Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits – Episode: The H.Lorenzo’s Mac Hadar Interview

Host/Author: Throwing Fits
Guest: Mac Hadar, Director of Operations for H.Lorenzo
Release Date: May 14, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode features an in-depth conversation between the Throwing Fits hosts and Mac Hadar, the Director of Operations at H.Lorenzo—a flagship fashion retailer celebrating its 40th anniversary. The discussion delves into the brand's legacy, retail strategies, industry trends, and Mac's personal experiences within the fashion world.

2. Personal Background and Early Experiences

Mac Hadar shares his journey in the fashion industry, highlighting his early start working alongside his father, Lorenzo, the founder of H.Lorenzo.

• Mac Hadar [01:58]: "I went to this... pop-up dinner. It was like the opening night."

He recounts working from the ground up, starting in stock management at the age of 16, fostering a strong work ethic and deep understanding of the business.

• Mac Hadar [13:00]: "I just had to earn everything myself. I started working stock... building myself from the ground up."

3. H.Lorenzo’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Celebrating four decades in the fashion retail space, H.Lorenzo collaborates with notable designers to mark the milestone.

• Mac Hadar [06:05]: "We're doing a few collabs with... Diesel, Pally Hollywood, and a few others."

He emphasizes the importance of selecting designers with a personal relationship and a distinct point of view, ensuring the brand remains relevant and true to its identity.

• Mac Hadar [09:06]: "Having a real distinct point of view and thinking of your business for the long term."

4. Retail Strategies and Trends

Mac discusses the evolution of retail strategies, focusing on curation and building a loyal customer base through unique brand offerings.

• Mac Hadar [25:08]: "Unless you're really gonna open something and really start something, you really need to stand out."

He highlights the transition from quick trend-chasing to a more curated approach, aligning with consumer desires for meaningful and lasting fashion choices.

• Mac Hadar [24:45]: "I think identity is so important."

5. Evolution of Customer Preferences

The conversation explores shifting consumer behaviors, moving away from logo-centric fashion to more subdued and tailored styles.

• Mac Hadar [58:52]: "Something that I've... really like is the overuse of logos."

He notes a general movement towards cleaner silhouettes and functional designs, reflecting a maturation in customer tastes.

• Mac Hadar [61:37]: "I like very simple products with beautiful shapes."

6. Challenges in the Fashion Industry

Mac addresses current challenges such as trade tariffs affecting imports, the impact of environmental disasters, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of modern fashion.

• Mac Hadar [51:46]: "I'm mega confused about what's going on with tariffs... have to reduce our profit."

He expresses concerns over the sustainability of certain practices and the necessity to stay ahead of industry changes to maintain the brand's longevity.

7. Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, H.Lorenzo considers expanding beyond its traditional markets with ideas like pop-up stores internationally and a new archive space to showcase their extensive history.

• Mac Hadar [21:05]: "We are toying with the idea of opening something somewhere. Nothing I can really talk about just yet."

The new archive space aims to blend fashion with other community interests, fostering a more holistic brand experience.

• Mac Hadar [27:34]: "We're going to be doing a lot of special things in there... movie screenings and things of this sort."

8. Personal Insights and Style

Mac reflects on his personal style evolution, balancing professional aesthetics with personal preferences. He admires brands that prioritize functionality and intricate design over overt branding.

• Mac Hadar [63:06]: "Probably Yoji... I have a lot of Yoji in my archive."

He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, often opting for well-crafted pieces that resonate with both him and the clientele.

9. Industry Relationships and Influence

Discussing influential figures in fashion, Mac acknowledges the impact of designers like Rick Owens and Demna, who have reshaped contemporary fashion landscapes.

• Mac Hadar [36:02]: "Rick Owens was the most influential designer for those 10 years."

He also mentions collaborations with celebrities and VIP clients, underlining the significance of these relationships in sustaining the brand's prestige.

• Mac Hadar [16:12]: "Mostly everybody."

10. Closing Remarks

In the concluding segment, Mac praises the Throwing Fits podcast for its down-to-earth approach and encourages listeners to follow H.Lorenzo's latest ventures, including their upcoming archive space.

• Mac Hadar [75:34]: "We are opening a new archive space in downtown, which will be open in the next week, which we're very excited about."

He expresses appreciation for the conversation, highlighting the mutual respect between him and the hosts.

• Mac Hadar [74:56]: "Which is refreshing anytime you meet a nice person in fashion. I think we just met one."

Notable Quotes

• Mac Hadar [09:06]: "Having a real distinct point of view and thinking of your business for the long term."

• Mac Hadar [24:45]: "I think identity is so important."

• Mac Hadar [61:37]: "I like very simple products with beautiful shapes."

• Mac Hadar [75:34]: "We are opening a new archive space in downtown, which will be open in the next week, which we're very excited about."

This episode offers valuable insights into the sustainable practices and strategic planning that have enabled H.Lorenzo to thrive in the competitive fashion industry for four decades. Mac Hadar's experience underscores the importance of authenticity, customer relationships, and adaptability in maintaining a brand's relevance and success.