Inside the Creation of Simkhai’s Upcoming F/W 25 Collection With Jonathan Simkhai

Summary

The Who What Wear Podcast: Inside the Creation of Simkhai’s Upcoming F/W 25 Collection With Jonathan Simkhai

Release Date: February 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, Kristen Nichols engages in an insightful conversation with Jonathan Simkhai, the founder and creative director of Simkhai. With New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 show just two days away, they delve into Jonathan's journey in the fashion industry, the inspiration behind his upcoming collection, and his perspectives on the evolving fashion landscape.

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Jonathan Simkhai's Fashion Journey and Origin Story

Jonathan begins by recounting his early experiences in fashion, starting at the age of 12 working in a sweater knitwear outlet store. He shares how his fascination with fashion led him to assist his neighbor in opening factory outlets and later working in a boutique during his teenage years. These formative experiences ignited his passion for styling and customer interaction.

Jonathan Simkhai [02:44]: "Seeing how people would get so excited when they found something they loved was always such a fun interaction."

Entry into Design and Founding Simkhai

Transitioning from retail to the manufacturing side of fashion, Jonathan worked with his family's apparel manufacturing company. This role provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the business operations behind fashion, from accounts and shipping to trade shows and factory visits. Driven by his creative instincts, Jonathan began designing pieces for the family business and eventually decided to launch his own brand in 2010.

Jonathan Simkhai [05:28]: "I just had an itch to create more pieces, and I decided to start my own brand."

Rebranding to Simkhai

After 13 years, Jonathan rebranded from Jonathan Simkhai to Simkhai to emphasize the collective effort of his family and team behind the brand. The rebranding also aimed to streamline the name for easier global recognition.

Jonathan Simkhai [06:36]: "I really wanted to take the emphasis off of myself and make it all about the Simkhai family."

Preparing for New York Fashion Week F/W 25

With the Fall/Winter 2025 collection unveiled soon, Jonathan discusses the intensive preparation process. From ideation to final execution, the past few months have been dedicated to refining concepts, experimenting with fabrics from Italy, and ensuring every detail aligns with the brand’s vision.

Jonathan Simkhai [08:04]: "The four months leading up to the show are about exploring all the different variations of our ideas and narrowing them down to ensure we bring something truly special to the runway."

Evolving Strategies: Fashion Shows vs. Presentations

Jonathan reflects on his experiences with different formats during New York Fashion Week. Initially hesitant about traditional runway shows, he experimented with presentations and found success in both formats. The flexibility to choose the presentation style based on the collection's needs has become a liberating aspect of his creative process.

Jonathan Simkhai [11:47]: "It's really liberating to just do what feels like you want to do it versus feeling like you have to do it."

Inspirations Behind the Upcoming Collection

Drawing inspiration from memories and moments of connection, Jonathan emphasizes creating a collection that evokes energy and brings people together. His recent experience at the Rose Bowl, observing the stories behind second-hand garments, influenced his approach to designing pieces with a sense of history and emotion.

Jonathan Simkhai [14:26]: "I love the idea of clothes carrying feeling and carrying energy."

Highlights of the New Collection

Jonathan is particularly excited about the knitwear featured in the upcoming collection. He highlights the variety of textures and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in each piece, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and functional wearability.

Jonathan Simkhai [15:44]: "I'm really excited about the knitwear. There's some really beautiful development knit, both fine gauge and loftier options."

Favorite Designers to Watch This Season

Jonathan expresses his admiration for Mathieu at Chanel, appreciating his innovative use of fabrics and construction techniques. He looks forward to witnessing how Mathieu’s vision will reinterpret the iconic Chanel brand.

Jonathan Simkhai [16:22]: "I love what Mathieu did at Bottega, and I'm excited to see how that translates to Chanel."

Designing for Wearability and Customer Insights

Reflecting on his retail background, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of designing clothes that are both beautiful and wearable. Interaction with customers has honed his ability to create garments that cater to diverse preferences and body types, ensuring each piece resonates with the wearer.

Jonathan Simkhai [17:18]: "Thinking about their life, where they're going, what they're doing, where they're traveling to—it's really important."

