Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

Episode 40: Conversation with IN-SEAM founder Ann Wehren Nov 17, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host ⁠⁠Kristen Cole⁠⁠ catches up with In-Seam founder Ann Wehren on building the private marketplace platform and the future of luxury shopping. They touch on: Ann's fashion background in NY, why the wholesale-retail model is broken and how In-Seam is addressing it, the connectors (stylists, personal shoppers) powering behind-the-scenes luxury retail sales, new brands she's excited about, what's hot/ what's selling, why next-gen social commerce just may be the future, holiday shopping, differentiating core luxury customers vs. aspirational, and her venture capital fundraising. Kristen also shares what she's reading (Zadie Smith) and eating now in SoHo (bon jour, Revelie Luncheonette), the docs everyone's talking about, fashion news (Phoebe Philo's drop and NYC store openings), luxury campaigns she's loving (Bottega... ) and the feature editorial she's... not-so-much loving (yes, that one).

Episode 39: All things Designer Vintage !! with ARCHIVE VINTAGE founder Kerry Bonnell Oct 25, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host ⁠Kristen Cole⁠ catches up with vintage expert and ARCHIVE VINTAGE founder, Kerry Bonnell, to talk all things designer vintage because vintage is more relevant now than ever. They touch on: ARCHIVE’s killer designer vintage curation, what’s hot in vintage right now (ahem, Jean Paul Gaultier mesh), the circular economy, who’s buying (who’s not), vintage sourcing (then and now), tips on styling vintage, best online shops today and where to find specific vintage pieces, Kerry’s path to the wonderful world of vintage, her recent trip to Japan, sourcing for stylists, seeing her pieces on EmRata and Rihanna, their favorite IRL vintage shops from Resurrection in LA to Feathers in Austin and 9th St. Vintage in NYC, the best vintage shows and what Kerry’s on the hunt for (hint: it’s a ‘80s Vivienne Westwood piece). Kristen also touches on what she's reading now (novels + fashion news), docs (hello, Victoria Beckham’s husband!), some URGENT luxury fashion news (major luxury sample sale), when collaborations get it right (Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA, anyone?), new innovative and sustainable products at Another Tomorrow... and more.

Episode 38: Happy Paris Fashion Week (to all who celebrate) Sep 26, 2023

In this episode, Dry Clean Only is back! After a brief August hiatus... that bled into September... Kristen is back talking Autumn in New York, sweater weather, and all things S24 Collections in New York, London, and Milan (as Paris kicks off), including the new Gucci by Sabato de Sarno, the new Helmut Lang by Peter Do, Jil Sander, Khaite, Simone Rocha, Batsheva, Conner Ives, J.W. Anderson... among others. She talks non-trends, NY Climate Week, The Fashion Workers Act and The Fabric Act, and the incredible, must-see docs Donyale Luna: Supermodel and The Super Models. Also, the questions on everyone's lips: Has fashion lost its luster? Why are swans everywhere?

Episode 37: Conversation with Belgian Sustainable Swimwear founder Genevieve Andre de la Porte of ZONARCH Jul 20, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Belgian designer Genevieve Andre de la Porte, founder of sustainable swimwear line ZONARCH based in Southern California. They touch on: Genevieve's commitment to sustainable materials, LA production standards and relaxed price point, designing for real value, her European roots, sensibility and move to California, her love of surfing, favorite beaches in California and the South of France, spicy mango margaritas, SoCal shopping destination A'Maree's, resilience, experimentation and more. Kristen also talks summer movies, Barbiecore, the swimwear landscape, designer summer sales, pre-fall '23 deliveries, her favorite ZONARCH styles (Yoko, Jane, Paradis) and the only outfit she wants to wear right now (hint: it involves a maillot).

Episode 36: Conversation with BLISS LAU Jewelry Designer Jun 29, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer Bliss Lau, at her jewelry design studio downtown NYC, to discuss Bliss' evolution as a designer, serious supply chain transparency, intentional design practice and supporting other women. They touch on: Bliss Lau's custom fine jewelry, new collections, coming up at Parsons School of Design, the LES, #Hypewoman, minimalism and volume, duality, her Chinese/ Caucasian identity, The Noguchi Museum, Alex Katz, Richard Avedon, working with women, motherhood, her certified sustainable materials, fair-mined gold, and what to look out for with Greenwashing. Kristen also touches on what she's beach-reading now, Men's Spring '24 Paris shows and Resort '24 (including Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus, Marine Serre, and more), store openings, favorite fashion follows (like TheFrontlash) for climate justice and fair-pay activism, and the biggest villain of fast-fashion striking yet again.

