048. What It Means To Be A Fashion Connector With Fashionpreneur AK Brown

Welcome to Season 4 of The Manic Metallic Podcast!We're kicking off the season by doing a last word on New York Fashion Week's SS24 collections (and we will try to do the same for London, Milan, and Paris, time-dependent, of course).We've broken down the shows into five categories:Initial Thoughts (shows that, for better or worse, we wanted to elaborate on a bit more)Perennially Chic (shows by brands/designers that are, well, perennially chic)Collections That Were Nice, But Not Groundbreaking (self-explanatory)Honorable Mentions (shows that were fine, but I didn't feel compelled to elaborate further on them)Keep An Eye On (Design brands that are young/youngish and that have a bright future in the industry)We elaborate where necessary and we don't when we don't feel that it is warranted.If we get to have this format of episode for the fashion weeks in the other three cities mentioned above, this same format will hold true.What did you think about NYFW this past season? DM us at Manic Metallic, and let's talk!RESOURCES AND REFERENCESManic Metallic https://manicmetallic.com/editorials/to-designers-you-dont-have-to-present-a-fashion-collection-every-season-if-youre-not-inspired/Pinterest (NYFW Pinterest Board) https://www.pinterest.com/liberty_manic/fashion-month-picks-springsummer-2024-rtw-shows/new-york-fashion-week-springsummer-2024-rtw/PURCHASE "THE MANIC METALLIC GUIDE TO CREATING A FASHION COMPANY"https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-tech-guide-to-creating-a-fashion-company/ SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

Episode 48 of The Manic Metallic Podcast is a masterclass in branding and visibility, courtesy of multifaceted St. Louis-based fashionpreneur AK Brown.We discuss such topics as:Why we are stronger together in fashion rather than constantly working against each other - AKA, why we need to set our egos aside to achieve positive results for fashionThe concept of a “fraudscape” - and how it has made its way into both the fashion and media landscapeWhy we really, REALLY need to double down on creating websites and newsletters for our businesses - and how to get newsletter subscribersAn argument for counterfeiting and dupes that you would not expectMeta/Facebook’s blue check mark monetization initiativeHow to get media visibility - and why it isn’t always necessary to have a large audience in order to build partnershipsAnd more!AK'S BIOAK Brown - The Fashion Connector™ is a multifaceted fashionpreneur, fashion expert, thought leader, and connection maker who uses her platform to educate and advocate for other fashion brands, creatives, & businesses.  As a St. Louis-based fashion innovator with 10 years of experience, AK has grown her brand through various avenues including the product development, styling, media, non-profit, & educational sectors. She is the founder and CEO of FWRDSociety - the first nonprofit for Black, Brown, & POC fashion creatives and professionals in St. Louis, MO, co-owner of PinkMuse Studio, a fashion editorial studio and magazine, and is an adjunct professor at Stevens - The Institute of Business & Arts. She’s been quoted as such in fashion outlets including Teen Vogue, The Zoe Report, InStyle, & Bustle, and has worked with organizations and community leaders locally and nationally, including Cori Bush, Washington University, & MAGIC.RESOURCESUnderstanding the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rule governing date in the European Union https://www.cjr.org/tow_center_reports/understanding-general-data-protection-regulation.php Edgy Chic Boutique https://edgychicboutique.com/ Style Vault https://thestylevaultboutique.com/ Hustle City: Instagram - @hustl3c1t4_cf Connect With AK Brown:Website: https://www.akbrownstl.com/ Instagram: @akbrownstlPodcast: The Haute Guide https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-haute-guide/id1661230412 PURCHASE "THE MANIC METALLIC GUIDE TO CREATING A FASHION COMPANY"https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-tech-guide-to-creating-a-fashion-company/ SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

