janeiro and Road Stone, emphasizing the competitive dynamics within the industry.

Joanna Fleming:
"That is amazing." [00:01:40]

Madison notes L'Oréal's continued investments, mentioning their acquisition of Aesop and the support of brands like Road and Medicaid, underscoring their aggressive expansion strategy.

2. The Reemergence of Estee Laundrie: A Beauty Industry Watchdog

[00:11:00]

A pivotal segment of the episode covers the return of Estee Laundrie, an anonymous Instagram beauty critic account that has recently resurfaced after a two-year hiatus.

Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
"Estee Laundrie relies entirely on anonymous tips... it's been big news because this is an Instagram account." [00:11:00]

The hosts discuss Estee Laundrie's role in critiquing beauty brands and executives, highlighting its impact on corporate culture within the beauty industry. Joanna Fleming draws parallels to "Gossip Girl," noting the account's reliance on insider tips and its evolution from brand call-outs to more substantive commentary.

Anika Joshi Smith:
"It's kind of like Gossip Girl, isn't it? Like mysterious, like tips that come through?" [00:12:26]

However, the credibility of Estee Laundrie is questioned due to its anonymous sourcing, leading to debates on the reliability and potential biases of such platforms.

Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
"As long as something is built on the foundation of anonymity, that it is hard to ever know the credibility of the sources." [00:16:21]

The discussion concludes with reflections on the balance between transparency and credibility, emphasizing the need for verifiable sources to uphold journalistic integrity.

3. Princess Polly’s B Corp Certification Under Scrutiny

[00:22:22]

The conversation shifts to a controversial development: Australian fast fashion giant Princess Polly attaining B Corp certification.

Anika Joshi Smith:
"What The Devil Wears Prada got wrong about fashion girls... Princess Polly received a B Corp certification." [00:22:22]

B Corp certification is intended for companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. However, experts like Dr. Harriet Richards from RMIT University express skepticism about Princess Polly's legitimacy in achieving this certification.

Dr. Harriet Richards:
"Princess Polly's B Corp certification is disappointing because it undermines the value and credibility of the accreditation." [00:24:40]

Critics argue that despite some sustainable initiatives, Princess Polly's business model—characterized by overproduction and rapid consumption—fundamentally contradicts the principles of sustainability. The hosts debate the implications of such certifications potentially acting as greenwashing tools, misleading consumers about the true environmental impact of their purchases.

Joanna Fleming:
"I just feel like this is kind of greenwashing in its prime." [00:27:53]

The segment highlights the complexities of sustainability in fast fashion, urging listeners to critically assess certifications and the actual practices of brands.

4. Reality vs. Fiction: How Fashion Professionals Really Dress

[00:31:02]

A significant portion of the episode examines the disparity between the glamorous portrayal of fashion professionals in media—particularly in "The Devil Wears Prada"—and the practical reality of their daily attire.

Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
"The Devil Wears Prada... film just does not accurately depict the average person working in the fashion industry." [00:33:09]

Referencing a Teen Vogue article by Ayanna Ishmael, the hosts discuss how actual fashion industry professionals prioritize comfort, practicality, and personal style over high-fashion statements. The article underscores that many in the industry adopt a uniform of simple, comfortable clothing, debunking the myth of constant glitz and high heels.

Ayanna Ishmael (Teen Vogue Article):
"In reality... fashion creatives develop an everyday uniform of sorts." [00:34:00]

Joanna Fleming shares her personal journey in the industry, recounting how initial misconceptions of unwavering glamour were replaced by the realities of minimum wages and practical dressing.

Joanna Fleming:
"Fashion people are normal people... practicality, dressing for comfort, dressing for ease is something that we really cherish." [00:37:46]

The hosts emphasize the financial constraints and professional demands that influence how fashion workers dress, challenging the stereotypes perpetuated by popular media.

5. Opinions, Please: Shoe Recommendations for a European Trip

[00:43:42]

In the "Opinions, Please" segment, the hosts address a listener's dilemma about selecting the perfect pair of shoes for a four-week European trip. Naomi seeks advice on balancing comfort with style while limiting her selection to three or four pairs.

Anika Joshi Smith:
"What types of shoes would you recommend I bring?" [00:44:28]

Joanna Fleming recommends a versatile selection, including:

• Sneakers: Essential for daily walking and comfort.

  Joanna Fleming:
  "Always a sneaker, like a sneaker is just an absolute must for me." [00:45:02]

• Flip Flops: For casual wear and easy comfort.

  Joanna Fleming:
  "They're a bit of a lazy choice but super comfortable." [00:46:28]

• Wedges or Flats: For evening outings, balancing style with comfort.

  Joanna Fleming:
  "I would do a wedge or a flat form." [00:46:50]

Anika adds specific brand recommendations, enhancing the practicality of the advice.

Anika Joshi Smith:
"I have the On Running Roger Advantage sneakers... they're unisex and great for walking." [00:47:50]

Madison shares her personal experiences with different shoes, emphasizing the importance of grip and comfort, especially on cobblestone streets.

Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
"You've got to make sure you check the base of that shoe because if it's got no grip to it, you're gonna slip." [00:50:39]

The segment concludes with light-hearted banter, reflecting the hosts' camaraderie and genuine intention to assist listeners.

Notable Quotes

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
  "L'Oréal clearly are investing heavily in body care." [00:02:40]

• Anika Joshi Smith:
  "I do feel that a business deserves the right to answer to what is being said about them." [00:16:21]

• Joanna Fleming:
  "Fashion people are normal people... it's just not the reality." [00:37:46]

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe:
  "I am deeply flawed." [00:03:43]

Insights and Conclusions

• Industry Dynamics: L'Oréal's investment in Uni exemplifies the consolidation and strategic expansion in the body care sector, highlighting emerging trends and competitive pressures.

• Transparency and Credibility: The reactivation of Estee Laundrie raises important questions about anonymous critiques in the beauty industry, emphasizing the need for transparent and verifiable sources to maintain credibility.

• Sustainability vs. Business Models: Princess Polly's B Corp certification sparks a critical discussion on the authenticity of sustainability claims within fast fashion, cautioning against greenwashing and urging consumers to scrutinize certifications.

• Reality vs. Media Portrayal: The fashion industry's actual working environment and attire starkly contrast with fictional depictions, revealing practical challenges and demystifying the allure often associated with fashion careers.

• Practical Fashion Advice: The "Opinions, Please" segment provides actionable advice for consumers, bridging the gap between fashion aspirations and practical travel needs.

This episode of Style-ish presents a multifaceted exploration of the fashion and beauty industries, blending industry news with critical analysis and practical advice. Through thoughtful discussions and insightful commentary, the hosts encourage listeners to navigate the complexities of fashion authenticity, sustainability, and personal style with informed perspectives.