Episode 35: Conversation with Valery Demure, founder of Valery Demure Consultancy & Objet d'Emotion Jun 07, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with the incredibly sharp "fellow fashion veteran" Valery Demure (in London), a jewelry expert and founder of Valery Demure Consultancy, and Objet d'Emotion, to talk all things industry and fine jewelry right now. The women discuss: Greenwashing and other systemic industry issues, Sale Cadence, Fine Jewelry, the mood and trends she's seeing in her Paris showroom, the Buyers who are getting it right, Discovery shifts, Breaking through the overcrowded market as an Emerging Designer, Travel "It opens your mind."-V.D., Motherhood, Work/Life balance, Why Consignment is a Killer, what Valery dreads in a client, the highs and lows of Retail, her Objet d'Emotion extended London pop-up, Resale platforms, her favorite Fine Jewelry brands, and what's in her closet (hint: well-made, European and Japanese avant-garde). Kristen also touches on creative director shifts as seen in Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Bally, Pinkwashing in Pride Month, news on Edward Enniful at British Vogue, Rosie Assoulin's Resort '24 presentation in Brooklyn, The Row's private sale, Jonathan Cohen's pop-up, Angelina Jolie's new venture, Gabriela Hearst's big news, Metrograph tennis doc The French, tennis style at the French Open, and the perfect white canvas sneakers for summer by Keds and Vans.

Episode 34: Conversation with SteamLine Luggage founder Sara Banks May 17, 2023

“I thought there was a need to bring elegance back to travel… and so began SteamLine.” Host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with Sara Banks (in Mauritius) over Zoom to discuss her Dublin-based SteamLine Luggage brand and mixing business with adventure as she travels the world with her family, over the past eighteen-months. Sara shares stories from time spent in Kenya, Bali, Australia, Colombia, Mauritius, Greece, and the U.S., expert packing and travel advice, and why less is always more. They also discuss Sara's enthusiasm for specialization and getting into season-less product, the brand's refurbishment program, collaborations, and her move into more vegan and natural materials. Kristen also touches on recent fashion news Peter Do at Helmut Lang, why she loves speaking with women entrepeneurs, her fantasy old-world train trip (via Wes Anderson's designed British Pullman carriage), Derry Girls on Netflix, social media docs Social Dilemma and LIKE, and costumes at the NYC Ballet.

Episode 33: Conversation with HORSES founders, authors Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka May 04, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with the wildly brilliant multi-hyphenates Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, founders and designers of HORSES Atelier, and accomplished authors, to indulge in some favorite fashion in fiction. Kristen gets to geek out over the fashion and prose in *must-reads* Heartbreaker by Claudia Dey and Utopia by Heidi Sopinka, and some all-time fashion moment classics in C.S. Lewis, J.D. Salinger, and Roald Dahl; while Claudia and Heidi nerd out over fashion in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, Orlando by Virginia Woolf, James Salter's Light Years and everyone's favorite, Anne of Green Gables. The women discuss: "fashion as a form of autobiography", the role of vintage in their friendship, design and ethos and the HORSES values set around beauty, utility, wildness and endurance. They also talk about the cosmic founding of the brand, favorite spots in Toronto "like Brooklyn without Manhattan", their atelier practice, what's on their mood boards, prairie dresses, punk dressing, wildness and rebellion, Simone de Beauvoir, Judy Chicago, swans, donkeys, amazing cocktails, dressing their characters, creativity, connecting to life through observation, clothing as "soft armor", and what they are both reading now. "Fashion can be seen as frivolous, but it's also profound and emotional." -HORSES. Kristen also touches on what she's reading (and hopes to be beach-reading soon), NYC sample sales, Palm Beach retail, fashion in context, the perfect summer necklace, the dangers of working in SoHo... and more.