In Episode 47, we speak with Leslie Gallin, past president of footwear for Informa Markets and current consultant in the fashion industry.Among the topics that we discuss are:Her time working with the inimitable Alber Elbaz at Geoffrey BeeneThe traits that you need to make it in the fashion industryWhy fashion creatives need to enhance their business knowledge of the business side of the industryWhy asking for help in fashion is beneficialHow to tell a story with your brand for the market without selling your soulWhy it is so hard to get standardized clothing sizes in fashionAnd more!LESLIE'S BIOAs past president of footwear for Informa Markets, Leslie Gallin created and developed FN PLATFORM, the footwear shows at Magic. Gallin scouts the world’s best new designers and trends, providing unparalleled business insights and access into the world of footwear and beyond.Gallin is a board member of Footwear Distributors Representatives of America (FDRA), Two Ten Footwear Charity and From Fashion with Love.org among others, holding positions at WSA (World Shoe Association), Geoffrey Beene, Escada, Pauline Trigere and was awarded with Pattenmaker Livery acceptance by the City of London.Gallin has been featured in Footwear Plus, Footwear News, O the Oprah Magazine, Vegas, Fox’s Good Day LA, Extra TV and more.PURCHASE "THE MANIC METALLIC GUIDE TO CREATING A FASHION COMPANY"https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-tech-guide-to-creating-a-fashion-company/ SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

Episode 46 of The Manic Metallic Podcast was a marathon fashion conversation with journalist, radio host, and accessory designer Kim Kleczka.Kim and I discuss, among many other topics, the following:Fashion’s power to change society - and how being a more collaborative and open industry will further fashion's ability to affect overall global changeThe mission of IMTAC, a young women’s magazine that she co-founded, and why it is important given our current cultureHow the psychology of fashion varies across different cultures - and why practicing cultural sensitivity with respect to those differences is importantThe surprising similarities - and differences - in the American fashion industry vs. the British fashion industryHow she built cross-cultural connections while traveling the world - and how those connections have helped her journey through the fashion industryThe inspiration that fashion designers can take from nature when generating new ideasAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-046-transcript/KIM’S BIO:Kimberley Kleczka is a radio host for Radio Lantau, journalist, children's author, co-founder of a young women's magazine, IMTAC (I'm More Than A Cover), and publicity global peace ambassador. Kimberley created her journal, cards, wearable art scarves, and arties through the fascination and delicate strength of the butterfly, which has fascinated her for many years. Kimberley’s Wings of Love collection remind us all that we are the splendor and amazing creations of life. She has worked many years in the fashion and entertainment industry as well as the Miss World and Miss Universe, Miss Netherlands as a mentor, stylist, and working on her platform and charity platform. She has taught protocol classes and etiquette classes around the world.  Kim has lived in 11 countries and travelled her whole life.RESOURCESKim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq23tkHtAGY/Kim’s Website: http://www.kimberleykleczka.com/designs-by-kimberley.html Greene Street: https://greenestreetstores.com/ Polka Dots: https://shopatpolkadots.com/ A Taste Of Britain: https://atobritain.com/ SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

In Episode 45, we speak with fashion writer Kevin Robles about many topics, including:His path to working in CELINE’s e-commerce department, and where Myspace fits into the pictureA breakdown of the differences between fashion in New York and Paris (from someone that has lived in both places)Why there is no substitute for seeing clothing up close and in person - especially when learning about fashionHis interview with fashion commentator Hanan Besovic of @ideservecouture - and whether fashion journalists are still relevantA conversation about what men are currently wearingAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-045-transcript/RESOURCES:Fashion Article Space https://www.fashionarticlespace.com/Fashion Article Space IG: @fashionarticlespaceSHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com KEVIN’S BIO:Kevin is currently an e-commerce professional at CELINE. He is also the fashion editor of Fashion Article Space, where he shares his fashion viewpoints via writing. His goal is to make luxury inclusive and to create content to help others make smart shopping decisions.Additionally, Kevin is an amateur photographer, and he currently lives in Paris. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