Collaborations with Celebrities and Custom Designs

Jonathan shares his approach to designing custom pieces for high-profile events and celebrities. Collaboration and understanding the client's vision are paramount, allowing him to create unique and meaningful designs that align with the individual's persona and objectives.

Jonathan Simkhai [20:04]: "It's a conversation, it's about dialogue, and I try to be as collaborative as possible."

Final Thoughts and Expectations Before the Show

As the final preparations for the show commence, Jonathan describes the emotional and energetic atmosphere in the studio. The collective dedication and commitment of the team are palpable as they work tirelessly to bring the collection to life.

Jonathan Simkhai [22:17]: "Seeing everyone push through discomfort because they're all there for the same reason—it's really rewarding."

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Conclusion

Jonathan Simkhai’s journey from a young retail assistant to a renowned fashion designer embodies passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful fashion. His upcoming Fall/Winter 2025 collection promises to be a testament to his vision of blending emotion with craftsmanship, setting new trends in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Simkhai [02:44]: "Seeing how people would get so excited when they found something they loved was always such a fun interaction."
• Jonathan Simkhai [05:28]: "I just had an itch to create more pieces, and I decided to start my own brand."
• Jonathan Simkhai [06:36]: "I really wanted to take the emphasis off of myself and make it all about the Simkhai family."
• Jonathan Simkhai [08:04]: "The four months leading up to the show are about exploring all the different variations of our ideas and narrowing them down to ensure we bring something truly special to the runway."
• Jonathan Simkhai [11:47]: "It's really liberating to just do what feels like you want to do it versus feeling like you have to do it."
• Jonathan Simkhai [14:26]: "I love the idea of clothes carrying feeling and carrying energy."
• Jonathan Simkhai [15:44]: "I'm really excited about the knitwear. There's some really beautiful development knit, both fine gauge and loftier options."
• Jonathan Simkhai [16:22]: "I love what Mathieu did at Bottega, and I'm excited to see how that translates to Chanel."
• Jonathan Simkhai [17:18]: "Thinking about their life, where they're going, what they're doing, where they're traveling to—it's really important."
• Jonathan Simkhai [20:04]: "It's a conversation, it's about dialogue, and I try to be as collaborative as possible."
• Jonathan Simkhai [22:17]: "Seeing everyone push through discomfort because they're all there for the same reason—it's really rewarding."

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This comprehensive summary provides an in-depth look into Jonathan Simkhai's creative process, his brand's evolution, and his approach to fashion design, offering valuable insights for both fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Transcript

[Hilary Kerr]

Thank you to ebay for sponsoring this episode. This is what you do. When you have high standards and fancy all the fancy things like an iconic Dior saddle bag or that diamond tennis bracelet, you go to ebay. There you'll find new loves that will never disappoint. Expertly authenticated and everything. Whether it's that vintage pearl necklace or brand new ruby earrings, a Prada crossbody bag to be besties with your other handb. Even an eternally classic watch like that Rolex oyster or that Cartier tank. You know the one. And when you find it, ebay has their expert's eyes to make sure you're getting the real deal. That way you can be confident that the designer finds you came for the luxury wardrobe that you've always wanted. It's all real. In fact, it's verified authentic. So bring your high standards and never limit what you can find. Yeah, eBay. The place for new, pre loved vintage and rare fashion. Ebay, things people love. Welcome to the who, what where? Podcast, your direct line to the designers, stylists, beauty experts, editors and tastemakers who are shaping the ever evolving world of fashion. I'm who what Wears? Co founder and chief content officer Hilary Kerr. And today, our associate director of special projects Kristen Nichols is chatting with the founder and creative director of Simkai, Jonathan Simkai. At the time of recording, Jonathan was just two weeks out from his fall winter 2025 show at New York Fashion Week. And today, we're just two days away. Kristen talks to Jonathan about how he got his start in fashion, the inspiration behind his upcoming collection, and the other designers he's most excited to see during fashion Month. It's all coming up on who, what where?

[Kristen Nichols]

Jonathan, thank you so, so much for joining me on the pod. I know it's such a busy time.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Thank you so much for having me on here. I appreciate it.

[Kristen Nichols]

Yeah. So excited to chat. You have such a fascinating fashion origin story, so I'd love if you could dive into some of your earliest fashion memories. And then how did you start working in the industry as a teenager?

