Flying Solo Fashion

What does it take to transform a deep cultural heritage into a global luxury brand?In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, we sit down with Tomoko, founder of Yayoi, a Japanese luxury beauty brand inspired by craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics. After building an international career across Japan, Paris, and New York—Tomoko took the leap into entrepreneurship to bring the artistry of Japanese skincare to a global audience.She shares how she built a luxury brand with virtually no advertising budget, the challenges of introducing Japanese beauty to international markets, and how partnerships with prestigious hotels helped establish credibility and demand. We also explore the importance of brand identity, product storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creating products that resonate across continents.Whether you're launching a fashion label, beauty brand, or creative business, this conversation is packed with insights on building a distinctive brand, navigating global expansion, and staying true to your vision while growing internationally.Tune in to hear how Yayoi is redefining Japanese luxury for a new generation of consumers.

In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, Fernando Torquatto – one of the most recognized beauty artists in the industry – shares how makeup shapes visual storytelling and defines the final image.From cinematic references to on-set decisions, this conversation breaks down what actually builds strong fashion visuals today.What we talk about:– why beauty defines the emotional impact of an image– how real collaboration between makeup, styling, and photography works– building a personal aesthetic through cinema, history, and experience– what actually makes a beauty artist professional today– how visibility and recognition affect a creative careerKey ideas from Fernando:– makeup directs how the image is perceived– strong results come from respecting roles on set– references matter – from film to cultural context– your style is built over time, not copied– visibility can change the trajectory of your workThis episode was recorded as part of the Flying Solo Fashion Awards - a nonprofit initiative recognizing the full creative team behind fashion imagery, from photographers and stylists to models, makeup artists, and set designers. https://www.designer.flyingsolo.nyc/awardsInstagram Fernando Torquatto https://www.instagram.com/eufernandotorquatto?igsh=MWM5dmhmMjhjdHE0cA== Instagram Flying Solo https://www.instagram.com/flyingsolonyc?igsh=MTNhemRweDl3aWk0OA==

Award-winning singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins the conversation to share how she balances motherhood, music, and creativity—revealing that passion, support, and joy are at the core of it all. She reflects on her love for fashion as a form of transformation, her appreciation for emerging designers and their fearless creativity, and the importance of long-term collaborations behind the scenes. From her iconic lockdown “kitchen disco” performances to her highly visual artistic process, Sophie offers an honest and inspiring perspective on staying playful, intuitive, and authentic. She also shares thoughtful insights on the value of recognizing creative teams—aligning with the mission of the Flying Solo Awards to spotlight both emerging talent and the often unseen contributors shaping the industry.

What does it mean to create fashion today?In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, Stuart Trevor – founder of AllSaints – talks about how the rules of the industry have changed.From building and selling a global brand to launching his new label in 2023, his focus has shifted toward one core idea: working with what already exists.In this conversation, we cover:– why overproduction defines today’s fashion industry– how circular models are changing the way brands operate– the reality of waste across both fast fashion and luxury– repairing, relabeling, and rebuilding garments instead of producing new ones– working with deadstock, unsold inventory, and returned pieces– the challenges of sourcing and scaling this model– why creativity today is about limitation, not excessStuart also shares how he mentors emerging sustainable brands and builds community through workshops focused on repair and customization.“The point is no longer access to the best materials.The point is what you create with what’s already there.”The conversation reflects a broader shift in fashion – where value is no longer defined by production, but by transformation.The Flying Solo Fashion Awards is a nonprofit, mission-driven initiative focused on recognizing the full creative team behind fashion imagery.

What actually makes a fashion image work – and why so many don’t?In this episode of Fashion Talks, New York–based photographer Matt Licari and hair artist Eddy Scudo break down how editorial images are created, evaluated, and often fall apart.They talk about the realities of working on unpaid editorials, where the only thing you take away is the image itself – and why that makes every decision on set matter.The conversation covers:– how ideas turn into editorials (even from the simplest starting point)– why strong images don’t depend on budget– the role of the full team behind every shot– how lack of clarity affects the result– why assistants and structure are essential for creativity– what actually makes an image stand out– how professionals review and select workThey also share practical insight from years of experience on set – from managing creative energy to capturing the exact moment that makes an image work.Flying Solo Fashion Talks is a series of conversations with industry professionals who shape how fashion is created and seen.

What does it really take to grow as an independent designer — without compromising your voice?In this episode of the Flying Solo Fashion Podcast, we speak with Meghana, founder of Let’s Curate, a global platform representing nearly 100 artisans across 38 countries. What began with 10 makers has grown into an international network built on storytelling, legacy, and thoughtful expansion beyond the mass-market system.Meghana shares how she discovers talent in unexpected places, how independent designers can expand their reach without making reckless leaps, and why creative evolution is essential — even when it feels risky. From navigating visibility and partnerships to rethinking how and when to step into markets like New York, this conversation offers perspective for designers at every stage.If you’re building something intentional — and thinking about your next move — this episode offers insight into growth that feels strategic, sustainable, and true to your work.

In this inspiring episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, we sit down with Sherilyne, founder of Designs by Sherilyne, who shares her incredible journey from a successful corporate career in healthcare and federal contracting to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur. Sherilyne opens up about how a lifelong love of photography and art transformed into a stunning fashion brand that turns her global travel photos into wearable art through sustainable production.She talks about the challenges of transitioning into the fashion world, the importance of quality and sustainability, and how she balances creative passion with smart business decisions. Whether you're a designer, dreamer, or career changer, this episode is packed with real talk, creative insight, and actionable advice for building something beautiful from the ground up.✨ Tune in for a conversation about risk, reinvention, and resilience in the world of independent fashion.

In this episode, we sit down with emerging designer Velenci, featured at Flying Solo, to discuss the journey of bringing bold, high-fashion eyewear to the U.S. market. Velenci shares how their creative vision evolves through real-time customer feedback and why in-person experiences—pop-ups, showrooms, and face-to-face conversations—are shaping the future of their brand.From Gen Z's online-first habits to the tactile preferences of older millennials, Velenci dives into the challenge of balancing digital reach with physical presence in the competitive world of fashion accessories.Key Takeaways:How customer feedback fuels Velenci’s design directionThe importance of in-person retail for brand connectionNavigating generational shopping behaviorsBuilding a hybrid model for fashion-forward eyewear

Top stylist and creative director Julia Muller joins host Elizabeth Solomon to share her journey from Amsterdam to New York, working with Vogue, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more. Julia opens up about the highs and lows of the fashion world, how she discovers emerging designers, and what it really takes to succeed as a stylist today.A must-listen for aspiring creatives, stylists, and designers.

Rosa Isela’s hats begin as a meditative craft and end as wearable drama—steam, blocks and rabbit-hair felt forming silhouettes built to be loved and lived in. She recounts the magical snowstorm runway and why every piece is truly “one of one.”