S4 EP7: Steven Alan

Lauren was the host of a show called Behind The Velvet Ropes, interviewing some of the most iconic designers. The episode digresses at point where we talk about my internal crisis (not really anymore though) about having kids, which I also discussed on TikTok. (@TCRFFF)  I know this seems unrelated to fashion but I'm so curious to hear from those of you who want kids, have kids, don't want kids and why not? This is not just a question for the women, either! Do you have any regrets?  Enjoy,  RO  www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor 

How do you make a product?!!!! This episode highlights my FAVORITE part about fashion: DEVELOPING CLOTHES. I love being in factories. I love working with patternmakers. I love seeing designs come to life.  Shilo Byrd is a patternmaker by trade & training. It sounds like we recorded this in a factory, but really, its Downtown Los Angeles on a sunny day in February with the windows wide open, while everyone around us is working at their desk.  We talk fast so take notes. PERFECT episode  Anyone who wants to understand the "kitchen" of the restaurant we call the fashion industry. Follow me on TikTok: @TCRFFF Follow me on IG: @OMNDI

What is a "colors and materials" designer? I didn't know exactly either.  Sarah works at Puma and started her career at Reebok and New Balance.  I hate writing copy because I feel like the episode explains it all!  Also, I joined TikTok :) Follow me @TCRFFF  IG: @sarahbarnwell    Full Episode: www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor   Enjoy! 

To understand her work, follow Nicole on Instagram before you even press play! There is no music in this episode because I'm in a weird mood. I really like this girl, she's humble and hardworking and one of the few guests to ever ask me a question back, lol.  Nicole started upcycling while working as a graphic designer at Reebok. Her creations are ironic, witty, and clever. Each upcycled product she makes is for visual consumption, yet none of it is for sale. I sit down with Nicole nearly 5 years into her journey. Since starting, she's now done design collaborations with Reebok, Arc'teryx, Patagonia and Hermés and does workshops and consulting work for brands looking to implement sustainable practices. Today, we discuss her evolution into home design and furniture, what creative burn-out feels like, how she became fluent in sign language, and her upcoming wedding.  Full Episode: www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor  IG:@nicolemclaughlin Enjoy!

Tom got his start when Emily Weiss hired him to be the photographer for Into The Gloss. Today we talk about his influences, the best agencies for photographers and and photographers budgets & salaries.  IG: @tomtakesphotoss

Mina White has been a model agent for 20 years. For the last decade, she's fought tooth and nail for the chubby girls while working at IMG Models; the top modeling agency in the world.  She tells the story of her early days working at Supreme Models, what it means to be a fighter on behalf of others, and the day she burst into tears when her client, Ashely Graham landed the cover of Sports Illustrated. 

Here's a story of two women who are best friends, creative partners, business partners and kindred spirits. They built the jewelry brand, Eliou, from their hometown of Miami. It's more proof that these days, you can build the life you want out of any city. I'm biased but I love this interview. Full Episode on Patreon.  www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor @eliou__  

Melissa has over 20 years of experience in apparel design. Episodes like this are the reason I love this podcast. It's often the people who are *not* consumer facing, who know the most about the business. A self-proclaimed knitwear expert, Melissa started her career in the "urban" category, moved into sportswear & contemporary and even designed Rihanna's first ever Fenty collection for Puma. Today she is the creative director of Diesel Sport working alongside Glenn Martens.  We talk about her extensive expertise in knitwear, the day she was poached to work for Sean "Puffy" Combs, why Wolford has such high-quality knits and the soft skills needed to work with celebrities.  Listen to the full Episode on Patreon  www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor

Five years ago, at the age of 29, Taylor Dorry decided to enroll in fashion classes to learn how sew. She started making clothes out of her home in South Florida. I discovered her on Instagram about a year ago and was immediately drawn to her silhouettes, sense of humor and unique narrative. Listen to see how it's going. This is a story of entrepreneurship and self discovery.  IG: @TaylorDorry   Full Episode: www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor  

Steven Alan has been in business for 30 years. A New York City native, he launched his first retail space in 1994 and built a retail business, wholesale business, showroom business and collaborated with several fashion brands like Nike, Levi's, Wrangler, Dockers, Uniqlo, Vans, West Elm & More.  For Full Episode Visit: www.patreon.com/thecuttingroomfloor