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yes. So I actually started working in a sweater knitwear outlet store when I was 12 years old. It wasn't like a real job, but one of my neighbors had a sweater factory not too far from the house I grew up in. And yeah, I was just so intrigued and always so fascinated by fashion. Loved it so much. And I just asked him a bunch of questions and one day he was like, hey, do you want to come with me on a Sunday? And we turned one of the rooms in the factory to an outlet. So he offered to bring me with him. And I just loved people coming in and opening boxes and showing them different things and picking things out for them. And it was just always such a fun interaction and seeing how people would get so excited when they found something they loved. And from there I went on to working in a boutique. I was probably like 14 or 15 at the time. And I started working as a stock associate, responsible for go backs and putting things back after we all tried them on and replenishing the floor as sizes were sold through. And one day I was walking around filling something in and a client came up to me was like, hey, do you have this in my size? I'm looking for this and that. And I just got so excited because someone wanted me to help them find what they were looking for. And I ended up having a really great connection with that customer and built a relationship with them. And that's kind of how I started styling and working with people. And through the years I continued working at that store and I went on to having a nice client list, but also working on the buying side, visual merchandising. And yeah, that was really my first introduction to fashion.

[Kristen Nichols]

Amazing. And where was home for you that you got started doing that?

[Jonathan Simkai]

I grew up in Westchester, so right.

[Kristen Nichols]

Outside Manhattan, so right near New York. Strong connection to fashion. Okay, so tell me about your entry into design, because I believe the first pieces you created were actually for your family's business.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yes. So I started, you know, after working in the retail store in Westchester. My dad and my uncle started an apparel manufacturing company. And my dad and my uncle said, hey, I know that even working in fashion, you should come and help us and work with us just to get more experience on the manufacturing side. And I was there for two years. I really started doing more backend stuff. Accounts receivable, shipping. I would go to like trade shows and sell the collection. I went overseas to do factory visits. So I got a really like 360 kind of crash course on the backend operations. And obviously being a creative person and really like loving product, I wanted to get closer and closer to design and to making the clothes. So I started making a few pieces for them. And I just had an itch to create more pieces. And I just one day kind of decided that I was going to start my own brand. I never really thought that it was going to turn into what Simcha is today. And I just had an itch to create.

[Kristen Nichols]

And yeah, that's so interesting, especially because a Lot of creative directors and designers don't necessarily have that 360 view or the business side of things. And that is so important to making a business thrive.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yeah, I think especially when you're starting from the ground up, you need to really be able to do everything because, you know, at the beginning you can't afford to hire a huge team to help you get things done and to own different components of what it takes to run a fashion brand. So it's important at any size business for the founder to have knowledge on all the workings of the business and what it takes to bring a product to market and then from market to a store.

[Kristen Nichols]

And of course, you ultimately launched your namesake brand in 2010 and you've grown so immensely since then. You won the CFDA Vogue fashion fund in 2015 and then opened your retail store in LA in 2018, which I have visited. And it's beautiful.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Thank you.

[Kristen Nichols]

And then launched menswear in 2023. And you also rebranded from Jonathan Simchai to Simcha. So tell me about your decision to rebrand after 13 years.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yes. So when I started the brand, it was really just me and a few part time people that would give me a few hours a week, leave their full time jobs and help me at the beginning. So it was really just me and a little bit of help here and there. But as the business grew and as the brand grew, it was no longer just about me, it was about the family and everyone that came together to make this vision come to life and bring this product to our customer. So I really wanted to take the emphasis off of myself and make it all about the Simchai family. And the team is so dedicated and so hardworking and really shares the passion that I have to create. And as we continue to grow, stepping into, you know, more international regions and other languages, wanted to consolidate the brand name so that it was easier to articulate and easier to say. And it's still not the easiest to say, but keeping it short definitely helps.