Episode 32: Conversation with TANYA TAYLOR designer and founder Apr 14, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer and founder Tanya Taylor in NYC. The two discuss Tanya's journey with her eponymous ready-to-wear collection, as the brand enters its 10-year anniversary and embarks on its first New York, Madison Avenue flagship. They discuss Tanya's commitment to building an inclusive, joyful and inviting brand centered around empowering women to feel their best. They discuss her love for color and art, "color as a mood booster", her color therapy classes, travel and recent trips, getting in the dressing room more with clients, the brand's considered development and merchandising evolution, production practices, inclusive sizing up to size 22, her path to fashion from finance to Central Saint Martins and Parsons School of Design, her singular advice to young designers, and brand expansion beyond beautiful statement dresses into children's, swimwear, denim, tailoring and foundational wardrobe pieces. Kristen also touches on new NYC museum exhibitions, art dinners, and gallery openings, what she's buying for spring, upcoming Closely Crafted celebration, Fashion Reimagined, Succession, Barbie the movie... and more.

Episode 31: Conversation with KWAME ADUSEI, designer and founder Mar 23, 2023

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with designer Kwame Adusei in Tribeca, NYC, as he visits the city from LA. The two discuss his brand's singular look: LA sexiness merged with his African heritage, particularly silhouette, cut and design influences from his Ghana. They catch up on the latest on his one-year old label, now in its third collection, and on his career in fashion. They discuss Kwame's commitment to making clothes that last, staying present and bringing "love to the industry"; as well as his upbringing in Ghana and fashion business in Accra, his new home and store in Los Angeles, minimalist taste, celebrity clients, designing for African body shapes and strong, independent women. He also reveals the insights gained from a chance meeting with Pierpaolo Piccioli, and what's on his mood board now. Kristen also touches on Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo, the book Unraveled by Maxine Bedat, Fashion Reimagined, Tech and AI in fashion, Ocurate... and more.

Episode 30: Conversation with HUNTING SEASON founders, Danielle Corona and Lena Baranovsky Mar 10, 2023

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with HUNTING SEASON founders Danielle Corona and Lena Baranovsky to discuss their cult-favorite, ultra-chic, timeless handbag and accessories collection. Fresh from showing back in Paris, the women discuss the brand's global inspiration, casual elegance, and minimalist approach to design centered around craft, materiality, and tradition. They also discuss craftsmanship and conscious production in Colombia, Spain and Italy, their paths to fashion, the inception of the brand, their new home collection, their enduring passion for vintage and resale, "the hunt for that special piece", and what's inspiring them right now. Kristen also touches on the wrap of F23 global fashion weeks, what she's loving from Copenhagen, New York, London, Milan and Paris, LVMH Prize semi-finalists, A.P.C. sells majority stake... and more.

Episode 29: Conversation with MADE FOR ALL founders, Danny Burke and Brandon Winslow Feb 09, 2023

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits MADE FOR ALL founders, Danny Burke and Brandon Winslow, on their just launched luxury leisurewear brand. They discuss the founders' sharp focus on quality, equity, style and customer experience, their commitment as a Black-owned brand to equity across their supply chain, the streetwear, loungewear, leisurewear classifications, other brands in the luxury leisurewear space like Fear of God's Essentials, and how men are dressing now. We discuss Danny and Brandon's backgrounds, what they are doing different, and the intersection of sports, fashion and travel. Kristen also touches recent fashion news; Copenhagen F23 standout collections like Ganni, Paris Haute Couture, Paris F23 Mens, Bode and Aime Leon Dore, Climate-Impact labels, new decree in France, Recycled Cashmere for Ralph Lauren, Ryan Roche, Another Tomorrow and Patagonia, Marc Jacob's S23 show in NY in homage to Vivienne Westwood, happy NYFW F23, Gucci's new creative director, Burberry's new campaign under Daniel Lee, Phoebe Philo returns (!), and more....

