Fashion Is Cool Podcast

Explore the art of event production and branding with Dwight Carter.Dwight Carter, the creative mind behind Brainchild Next, shares profound insights into event production and marketing on the latest episode of *Fashion is Cool*. In a refreshing twist, the roles are reversed as Shay Stewart, an intern at Brainchild Next, takes the reins and interviews Dwight about his journey and vision.Transforming Ideas into ExperiencesWhen asked how he turns an idea into an engaging event, Dwight emphasizes the importance of identifying what’s missing in the community. "I think my first thought is what is missing, or how can I educate a specific audience or community?" This approach underlines the importance of originality and the need for events that bring people together while providing educational value.The Evolution of Brainchild NextDwight recounts the journey of his brand, which began as Rock Uniform PR. He explains how a change in branding led to the creation of Brainchild Next, especially during the pandemic when live events were halted. "I rebranded again and called it Brainchild Next, which again resonates with what I'm trying to always do: come up with the next big thing or find something new that people have not experienced before." Creating Memorable EventsShay probes further into what makes an event unforgettable. Dwight asserts that a visually stimulating experience is key. "Something that touches their heart, something that makes them feel something, hopefully good, makes them feel good." He aims for each event to not only be visually compelling but also educational, aligning with significant themes like health awareness or cultural celebrations.Emphasizing DiversityDwight is a strong proponent of diversity within his events, ensuring that they reflect a myriad of perspectives and styles. "I want everyone from walks of life to experience what we do over here," he states. This commitment to inclusivity extends to the designers and models featured, enabling a broader audience to connect with the event.## Marketing Beyond LimitsOne of the highlights of their conversation is Dwight's advice on marketing. He warns against limiting oneself to outdated practices, suggesting that brands should push boundaries. "When they are limiting themselves, they should go balls to the wall and then take it back," he advises. This mindset is crucial in adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of fashion and event marketing.## The Impact of Social MediaAs they discuss the evolution of marketing, Dwight contrasts the speed of social media with traditional print media. "It's way, way faster than what I grew up with," he notes, highlighting the necessity for brands to stay agile and informed about current trends and platforms.Dwight's journey and insights are not just about fashion; they reflect a broader understanding of community engagement, creativity, and the ever-evolving nature of marketing. For a deeper dive into Dwight's experiences and wisdom, listen to the full episode of *Fashion is Cool*.Shay [email protected]@reefrevivalDwight Infobrainchildnext.com@_dwight.carter_Gentbrainchildnext.com/[email protected]

Madeline, founder of Umi Dreami, shares how she transforms menswear into womenswear—creating pieces that challenge traditional fashion norms while embracing sustainability and storytelling.From gaming and music influences to a legacy of tailoring, this conversation explores how identity, failure, and experimentation shape the future of fashion.#MenswearToWomenswear #UmiDreami #SustainableFashion #UpcycledFashion #GenderFluidFashion #WomenInFashion #EmergingDesigner #FashionPodcast #StLouisFashion #ReworkedFashion #CreativeProcess #FashionStorytelling #IndieDesigner #StreetwearCulture

In this episode of the Fashion is Cool podcast, host Dwight Carter reflects on the recent visit of Wes Gordon, the creative director of Carolina Herrera, to St. Louis. He discusses the profound impact of mentorship, the importance of building a supportive community for designers, and the need for investment in local fashion initiatives. Carter emphasizes that creativity and opportunity can thrive anywhere, not just in major fashion capitals, and highlights the role of his platform, Brainchild, in amplifying designer narratives. He concludes with a call to action for continued support and belief in local talent.@carolinaHerrera@brainchildnext

Join host Dwight Carter as he interviews fashion historian and educator Carmela Spinelli on The Fashion is Cool Podcast. Together, they discuss alternative fashion career paths, the importance of historical context, and how creativity thrives in challenging times. From museum exhibitions to the evolution of retail, Carmela shares invaluable insights for aspiring designers and fashion professionals alike.