[Kristen Nichols]

Well, I think it's very distinct, so I think that makes it stand out in the fashion space, either domestically or globally. And I know since we're recording this just ahead of New York Fashion Week, I would love to give our listeners a peek inside what the weeks leading up to the big show are. And right now we're just about two weeks out, so I'd love to hear about your priorities at the moment, what your days look like sitting across from you here. It looks like you're in your studio with lots of photos and product Design behind you. So I'd love to hear a little bit more about that.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yes. So we started designing the collection, I would say, probably, like, four or five months ago. And it always starts with an idea, but then the ideas kind of expand and expand and expand, and the possibilities are obviously endless. But the four months leading up to the show, it's really about kind of like going out and exploring all the different variations of our ideas and our concepts. And then as we get closer and closer, we kind of have to start narrowing it down, and you go out to go back in again. For me, it's really important that when the show's over, when we launch the collection, that we're not like, oh, we should have tried this with that, or we should have tried this dress as, like, a longer variation or maybe draped it this way. So really just making sure that we've explored all of our possibilities within the collection and minimize any, like, post show regrets or post show, like, I wish I would have, but, yeah, now in these last two weeks, it's really about narrowing it down, you know, trying different fabrications on together. Pieces are coming to life. The fabrics have arrived. We have some really beautiful fabrics this season that came from Italy that we just received yesterday. So those we were just really happy unrolling these beautiful rolls of fabric from Como and just starting to, like, stitch them up and seeing how they come together, doing a lot of different fabric trials to make sure we really love the construction, seeing if there's any ways to, like, better execute the finishes. And then, you know, a few little wild card moments where we'll see a few things and we'll be like, oh, wow, maybe we can push this a little bit further. And there's those beautiful moments where accidents happen, where, like, yesterday we had one dress on a mannequin, and we wanted to look at a top, and instead of taking the dress off, we were just, like, looking at the top over the dress, and we're like, wait, that's the dress. I love that, you know, little things like that where, like, mistakes happen and you layer pieces and something really beautiful comes. So I always try to leave a little bit of room just to. To, like, push things a little bit further in these last moments. And also, the team is so super energized. You know, it's like those extra fun and dynamic working sessions where we're either, like, styling or working in the atelier, and everyone is so energized knowing that the show is coming up. So it's one of my favorite parts about What I do is seeing people's passions, like, really come out. It's a really nice, cool, energetic dynamic here.

[Kristen Nichols]

Amazing. I think it's also an exciting time. As an editor. I just really look forward to Fashion Month and seeing all the creative ideas come to life and try to understand what the trends say about where fashion is heading in a larger sense. And there's just so much passion behind it, and you can really sense that on the Runway. So I'm excited to see the collection.

[Jonathan Simkai]

It's so interesting. I think that, you know, the world's constantly turning upside down. There's always something between wars and natural disasters and so many things that create worry and fear and, you know, finding things that can put you in a good mood and sometimes things that will get you out of bed. You know, for me, fashion gets me out of bed. I see people all day long shopping, buying pieces, or finding something thrifted that they love, and it gets them excited about their day, gets them through, puts a smile on their face when they try it on. And so we're not saving the world. We're not fixing world problems, but if we can bring some joy to fashion lovers, then I think that that's all I can do.

[Kristen Nichols]

Yes. Love those moments of joy. So looking forward to see what you bring to New York Fashion Week very soon.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Thank you.

[Kristen Nichols]

And speaking of that, you first made the leap from presentation to Runway back in 2015. And I'm curious, how has your fashion show prep strategy changed over the years, if at all? And do you feel pretty dialed in at this point? Are there always new challenges you encounter?

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yeah. So in terms of the change from presentation to fashion show, I think that at the beginning, when I first started, I never imagined I was going to do a fashion show. And one of the freelance people I was working with said, oh, are you going to do a show? And I was like, no. A show? Like, why? I'm not doing a show. Why would I do a show? And they're like, you should do it. And I thought about it a few times, and I said, okay, you know what? Let's try. And after I did it that first season, I felt like I always needed to do a show. And then I ended up going back to doing a presentation. And I've taken seasons where I decided not to do anything during New York Fashion Week and have had some of the most successful wholesale collections that did really well for us. So after kind of the past 15 years exploring every version of participation in New York Fashion Week, it's really liberating to just do what feels like you want to do it versus being you have to do it, or the expectation is that you're doing it. And it's become so much more enjoyable to do it because you actually have something to say and have something that you want to present. And I'm just, like, so happy that I've gone through every variation and feel that this is the season that I have something to say and I want to show it, and who knows where I'll be in September. But in terms of the process, it's pretty dialed in. Our design team has been with us for quite some time, and we've done some shows together, so we all know what the expectation is. Everyone knows the work that it requires to get the looks on the Runway. Our head pattern maker I've worked with for 15 years since I started, and it's going to be fun. I'm excited about it.