Episode 28: Conversation with TOMMY TON, on Street Style Photography and Cultural Observations Jan 07, 2023

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Tommy Ton, the highly-acclaimed street style photographer known for his eye for detail in style reportage and cultural insights into the world of high fashion (in NYC). They discuss what he’s been up to lately, his forthcoming book project chronicling influence in the industry, why "New York... is the most exciting city to photograph now", moments and insights gleaned from his career capturing the fashion set in the wild, outside the shows at fashion weeks around the world since 2007. Kristen also touches on the foreign films she's loving, shopping in Aspen, what she's happy to see go from '22 and looking forward to for '23, industry news, and Christopher John Rogers just released PF23 collection.

Episode 27: Conversation with Creative Director Sander Lak on New Book 'The Colors of Sies Marjan' Dec 08, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Sander Lak, Creative Director of New York-based fashion house SIES MARJAN to catch up on the release of his gorgeous new book The Colors of Sies Marjan (Rizzoli) and what he's been up to since the too-beautiful, cult-followed line shut its doors in 2020. Over coffee in Tribeca, the two discuss Sander's career in fashion, love of color and what's next. Topics include: the inception of Sies Marjan in NYC, the making of the book, his time designing in New York, London, Paris and at Dries Van Noten in Antwerp, time spent in LA over 2020, collaboration with Maharam Fabrics (just incredible), finding value in the negative space, museum shows at MoMa and Guggenheim, the importance of color and texture in his process, dressing in color, and beyond.... Kristen also touches on the ongoing Balenciaga saga, destination shows of the week, The 2022 British Fashion Awards, White Lotus, Alessandro Michele stepping down from Gucci, and more.

Episode 26: Conversation with LIZZIE FORTUNATO founders, Lizzie Fortunato and Kathryn Fortunato Nov 21, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with LIZZIE FORTUNATO founders, power-duo Lizzie Fortunato, Creative Director, and Kathryn Fortunato, Sales/ Operations Director (in NYC) to discuss the twins' beloved jewelry and accessories brand known best for its highly-expressive statement jewelry. Their infectious energy and love for the brand is as expressive as it is responsible and we discuss their evolution from indie-startup to success story. We touch on: Lizzie's design obsession and organic beginnings, Kathryn's decision to join her sister in the brand, secrets to their partnership, their intentional mission, evolution in design, how to layer pieces, the power of statement jewelry, having babies, life in Brooklyn and Bellport, designers Dries van Noten, Marni, Jil Sander and The Row, systems and wholesale, their sustainable approach to production, "Give Back Styles" charitable donations...and more. Kristen also touches on this week's fashion news including Balenciaga leaving Twitter, COP27, The Fashion Act, Fashion Trust US, "nepo-babies" and holiday Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Episode 25: Conversation with ALTUZARRA Creative Director Joseph Altuzarra and CEO Shira Sue Carmi Nov 01, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with ALTUZARRA Creative Director Joseph Altuzarra and CEO Shira Sue Carmi (in NYC) to discuss the modern, polished, feminine brand and its evolution, from both the creative and business perspectives. They touch on: Joseph's design philosophy and aesthetic touchpoints, Tom Ford at Gucci, the statement dresses of ALTUZARRA S23, Keds and Castaner collaborations, creating the "world of" in his stores on Madison Ave. and in East Hampton, ALTU (his "genderful" brand), homewares, the benefits of true partnership, company culture, sales channels, pandemic/ crisis takeaways and the importance of runway shows for the brand...and more. Kristen also touches on this week's fashion news.

Episode 24: Conversation with DRESS CODE author Véronique Hyland Oct 17, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with DRESS CODE author Véronique Hyland to talk about the many ways fashion matters outside the insular fashion world, from the personal to the political and beyond. The author and current ELLE Fashion Features Director is a seasoned fashion expert, having been published in ELLE, W, The New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler. She shares her sharp insights and analysis on many zeitgeist-y topics covered in the book, shifts in fashion and observations on S23 fashion month- from designers overlooked to the most viral moments. The conversation spans women in politics, slashed-up blazers, politics in fashion, the joy of observation, body-diversity on the runway, standout collections, social media’s influence on presentation, conscious consumerism, original style in a hyper-connected world, the re-examination of ambition... and more.

