The Glossy Podcast: Week in Review - January 24, 2025

Hosted by Dani Parisi and featuring international reporter Zofia Zvyglinska, this episode of The Glossy Podcast delves into the highlights of Men's Fashion Week in Paris and examines the early days of President Trump's second term, focusing on tariffs and their implications for the fashion and luxury industries.

1. Men's Fashion Week in Paris

A. Overview and Significance

Dani Parisi opens the discussion by expressing her enthusiasm for Men's Fashion Week, highlighting the ongoing menswear renaissance over the past decade. She remarks on the increased appreciation for menswear amidst the traditionally dominant women's fashion sector.

Notable Quote:

Dani Parisi [00:48]: "I've always enjoyed looking at Men's Fashion Week because I think men's stuff gets a little overshadowed at the more standard fashion weeks."

B. Highlight Shows and Collections

1. Jordan Luca Show

   • Description: Dani shares her excitement about the Jordan Luca show, where designers Jordan Bowen and Luca Marchetto uniquely integrated their wedding ceremony into the runway event.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [01:00]: "The designers... got married during their own Runway show, which I thought was extremely cute."

   • Zofia's Perspective: Zofia appreciates the playful and theatrical nature of the event, noting its departure from typical runway themes.

   • Notable Quote:

     Zofia Zvyglinska [03:01]: "It felt a little bit like fun and crazy and obviously, like, there was a bit of, like, an Italian edge to it as well."

2. Louis Vuitton x Pharrell and Nigo Collaboration

   • Description: Dani highlights the Louis Vuitton show co-directed by Pharrell Williams and Nigo, merging traditional European luxury with American street and skate culture. A standout was the ButterSoft sneaker available in 40 colors, reminiscent of early 2000s skate shoes.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [06:00]: "There were models with a big, classic Louis Vuitton looking overcoat, and then, like, these fat, like, skateboard sneakers kind of under it."

   • Zofia's Insights: She discusses the potential resurgence of chunky skate shoes and praises the integration of collector’s items and tributes, such as the Final Fantasy homage.

   • Notable Quote:

     Zofia Zvyglinska [08:40]: "There was little sections where you could see special LV designed collector's items, which I thought was really cool."

3. Other Notable Shows

   • Le Mer: Praised for its consistent fabrication quality and excellent styling.

   • Issey Miyake Men's: Noted for its Pleats collection featuring a trio of Japanese designers, bringing a fun and dynamic energy to the runway.

   • Walter Von Berendonk: Delivered a theatrical alien-themed show with imaginative designs, adding a whimsical flair to the week.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [05:35]: "It was kind of cartoony in a fun way. I mean, a little bit like a spirit Halloween fashion show."

C. Future Outlook

• Upcoming Shows: Zofia mentions looking forward to the Willy Trevorrow show scheduled for Sunday, anticipating discussions in upcoming episodes during New York Fashion Week.

• Notable Quote:

  Zofia Zvyglinska [12:11]: "I'm really looking to the Willy Trevorrow show, which is happening on Sunday."

2. The Second Trump Presidency and Its Impact on the Fashion Industry

A. Introduction to Political Developments

Dani shifts the conversation to the early days of President Trump's second term, emphasizing the rapid and significant policy changes that have already begun to affect various sectors, including fashion.

B. Tariffs and Trade Policies

1. Overview of Proposed Tariffs

   • Details: Discussions revolve around potential tariffs including a 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and up to 60% on imports from China. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs creates a volatile environment for fashion brands.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [13:00]: "There could be a 10% tariff on goods from China, although I've heard numbers all the way up to 60%."

2. Impact on Supply Chains

   • Zofia's Analysis: She explains how these tariffs could disrupt supply chains, especially for brands that have recently moved production closer to the U.S. due to COVID-19 disruptions.

   • Notable Quote:

     Zofia Zvyglinska [16:00]: "Most brands now have moved at least some of their production to places like Mexico. Having these tariffs in place would impact them in quite a significant way."

3. Economic Implications for Brands and Consumers

   • Higher Costs: Tariffs would likely increase the cost of imported goods, forcing brands to either absorb the costs or pass them onto consumers.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [20:00]: "Tariffs inarguably would raise prices on whatever it is because people will still be importing stuff and now their costs are higher."

   • Effect on Low-Cost vs. High-Cost Brands: Zofia suggests that smaller, low-cost brands would be more adversely affected due to their limited ability to shift supply chains quickly.

   • Notable Quote:

     Zofia Zvyglinska [22:27]: "Low cost or smaller companies would be the most affected just because like those companies where your supply chain is so much smaller that diverting it isn't something that you do regularly."

C. Other Executive Orders Affecting the Fashion Industry

1. LGBTQ Rights and Workplace Protections

   • Impact: The administration's crackdown on LGBTQ rights poses risks to the inclusive fabric of the fashion industry, potentially affecting the quality of life for queer professionals.

   • Notable Quote:

     Dani Parisi [25:00]: "A severe crackdown on LGBTQ rights... would have an immediate effect on the quality of life of the many queer people who work in the fashion industry."

2. Environmental Policies and Sustainability

   • Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: This move undermines global sustainability efforts, influencing the sustainable fashion sector adversely.

   • Reduction of Sustainability Initiatives: The administration's actions may lead brands to deprioritize sustainability to align with new policies.

   • Notable Quote:

     Zofia Zvyglinska [26:33]: "We've seen a number of US Brands kind of pull out of sustainability programs as well."

D. Potential Corporate and Industry Responses

• Pushback from Corporations: Dani speculates that there might be resistance from big corporations and cabinet members regarding the implementation of severe tariffs.

• Notable Quote:

  Dani Parisi [24:38]: "I can see that happening, especially if the big corporations that Trump has filled his cabinet with... have any sort of reservations about it."

• Shift in Business Strategies: Brands may focus more on their international operations, particularly in regions like the EU, to maintain sustainability and inclusive practices despite domestic policy shifts.

• Notable Quote:

  Zofia Zvyglinska [26:33]: "I'm kind of hoping... that most companies will still think about the measures that are being put in place in the EU and kind of focus on their sustainability mandates there as something that applies to their global business."

3. Concluding Insights

Dani and Zofia wrap up the episode by reflecting on the challenges faced by the fashion industry amidst rapid political changes. They express cautious optimism, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of fashion brands in navigating these turbulent times.

Notable Quote:

Zofia Zvyglinska [27:49]: "I'm kind of hoping on the whole global is local side of things that most companies will still think about the measures that are being put in place in the EU and kind of focus on their sustainability mandates there as something that applies to their global business."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Glossy Podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the fashion industry, highlighting the innovative trends from Men's Fashion Week and the looming economic and social challenges posed by the new Trump administration. Dani Parisi and Zofia Zvyglinska provide valuable insights into how these dynamics interplay, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the industry's trajectory.

For those interested in staying updated on the intersection of technology, fashion, and luxury, subscribe to The Glossy Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Don't forget to leave a rating and review to support the show!