[Kristen Nichols]

I love what you were saying about using where you're at to decide whether you do a show or presentation. I think for so many years, there was such a strict schedule for designers. I think it's probably creatively liberating to decide what feels like the right forum for the ideas that you have.

[Jonathan Simkai]

That season, I think it was really like one of the silver linings of COVID Like, during, obviously, the pandemic, we weren't really able to do mass gatherings or shows or things where people were in person. So seeing that we could connect with our customer digitally or just through other ways was really eye opening. I was always like, I hope we just don't go back to all the old ways. It's nice to see that we still can connect with the customer in other ways and that that hasn't completely gone back to solely one form.

[Kristen Nichols]

And speaking of your Runway collections, your spring 2025 collection was so beautiful and drew inspiration from a picture of your mother on her wedding day, which was so lovely. Does your upcoming collection have some kind of personal inspiration as well? Or where do the ideas really begin?

[Jonathan Simkai]

So this season, I really wanted to create a collection that carried some sort of energy or brought people together through clothing. And I was actually at the Rose bowl, and I was just looking around, kind of, like, thrifting, and, you know, Sunday at the Rose Bowl, I've spent many times there.

[Kristen Nichols]

It's very inspiring.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Very inspiring. Inspiring, and just, like, picking up pieces, thinking, like, who wore this garment? Like, who's on the other side? Like, this garment has seen so much different parties or events or maybe not so fun events, and someone probably Wore this to keep them warm, or someone wore this maybe on their wedding day. You know, I love the idea of clothes carrying feeling and carrying energy. So I wanted to create a collection that felt that it had elements of being found and having a life before. I know it sounds very vague and a little trippy, but that was just where I started. And this collection, I really wanted to have nods of the garments being found, but still, like, really beautifully crafted.

[Kristen Nichols]

Well, I'm excited to see that come to life.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Me too.

[Kristen Nichols]

And then last fall, we saw some incredibly chic suiting, big pops of violet and merlot, and of course, your incredibly elegant evening wear looks. And without giving too much away, is there anything you're especially excited about showcasing in this collection?

[Jonathan Simkai]

I'm really excited about the knitwear. There's some really beautiful development knit, both fine gauge knits that are just really, like, beautiful and airy, but then also some really warm, delicious, lofty knitwear as well. And yeah, some really beautiful embellishment as well. Yeah, some nice, like, evening wear pieces.

[Kristen Nichols]

Oh, fun. And then looking at just the fashion industry right now, there have been so many creative director shifts recently, and there's a ton to be excited in fashion right now and a lot of newness. So I'm curious, which other designers collections are you personally excited to see this season?

[Jonathan Simkai]

I'm really excited to see what Mathieu does at Chanel. I love what he did at Bottega. And just the use of fabrics, the quality, the construction, the texture and texture techniques. Innovation there, I think, is always so fun and luxurious. So excited to see how that translates to Chanel. I can obviously imagine some things, but just think he's so talented and so beautiful. So I'm excited to see that.

[Kristen Nichols]

Very excited as well. I feel like there have been so few designers in my lifetime at Chanel, so it'll be interesting to see how he reinterprets that house.

[Jonathan Simkai]

For sure.

[Kristen Nichols]

And something we all appreciate about your work is how thoughtful you are when designing for real life people buying their clothes. I think that goes back to your beginnings in fashion. Not every designer cares about wearability. I'd love to hear more about how your retail background and interacting with shoppers was training for understanding what your customers.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Want, I would say. I love being in store and with the customers as much as even being in the atelier. They both really drive or inspire ideas. And just being with them and seeing how they react to putting something on for the first time, it's so eye opening. And when I'm designing the pieces, I Think of people that I met in the store, and I kind of create these versions of this is for this type of customer. This is for that type of customer. Having that personal connection and being able to design for someone. Like the person you might have thought would like something might not end up liking it, but the idea of that person might translate to somebody else. So I think that really thinking about what they need and really thinking about their life and where they're going, what they're doing, where they traveling to, I think is so important. And I think that being with them and spending time with them is really the only way you can fully understand that.

