The Glossy Podcast: NYFW Returns, a UN Climate Ruling, Money Laundering in Luxury—and a Chat with a Luxury Sales Vet
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Glossy Podcast, host and senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi, alongside international reporter Zofia Zvaglinska, delves into significant developments shaping the fashion and luxury industries. The discussion navigates through the evolving landscape of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), a groundbreaking UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on climate change, a high-profile money laundering case involving Louis Vuitton in the Netherlands, and an insightful interview with Patience Anway Lampd Battle, a seasoned luxury sales associate.

1. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Evolves
Timestamp: [00:57] - [08:53]

Danny Parisi opens the discussion by highlighting the recent updates to the NYFW schedule, emphasizing notable structural changes aimed at revitalizing the event. Zofia Zvaglinska brings attention to the return of Alexander Wang to NYFW after a hiatus since 2018, marking a significant comeback for the designer.

Notable Brands and Absences:
Zofia points out the inclusion of international newcomers such as Off-White COS and Tottenham, while also noting the absence of long-standing participants like Carolina Herrera, who is showcasing in Madrid this season. She remarks, “Carolina Herrera’s absence is a big departure, obviously, for her, because she's been showing at NYFW for a long time” ([03:11]).

Venue Collective Initiative:
The conversation shifts to the collaboration between NYFW and the KFN organization, which introduces the Venue Collective. This initiative centralizes show locations within Manhattan below 34th Street into three categories: Runway, Multi-Designer Venues, and Showrooms. Danny shares insights from industry insiders who have found the previous diffusion of events across the city challenging for both attendees and journalists. He states, “It absolutely made my job harder” ([04:30]).

Zofia compares this move to London Fashion Week's centralized model, questioning its impact on brands that traditionally select unique venues aligned with their themes. She suggests that while smaller and younger brands will benefit from shared resources, established brands might continue to seek distinctive locations. Danny concurs, highlighting the financial benefits and the critical mass brought by over 30 major brands joining the Venue Collective ([08:53]).

2. UN International Court of Justice's Climate Ruling
Timestamp: [09:20] - [15:33]

The podcast transitions to an impactful ruling by the UN's ICJ, where all 15 judges unanimously decide that wealthy nations must adhere to their environmental commitments or face liability for the repercussions of climate change on vulnerable nations. Zofia underscores the ruling's significance by explaining, “They’ve said that climate change is an urgent and existential threat” ([10:29]).

Implications for Global Responsibility:
Zofia elaborates on how the ruling addresses the disproportionate burden placed on the Global South, particularly island nations like Vanuatu, which are already experiencing the dire effects of rising sea levels. She connects this legal precedent to broader issues in the fashion industry, such as the environmental impact of fast fashion and shifting manufacturing responsibilities. Danny adds a layer of optimism, interpreting the ruling as a foundational step toward holding major polluters accountable, despite setbacks like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) retracting crucial climate policies. He remarks, “This ruling just shows that there’s still going to be more to come” ([12:26]).

Zofia anticipates a surge in climate-related lawsuits against major polluters, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and shared planetary responsibility. She remains cautiously hopeful about the enforcement of these legal measures, despite concerns over major emitters’ commitments ([15:33]).

3. Louis Vuitton and Money Laundering in the Netherlands
Timestamp: [15:33] - [19:59]

Danny shifts to a more sensational topic involving Louis Vuitton, discussing a case where the brand was inadvertently involved in a money laundering scheme in the Netherlands. Over 18 months, a woman spent millions of euros on Louis Vuitton bags, which prosecutors allege were funded by illicit activities. Although Louis Vuitton is not accused of wrongdoing, authorities are scrutinizing whether the retailer failed to report transactions just below the €10,000 threshold, raising concerns about financial oversight within the luxury sector.

Complexities of Financial Crime in Luxury Retail:
Zofia provides context by introducing the concept of "daigo" shoppers—personal shoppers, often from China, who purchase luxury items on behalf of clients, making financial tracking challenging for brands. She explains, “From a brand perspective, you don’t really know who’s shopping in your store as a result” ([17:18]).

Danny cites insights from Ravi Da Silva of De Risk Partners, who underscores that the high prices and global supply chains inherent in luxury goods make them prime targets for financial crimes. This intricate web of international transactions and varying jurisdictional regulations complicates efforts to detect and prevent such activities. The discussion hints at potential repercussions for Louis Vuitton concerning compliance and data management, especially with upcoming earnings reports possibly reflecting the brand's broader challenges ([19:59]).

4. Store Associates Strategies: An Interview with Patience Anway Lampd Battle
Timestamp: [23:42] - [56:15]

The latter part of the episode features an in-depth interview conducted by Jo Manoff with Patience Anway Lampd Battle, an experienced store associate specializing in fragrance. This segment is part of The Glossy Podcast’s series focused on store associates and their evolving roles within luxury retail.

Career Trajectory and Passion for Fragrance:
Patience shares her 15-year journey in retail sales, transitioning from ready-to-wear and shoes to the nuanced world of niche luxury fragrances. She emphasizes the importance of networking, stating, “Getting yourself into spaces, getting to know people, going to events, that is. It matters” ([25:05]).

The Role of Personal Shoppers and Financial Dynamics:
Patience discusses the rise of personal shoppers (daigo) and their impact on luxury retail. These shoppers often handle significant financial transactions on behalf of clients, complicating brands' ability to monitor and prevent financial crimes. She explains, “From a store perspective, you don’t really know who’s shopping in your store” ([17:18]).

Compensation Structures and Career Sustainability:
A significant portion of the interview delves into the compensation structures for store associates, highlighting the balance between hourly wages and commission-based earnings. Patience elaborates on how commissions can substantially elevate an associate’s income, especially when selling high-ticket items. She notes, “If you’re $26 an hour, but then you’re 6, 7% commission and the items you’re selling are in the high hundreds to thousands, then you can figure how much you’re used to selling per month” ([50:21]).

Challenges with Gen Z and Workforce Dynamics:
Patience offers insights into generational shifts within retail, particularly the influx of Gen Z workers who exhibit high turnover rates and distinct expectations. She remarks on the necessity for flexibility and appealing benefits to retain younger employees: “If you’re not commission, we need great salaries” ([45:34]).

Enhancing Customer Experience and Sales Strategies:
The conversation touches on innovative strategies to attract and retain customers, such as integrating hospitality elements into retail spaces. Patience emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences to drive sales, stating, “Anything that you can do to bring a customer into the store is the thing to do now because it’s not just about product anymore” ([41:10]).

Training and Professional Development:
Patience underscores the critical role of continuous training and education in maintaining excellence in customer service. She highlights how brands invest in comprehensive training programs, including sessions with brand executives and perfumers, to ensure associates are well-versed in their offerings: “Education is very important and it’s not stopping” ([38:18]).

Conclusion of the Interview:
The interview wraps up on a high note, with Patience enthusiastically sharing her favorite fragrances and the personal connections that enhance her ability to engage customers. Her passion for the craft and dedication to building lasting client relationships exemplify the evolving role of store associates in the luxury sector.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Glossy Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersections between fashion, technology, environmental responsibility, and financial integrity within the luxury industry. From structural innovations at NYFW to pivotal environmental rulings and the intricate challenges of combating financial crimes in luxury retail, the discussions provide valuable insights for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The engaging interview with Patience Anway Lampd Battle further humanizes the narrative, shedding light on the vital role of store associates in shaping customer experiences and maintaining brand excellence.

For more in-depth stories and strategies on store associates, visit the Glossy website and explore the Store Associates Strategies series.