Episode 44 is going to be a real fashion treat! In it, we have a fascinating conversation with fashion industry veteran Jen Sidary.Among our topics are the following:How she is contributing to the cohesion of today’s Ukrainian fashion industry with her current venture, ANGELFORFASHION.com, a multi-brand fashion eCommerce websiteHer rise from working a retail position at a Kansas City department store to becoming the store’s footwear buyerHer choice to accept a senior position at Zappos over the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman - and how that decision set her up well for the rest of her careerWhat it was like being Andre Leon Talley’s boss at ZapposWhat she learned from working under Vivienne Westwood as the company’s President of Sales for the American divisionAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-044-transcript/RESOURCES:Support Angel For Fashion https://angelforfashion.com/U Space (Ukrainian fashion store in Barcelona) https://www.instagram.com/uspace.eu/El Born (Barcelona neighborhood; Jen recommended walking through the neighborhood and finding fashion stores, so here’s a link to help you with that): https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/122636/the-50-coolest-clothing-stores-and-boutiques-in-barcelonaSHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com JEN’S BIO:As a chief merchant and seasoned e-Commerce expert specializing in luxury fashion, Jen Sidary has led and implemented partnerships between brands and established retailers from around the world, with a career spanning more than three decades. As an industry veteran and spending much of her time in Ukraine since the end of 2020, Sidary founded ANGELFORFASHION.com in April 2022 a multi-brand fashion eCommerce website to support Ukrainian designers and their companies survive the war. With the mission of nurturing the fashion industry there she also worked across several ambitious projects with USAID Competitive Economy Program as a fashion industry expert showcasing Ukrainian brands at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. In 2017, following her role as the President of Sales at Vivienne Westwood America, Sidary founded Ms. Luxe Link, a fashion-consulting agency. As the Chief Executive Officer and Founder for her agency and Angel for Fashion, she mentors emerging and established fashion companies by providing insights into retail trends and refocuses brand KPIs.Her career first escalated when she became the Head of Zappos Couture in 2009, now an Amazon subsidiary. In this role, Sidary directed marketing, site redesign and supervised all product categories ranging across RTW, accessories, jewelry, and beauty. Under her direction, sales increased from $15 million to $100 million in her seven-year tenure. Other achievements include the launch of a strategic alliance for Zappos Couture with the late André Leon Talley, the former Creative Director, and Editor-at-Large of Vogue magazine.Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Sidary moved to Los Angeles to attend FIDM and later returned to Kansas City where she then began her career as a retail buyer for Halls’ department stores.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

For episode 43, we speak with Alexis Calcavecchia, creator of Style In The Now. Alexis and I fit a lot of topics into this episode, some of which include:Her goal in growing a community around her blog Style In The NowHow she got a role as a stylist at a fashion week eventActionable advice on how fashion people can strengthen their Instagram accounts and connect more effectively with their audiencesHow some sectors of fashion are actually going in the right direction with respect to sustainabilityAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-043-transcript/ALEXIS'S BIO:Alexis is a style blogger based in Upstate NY. She shares style advice, outfit inspiration and loves highlighting and working with brands making an impact in the fashion industry. Along with fashion, you’ll also find beauty and travel on her blog.RESOURCESConnect With Style In The Now On IG: @styleinthenowFollow Style In The Now On Pinterest: @thealexisvictoriaARTICLE: Styling A Fashion Show https://styleinthenow.com/styling-a-fashion-show-what-i-learned/The Glove Museum https://www.theglovemuseum.org.theglovemuseum.org/ (Not A Typo)Kenzie Kay: @kenziekayatelierMirror Palais: @mirrorpalaisSHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