[Kristen Nichols]

I feel like that's such an important connection to have. Are there any pieces of feedback you've received from a Simchai customer in recent memory that really struck a chord with you or inspired your creative process over the years?

[Jonathan Simkai]

I think I've heard a lot of clients ask for arm coverage. People like arm coverage. You know, necklines aren't so high. It is something that we do think about when designing, you know, variation in dress lengths. Some people really want to show their legs where other people don't want to show their legs, and they want to more show their neckline. So, yeah, it's very nuanced. Everyone sees themselves a certain way, and that's what matters, even if I don't agree necessarily. But really trying to figure out ways where you design a garment and it would work for the person who loves their legs that maybe not their neck. Some people think, oh, I have a creepy neck, but my legs look great. Or some people think that their knees don't look good, but they have a beautiful neckline. So it's really kind of playing into everyone's preferences and trying to create a collection that really ticks the boxes for all those different places that people want to highlight.

[Kristen Nichols]

Yeah, I feel like those really nuanced fit and silhouette details really make such a difference when it comes to a piece that you want to return to and wear again and again.

[Jonathan Simkai]

That's the goal.

[Kristen Nichols]

You have so many beautiful looks, and you're also very popular with celebrities. I really loved Anne Hathaway and that beautiful sheer blue skirt set with the ruffled hem for her. The Idea of youf Press Tour last year, and you've been known to create some stunning Met gala looks for people like Mindy Kaling, Phoebe Bridgers and Barbie Ferreira. And with awards season just kicking off now, I'm curious if we can expect any new custom looks in the future and would love to hear a little bit More about the process of creating pieces for those types of events.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yeah, I think that when you're working with a high profile celebrity or a VIP who's going to an event on the red carpet, it's equally as important to think about what they are trying to achieve on that carpet, whether it be a movie that they're premiering, and maybe there's a theme in the movie that they're trying to bring that character onto the red carpet or they're trying to be seen in a certain way. So it's really about working with them and their stylist to understand what their preferences are. And so it is very collaborative. When we do custom, we'll always present a few ideas. And I'll always say, this is what I was thinking, but also these are some other options. And it's really a conversation, it's really a about a dialogue. And I think that that's what makes it so fun, is obviously you as a designer, have an aesthetic and a vision and garments and silhouettes that you like to work with. But I really try to be at the service of whoever I'm dressing and working with them and their stylists understand what they want to accomplish. And always fun to push yourself and hear different opinions and different feedbacks. I think that's the beauty of custom. Obviously, when you're working with Ready to Wear and it's kind of in the store, you just kind of show it to the client and they can pick between the pieces in the store and obviously they can alter them and tweak them a little bit, but for the most part, it is what it is. But with custom, you really have an ability to, like, make someone's dream come true, make their vision come true and come to life. So I really try to open the conversation and be as collaborative as possible.

[Kristen Nichols]

Yeah, it's always fun as an onlooker to see all of the collaborative ideas that come out, whether it is the Met Gala or it is a press tour. And I do love that celebrities seem to be leaning into these characters from their roles, as you mentioned, and how designers bring that to life. So it's always interesting to hear about the process before as well.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yeah, I'm super excited also for the Met Gala in May. That's kind of something we have coming up, so we're working on that too.

[Kristen Nichols]

Well, I'll be staying tuned for what comes there as well. And then when this episode comes out, we'll actually just be two days away from your show. I'd love to hear what you hope you'll actually be doing two days out and what energy we can manifest for you.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Yeah. Thank you. That's such a nice question to ask. We'll probably be in our studio in New York. We have a studio in Chelsea that we use whenever we're in town. So we'll be probably doing fittings and finishing touches, work, meeting models. And I can be a very emotional person. And those moments are always so emotional because you see, like, all these really beautiful, energetic models who have gone from casting to casting to fitting, like running around New York, it's gonna be freezing cold. But there's also something so beautiful about being in a room with them and at the same time being with the team who's working so hard kind of around the clock to bring the collection together. And the energy in our studio is like, so emotional and beautiful because everyone's pushing through the discomfort of the weather or lack of sleep. We're not sleeping in their bed. Our team travels from LA to New York for this. So just seeing everyone push but really not even thinking about it because they're all there for the same reason. And so, yeah, I really do feel a lot of reward. And I don't take it for granted, that commitment to what we're doing, the models, the fashion designers, the casting directors, the stylists, hair and makeup, and just bringing beauty to the world and our commitment, it's really like a aha moment and a pinch me moment to be in a room with people that dedicated and committed. So I'm excited to create beauty with these people.