Episode 23: Conversation with HALSTON Creative Director Ken Downing Sep 30, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with Ken Downing, the highly-acclaimed Fashion Director turned HALSTON Creative Director at the brand's NYC office to discuss his plum new position and the heritage of the renowned American legacy brand. Ken shares his infectious love for HALSTON's history and archives, his deep knowledge on vintage and fashion history, his years leading Neiman Marcus' sartorial direction, his Seattle roots, grunge, punk and classic style, his personal sensibility, the tension he looks for in fashion, some of his favorite designers working today and the ladies who now slide into his DMs. The two also discuss HALSTON's enduring influence on fashion (seen even today on the runway), the '70s Halstonettes and iconic creatures that were Halston's circle (from Liza Minelli to Pat Cleveland and Bethann Hardison), the healthy competition between SAINT LAURENT and HALSTON, the modernity that HALSTON introduced (from casting choices to silhouette), American legacy brands (think: Perry Ellis, Stephen Burrows, Calvin Klein), and some of Ken's big plans for HALSTON, to be revealed for Fall23. He also imparts some of his best style advice for women. Kristen touches on Paris (now in full swing), fashion month, the fashion flu, Ewan McGregor, new beginnings, NYC Climate Week... and more.

Episode 22: Conversation with Vanessa von Bismarck and Carrie Phillips, BPCM founders Sep 08, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with BPCM founders, Communications experts Vanessa von Bismarck and Carrie Phillips to discuss the evolution of their agency (with offices in New York, London, and Los Angeles) and the many shifts in the fashion and lifestyle PR/ Comms sector. In their delightfully candid and super informative discussion, the women share insights on how brands connect with their audience today, storytelling, content, the wild world of Web3, Art and NFTs, Crypto, sustainability's next frontier, client work with Hermes, Outerknown and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, favorite W. Village haunts, positioning advice for emerging designers and new brands and the one question they always ask prospective clients first (a vital question to consider!). Kristen also touches on Roevember, the first day of NYFW, Florence Pugh, Venice Film Festival highlights, Bode's win of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Emerging Designer and more….

Episode 21: Conversation with KENNETH NICHOLSON designer and founder Sep 01, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with rising talent, designer Kenneth Nicholson (in LA) of KENNETH NICHOLSON on "expanding the narrative of menswear". The brand is available at Dover Street Market locations in NY, LA and London. They discuss the designer's irrepressible drive to create, life in LA, their shared love of the '90s, the California desert, his Spring '22 runway show (and upcoming Spring '23 show), the CFDA support and nomination for American Emerging Designer of the Year Award, the exploration of thoughts, ideas, words and questions in his work, his intention to challenge current notions of masculinity through his collections, the mood of this moment, Prince, David Bowie, gender-fluid dressing, historic fashion and his optimistic approach to celebrating masculinity on his own terms. Kristen also touches on what's to come for NYFW S23 Collections, art week, fashion news, Rockefeller Center, the Met Costume Institute, Serena Williams and more....

Episode 20: Conversation with Gigi Burris, Milliner and Designer of Gigi Burris Hats Aug 17, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with Gigi Burris (also in NYC), founder and designer of GIGI BURRIS headpieces. The collection is designed and lovingly crafted by hand in NYC, a favorite of the fashion-set, worn by stylish celebrities Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Sarah Jessica Parker (among others), and has graced the cover of Italian Vogue. The women discuss Gigi's love of hats and passion for craft, how she got her start, savoir faire, Parsons School of Design, materials, sustainability, her studio on the LES/ Dimes Square, the evolution of the neighborhood, natural wine, hats in film, hat styles and stylings, her just-launched non-profit, Closely Crafted, dedicated to celebrating and nurturing fashion craftsmanship in the American fashion industry, recent travels, collaborations with brands and designers including An Only Child, the Hudson River Valley and... the one thing you need to pull off any hat style. Kristen also touches on Spring23 Copenhagen Fashion Week, including Ganni and Saks Potts collections, Copenhagen Street Style, Fall22 arrivals, August Sale Season (!), what she's buying, what she's wearing, and her favorite recent fashion editorial in T Magazine.