In the third episode of Season 3, we have an in-depth discussion with writer and Gemma Magazine creator Lizzy Collazos.Lizzy and I discuss the following:How her roots in Louisiana inspired her to catapult herself into the fashion industryHer path to becoming a fashion writer despite not majoring in anything fashion or writing-relatedThe ins and outs of the Los Angeles, CA fashion sceneSome of the coolest events that she's gotten into - and how you can do the sameAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-042-transcript/LIZZY'S BIO:Lizzy Collazos is the Editor of Gemma Magazine. Gemma features fashion, art, and style. Gemma Magazine believes in the creative journey of artists and the interesting process it takes for artists to reach their goals."We love the story behind each artist and there always is one," says Lizzy. It is important to have a "gemma" in your life, as she makes you shine. Gemma Magazine supports creatives and the arts in every way as it makes our society so much more interesting.RESOURCESConnect With Lizzy: @gemmamagazine (Instagram)Email: [email protected] Worker Protection Act: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/GarmentFAQs/ Olivaceous: @olivaceousla (Instagram)Bonnie Strauss: @bonniestraussclothing (Instagram)Asceno @ascenolondon (Instagram)SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

In the second episode of Season 3, we talk to one of my favorite Gen. Z people today - Tina Dimkovska, better known as @theotherlagerfeld on her popular Instagram account. Our conversation is broad; some of our chosen topics include:How she feels about many of the most prominent online fashion commentators being maleHow the late Vivienne Westwood inspired her to begin writing her fashion critiquesThe current state of omnipresent fashion houses Gucci and DiorHow she has become a part of the Skopje fashion sceneAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-041-transcript/TINA'S BIO:Tina is a Gen. Z fashion critic from Macedonia who uses her Instagram account to write in-depth critiques that center around reviewing both current and past fashion collections and reviewing individual iconic looks. You can count on her assessments to be honest, but never unnecessarily vicious.RESOURCESConnect With Tina: @theotherlagerfeld (Instagram)Blanka Nakova @blankanakova (Instagram)Mirjana Josifoska @mirjanajosifoska (Instagram)Toni Maticevski www.tonimaticevski.comSHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content

Welcome to Season 3 of The Manic Metallic Podcast! We're very excited to debut our first season in which we have episodes with guest interviews in addition to our much-loved solo episodes.In our first episode of the season, our conversation with designer Terina Nicole runs the gamut of:Tracing her path from a North Jersey childhood to becoming a sustainable accessories designerHer passion for being a fashion educatorWhy it is important to build relationships in the fashion industry - and how to do itAnd more!DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT FOR $1.99https://manicmetallic.com/product/the-manic-metallic-podcast-episode-040-transcript/TERINA'S BIO:Terina Nicole is a New Jersey native who creates beautiful, bold statement pieces for art & design lovers. She is the designer and founder of Jypsea Leathergoods, a line of luxe leather home goods, handbags & jewelry made primarily of recycled skins.She is also the author of ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer's Guide to Collection Development, the founder of the Independent Designer Showcase, and co-founder of DIYMakersCon, a conference for creative women makers.In 2020 she founded The Fashion Design Center of South Jersey to make design education available to Camden residents.Her most recent venture is a boutique called the Sustainable Style Studio where she offers vintage and handcrafted fashion and home décor designed by local makers.RESOURCESStyle Careers https://stylecareers.com/Sustainable Style Studio https://www.terinanicole.com/book-onlineBorn Again Vintage @bornagainvintage (Instagram)Grant Blvd https://www.grantblvd.com/SHOP MANIC METALLIC'S E-COMMERCE STOREhttps://manicmetallic.com/shop/SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donationsCONNECT WITH THE MANIC METALLIC PODCASTInstagram: @themanicmetallicpodcastCONNECT WITH MANIC METALLICSubscribe To Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/manicnewsletterVisit Our Website: https://manicmetallic.com/Follow Us On Instagram: @manicmetallicFollow Us On TikTok: @manicmetallicofficialCONNECT WITH LIBERTYInstagram: @liberty.imhoffWebsite: libertyimhoff.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/exclusive-content