[Kristen Nichols]

Amazing. We'll have an incredible next two weeks. I'm sure you have a lot ahead and I'm so excited to see the upcoming collection. Thank you so much for joining me.

[Jonathan Simkai]

Thank you so much for having me. Lots of love and see you in New York.

[Hilary Kerr]

A huge thank you to the founder and creative director of Simchi, John and Simon. Make sure to subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And while you're there, I'd also be so grateful if you'd rate and review us. If you have any guest suggestions or any other feedback, drop us a line at podcastwhowhatware.com or you can find us on social at whowhatwere. See you next next Wednesday on the who what Where? Podcast. This episode was produced by Hilary Kerr, Summer Hammeris and Natalie Thurman. Our production assistant is Claire Schmidt. Our editor is Ko Takasugi Chernovin. Our audio engineers are at Glen Canyon Audio and our music is by Jonathan Leah.

[Eliza]

This episode was brought to you by ebay. Hi everyone, it's Eliza, Senior Fashion Editor here at who? What Where. As much as I want to hold strong to my promise to only buy a few pre loved ready to wear items ahead of Fashion Month this season, listening to this episode got me too psyched for the upcoming festivities. And when I'm this excited, shopping is the only way to calm me down. It's really no wonder I became a fashion editor who shops all day for a living since I've already picked out my apparel wish list which you can [e-mail] whoWhatWear the obvious next piece of business is handbags. These days, purchasing a handbag is no small feat. Designer bags are a big investment, so it's crucial you pick the best one for you and trust where you're buying it from with ebay Authenticity guaranty, I know that any eligible purse I find and purchase will be checked by real experts before it arrives at my door. Meaning I can shop for everything from new and pre loved to vintage and rare. One of a kind bags for the fashion season ahead. All in one place, worry free. And though I can only reasonably splurge on one handbag right now, I'm counting on the remaining discoveries in my collection of curated bags and more on ebay. Finding a home in all of your closets I don't expect that to be too big of an issue, though, not with sought after styles by Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bottega, Veneta and the Row all making my final edit. As for me, there are really only two bags fighting for a spot in my closet, with one being Saint Laurent's Manhattan shoulder bag, specifically in black crack effect patent leather with gold hardware. It was my co worker who actually got me hooked on this bag when she wore it during Fashion Week a few seasons ago. The flap design, sleek structure and shiny textured material make it both classic and eye catching. An instant statement of wealth and luxury. I've been scouring the Internet for one for a while, so you can imagine my excitement when I found just the one on eBay that's eligible for authenticity guarantee and being sold by a seller with 100% positive ratings. According to their description, it's in pristine condition, so basically I have to buy it. But over the years I've learned that you need to always weigh your options before making a big purchase. That's how I ended up searching for Celine bags too, with one specific silhouette in mind, the clasp bag introduced by Phoebe Filo in the French fashion house's Spring Summer 17 Runway show. Unlike other handbags from Philo's famed era at Celine, the clasp bag hasn't received anywhere near the attention it deserves and is no longer in production today. However, in recent years its fan club has grown with one of its founding members being me. The sleek framed silhouette and poppy colors hooked me and now I can't get the bag out of my head. Fortunately, there are plenty of mid century shades to choose from on ebay, including an olive option that I'm set on making mine. I love that the interior leather is blue, offering a cool, unexpected contrast, and though it's definitely been loved in its past lives, the bag is in beautiful condition. I'm torn. Obviously both bags have earned a spot in my small but mighty collection, but with only enough budget for one, I'll need a bit more time to decide. While you wait for the big reveal, feel free to distract yourself with my carefully hand selected curation of ebay. Find lines from a mouth watering Cartier tank Louis watch to an old world Elsa Peretti jade cuff bracelet. And those are just the highlights. Check the link in the episode description and find all of my [e-mail] whoWhatWear.