Episode 19: Conversation with MARIA CORNEJO, founder, creative director ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO Aug 03, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with Maria Cornejo, founder and creative director of ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO, the ready-to-wear collection based in NYC, and adored by creative women globally. The women discuss Maria's evolution in her design process, creativity, staying power, supply chain inequities, sustainability, community and collaboration, travel, her creative family, the founding of the brand, what gives her hope for fashion's future, and her intentional approach "when something is well-designed it lasts longer than a season". Kristen also touches on fashion on the little screen right now, what she's (beach) reading and listening to, surprising fashion collaborations and Lyst's recent Hot Brands List.

Episode 18: Conversation with FOR DAYS Circular Fashion founder Kristy Caylor Jul 29, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with Kristy Caylor an industry veteran and founder of the first-of-its kind, zero-waste, circular fashion brand, FOR DAYS, known for its organic cotton knits and basics. The women discuss Kristy's big mission behind founding the brand and all things circular economy, including; tackling the fashion industry's waste problem, For Day's Take Back Bag, influencing consumer behavior shifts, excess consumption, supply chain issues, her upcoming denim launch, dreams for the future, and her past experience at The Gap and foundation work. Kristen also touches on the just announced NYFW September 2022 schedule, Resort 23 collections, Balenciaga's just-released humanitarian charity t-shirt to benefit Ukraine, Fashion Revolution, New Standard Institute, and more.

Episode 17: Conversation with BIRD BROOKLYN founder, retailer Jen Mankins Jul 19, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with BIRD BROOKLYN founder, industry-veteran Jen Mankins (in Stockholm) to discuss what's she's been up to and all things multi-brand retail. The women discuss the specialty retail implosion in and around 2020, her decision to close her much-loved, quintessential Brooklyn boutique brand BIRD BROOKLYN (after 21 years in business), pivoting, new motherhood, Jen's recent move from Brooklyn to Sweden, Scandi design, prints, maximalism, Brooklyn restaurants and bars, Stockholm bakeries, Brutalist food, fashion's over-saturated market, the broken wholesale-retail model, Rachel Comey Fond sweatshirts, Dries van Noten, Max Mara, and her new interior design projects. Kristen also touches on her recent trip to Milan, multi-brand retail and more... Enjoy!

Episode 16: Conversation with ANOTHER TOMORROW Founder Vanessa Barboni Hallik and Creative Director Elizabeth Giardina Jun 24, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits with ANOTHER TOMORROW Founder and CEO Vanessa Barboni Hallik (in Milan) and Creative Director Liz Giardina (in NYC), to discuss the founding ethos of the sustainable luxury womenswear brand and what's next for this hot brand. The women discuss ANOTHER TOMORROW's B-Corp Certification status, sustainability in fashion, circularity, sourcing, design process, modernizing classics, launching a business in 2020, making clothes to match values, the brand's West Village flagship, Web3, NFTs and more. Kristen also touches on the S23 Mens shows in Paris and Milan, New York summer pop-ups, and what she's wearing now. Enjoy!

Episode 15: Conversation with ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO President Marysia Woroniecka (part one) Jun 10, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO president and partner, Marysia Woroniecka, to discuss staying power, navigating a truly independent business through crisis, commitment, community, and her career path from a London-based publicist to New York. The women discuss the ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO brand flagship in NoHo (NYC), LA retail, the brand's loyal following in other markets, NYC garment production, the value of the in-person experience and the brand's appeal to women in the art world. Enjoy!

Episode 14: Conversation with GANNI Sustainability + CSR Director, Lauren Bartley May 20, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits down to chat with Copenhagen-based GANNI's Sustainability & CSR Director, Lauren Bartley. The women discuss GANNI's standards and practices around their social responsibility and sustainability goals, including their B-Corp Certification application (impressive!). The brand, GANNI, once a small Copenhagen Fashion Week street-style staple, has blossomed into a global fashion powerhouse, synonymous with fun, easy-going, eclectic Danish fashion. The women also touch on Copenhagen neighborhoods, other Danish brands, leaders in the sustainability space, sourcing, carbon-captured textiles and innovation in fabrics and materials, up-cycling, circularity, the Fashion Act, and GANNI's widely sought-after collaborations with New Balance and Dr. Scholl's, and more....

Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 13: Conversation with RENTRAYAGE founder, designer Erin Beatty May 04, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider, host Kristen Cole sits with veteran NY designer Erin Beatty to discuss Rentrayage, her new, high-concept, sustainable ready-to-wear collection that Erin is approaching in an entirely new way. The women discuss sustainability in fashion, favorite collections (designer to t-shirts, including Dries, Margiela, Comme, Junya, Jungmaven and more), vintage & dead-stock sourcing, The Fashion Act, pivoting, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, navigating change, new practices honed in the pandemic and more...!

Kristen also touches on Met Gala highlights (including stars wearing Gucci, Altuzzara, Jonathan Simkai, and archival vintage), Venice Biennale and fashion, Thom Browne's most recent runway, and other NY retail news. As a member of the Studio Party Benefit Committee, she also highlights the upcoming 2022 Whitney Gala & Studio Party on Tuesday, May 17.

Episode 12: Conversation with MAISONETTE's Sylvana Ward Durrett Apr 15, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NY) is joined by Sylvana Ward Durrett, the Brooklyn-based co-founder and CEO of the well-adored children's fashion marketplace, MAISONETTE, and by guest co-host Anja Tyson (also in NY), a sustainability, culture and impact consultant in the fashion space. The women discuss trends in the children's category, Sylvana's years at Vogue, how she came to open the first-of-its-kind marketplace, styling secret weapons for mamas, some of Sylvana's favorite kids brands and parenting podcasts, Maisonette's private label brands and blog Le Scoop, production in the space, pricing... and more.

Kristen also touches on Spring fashion splurges, the recently announced 2022 LVMH Prize Finalists, Palm Beach retail and more... Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 11: Conversation with COLLINA STRADA designer Hillary Taymour Apr 01, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NYC) sits down to chat with Hillary Taymour, the New York-based designer, creative director and founder of COLLINA STRADA. The women discuss Collina Strada's fashion brand platform centered around eco-activism and social awareness, New York Fashion Week, sustainability initiatives built into her shows, intentional design, The Collinas, the virtual world of Collina Land gaming, OR Foundation, upcycling, Gucci Vault and Gucci Fest. They also touch on NFTs, Bitcoin, and recent research articulating the inherent energy-use concerns, but are cut short due to technical difficulties (!recording fail!)... but that's a big conversation anyways.

Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 10: Conversation with KHIRY designer Jameel Mohammed Mar 18, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NY) sits down with multi-talented Jameel Mohammed, the Brooklyn-based creative director of KHIRY, an Afrofuturist luxury brand. They discuss politics in fashion, KHIRY's sublime jewelry pieces and Jameel's idea that "the object can also be an invitation to think more and more deeply." They also delve into F22 fashion month, what broke through from Paris (Balenciaga, of course), creating art as escape and the brand's legion of celebrity fans including Amanda Gorman, Michelle Obama, Zoe Kravitz, Megan Thee Stallion, Serena Williams, to name but a few. Jameel also announces the forthcoming launch of his new website, digital journal, and more...

Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 9: Conversation with ADEAM designer Hanako Maeda Mar 01, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NY) speaks with Hanako Maeda (in Tokyo) about her designer collection ADEAM and gender-neutral capsule, ICHI. They talk Tokyo Street Style, her stores in Japan, potential NYC pop-up shop, collaboration with Naomi Osaka, her memories of growing up in New York, inspiration behind the ADEAM F22 collection (shown digitally as part of NYFW), Broadway musicals, Hanako's favorite Japanese restaurants in NYC, her formative internships at Vogue and with Philip Lim in NYC, growing up in the business, her 10 year anniversary of the brand, outerwear, tailoring, and more....

Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 8: Conversation with Ryan Lobo, sustainable designer and consultant Feb 18, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insider and host Kristen Cole (in NY) sits down with Ryan Lobo, a New York-based sustainable designer and consultant. They talk F22 NYFW and what Ryan has been up to since his well-loved fashion label, TOME, which he co-founded, went on pause just before the pandemic. They also delve into craft and ceramics, NYC culture, dumplings and cocktails, sustainability in fashion, the Great Awakening, activism in art and design (like his past project in support of Freedom for All foundation), re-imagining the fashion paradigm, mega style icons Nina Simone, Diana Vreeland and Tina Chow, expert packing, paring wardrobes down to the essentials, and more....

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Episode 7: Conversation with BATSHEVA designer Batsheva Hay Feb 01, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, fashion-insiders, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NY) and Cristina Ehrlich (in LA) sit down with New York-based designer Batsheva Hay of eponymous label Batsheva. The women talk about Paris, couture, Balthazar, wine, the endless NY winter, The Row, Broadway Gallery and chat with fashion designer Batsheva on the inspiration behind her cult-favorite brand, unique sourcing practices, career pivots, color, dressing for fun, risk-taking, following her vision, growing up in NYC, Washington Square Park, future ideas, The Odeon, Omen, Bemelmans Bar, The Whitney Museum, fashion week, Courtney Love and her wildly-popular collaborations with Laura Ashley, Anna Sui and more...

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Episode 6: Conversation with designer Lyndsey Butler of Veda Jan 21, 2022

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NY) and Cristina Ehrlich (in LA) sit down with the leather jacket queen, designer Lyndsey Butler of VEDA (also in NY). The women catch up on all things leather jackets, from styling to favorite brands, January Sales, and Euphoria, and discuss with their guest the building and running of a woman-owned independent business, following instinct, Chinatown spots, leathers and alternative leathers, collaborations, baby leather jackets (!), and iconography around the most singular perennial counter-culture, rebel fashion item... the almighty leather jacket.

Episode 5: New Year's Closet Talk. Jan 05, 2022

Co-hosts Kristen Cole and Cristina Ehrlich share their wardrobing ins and outs from 2021 to 2022, from home, as they edit their closets while another Covid wave (Omicron) stalls all immediate plans. The women share tips on cleaning out, from swaps to donations to resale in the circular economy, along with ideas for investments in new pieces. They talk Less is More, conscious shopping, ASMR, nails, the virtues of flat boots, ballet flats and low-heels, and brands Marina Moscone, Adam, Amina Muaddi, Maison Margiela, The Row, Jl Sander, Base Range, Monrow, Darner, Rick Owens, Jayne Mayle, Saint James, Tiffany & Co., vintage tees and vintage Givenchy jewelry. They talk martinis, plans undone and Chlorophyll water.

Episode 4: Conversation with Paravel co-founder Indré Rockefeller Dec 15, 2021

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NYC) and Cristina Ehrlich (in LA) sit down with PARAVEL co-founder, Indré Rockefeller (also in NYC). The women catch up on skincare brands, Wanderlust, the holidays, and discuss with their guest building sustainability into brands, carbon offsets, lessons learned from ballet, the glamour of style in travel and in the everyday.

Episode 3: Conversation with Stephanie Danan of Co Collections Nov 30, 2021

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NY) and Cristina Ehrlich (in LA) sit down with LA- based womenswear designer, Stephanie Danan of Co Collections. The women catch up on holiday shopping, House of Gucci, designing for Hollywood women, mid-century-modern architecture, all things California, sustainability, Natural World, freedom in design, less-is-more and luxury as a lifestyle. They also note this evening's anticipated Louis Vuitton SS22 live-stream runway show taking place in Miami, amid Art Basel week, in tribute to the recent tragic passing of Louis Vuitton artistic director and beloved fashion visionary, Virgil Abloh.

Episode 2: Conversation with designer Jonathan Cohen Nov 17, 2021

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NYC) and Cristina Ehrlich (traveling in Santa Fe) sit down with NY- based womenswear designer, Jonathan Cohen, and his business partner, CEO, Sarah Leff. The women catch up on sweater weather, some of their favorite knitwear, the Gucci show in LA and discuss with their guests digital floral, community engagement, NYC, the CFDA Awards, the power of creativity, business pivots, a forthcoming pop-up and Lysol.

Episode 1: Conversation with designer Marina Moscone Nov 03, 2021

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style

In this episode, co-hosts Kristen Cole (in NYC) and Cristina Ehrlich (in LA) sit down with NY-based womenswear designer, Marina Moscone. The women catch up and discuss shirting, the creative process, recent travels, agility through crisis, pink cords, looming, exploded silhouettes, Italian craftsmanship, bijoux beads and their favorite Italian spots to eat in the West Village, NYC.

Dry Clean Only: Conversations on Fashion + Style (Trailer) Nov 02, 2021

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