In this episode of The Fashion Is Cool Podcast, host Dwight Carter sits down with multifaceted artist Brock Seals to explore his dynamic creative journey. From his roots in music to his success in painting murals and designing fashion, Brock shares how he balances these outlets to stay inspired. He dives into the importance of imperfection in creativity, the connection between art and fashion, and the value of in-person community engagement. Listeners will gain insights into Brock's approach to preserving history through art, the impact of collaborations on his work, and how his St. Louis roots fuel his creativity. Plus, hear about his exciting new projects, including an upcoming shoe line. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about art, fashion, and finding your unique voice as a creator!

Summary In this episode of the Fashion is Cool podcast, host Dwight Carter interviews Audra Harrold, VP of Partnership Development and Education at Stars Design Group and Executive Director of the St. Louis Fashion Alliance. They discuss Audra's non-traditional journey into the fashion industry, her experiences with Sassy Bowl Equestrian, and the importance of community in St. Louis fashion. Audra shares insights on the role of nonprofits, the Fashion Alliance's initiatives to support local fashion professionals and students, and the significance of grants for fashion education. The conversation also covers the custom apparel solutions offered by Stars Design Group, the value of internships, and advice for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. The episode concludes with personal insights and fun questions about Audra's life outside of fashion. Takeaways Audra Harrold's journey into fashion was non-traditional and driven by personal needs. The importance of community support in the St. Louis fashion scene. Nonprofits in fashion are driven by passion and a desire to help others. The Fashion Alliance focuses on connecting local fashion professionals and students. Grants are essential for supporting fashion education and resources. Stars Design Group offers custom apparel solutions tailored to client needs. Internship programs provide valuable hands-on experience for students. St. Louis is a supportive environment for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. Fashion encompasses a wide range of occupations beyond design. Supporting local designers and boutiques is crucial for community growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Audra Harrell and Her Journey 02:10 Audra's Non-Traditional Entry into Fashion 08:02 Building Community in St. Louis Fashion 11:41 The Role of Nonprofits in Fashion 15:52 Fashion Alliance's Programming and Impact 21:51 Grants and Support for Fashion Education 28:19 Audra's Role at Starz Design Group 31:58 Internship Programs and Their Importance 37:26 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs 42:10 Personal Insights and Fun Questions 48:49 E0F28239-2D37-4850-8F1B-8DC19BE41678.mov #FashionPodcast #StLouisFashion #AudraHarrell #FashionEducation #CommunityInFashion #NonprofitFashion #FashionIndustryInsights #CustomApparel #InternshipAdvice #FashionEntrepreneurs #FashionAlliance #StarsDesignGroup #FashionCareerTips #DwightCarter #FashionIsCoolPodcast

In this episode of The Fashion Is Cool Podcast, host Dwight Carter sits down with Caira Butler, the Brand Experience Lead at Neiman Marcus - St. Louis. Caira shares her inspiring journey from a family-rooted love for fashion to a career leading exceptional customer experiences. Discover her tips on networking, community engagement, and making the most of local opportunities in St. Louis. Plus, hear her advice for students on starting out, leveraging social media, and the value of mentorship in building lasting careers in fashion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kyra Butler and Her Journey in Fashion 02:46 The Role of Brand Experience Lead at Neiman Marcus 05:44 Event Planning and Community Engagement 08:40 Balancing E-commerce and In-store Experiences 11:34 Fashion Futures: Connecting Students with Opportunities 14:13 The Importance of Networking for Students 17:06 Internship Programs and Volunteering in Fashion 20:02 The Journey to Neiman Marcus 22:46 Finding Out About Events at Neiman Marcus 25:36 Passions Beyond Fashion 28:29 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Summary In this episode of the Fashion is Cool podcast, host Dwight Carter interviews Laura Sawyier, a psychology expert and wardrobe consultant. They discuss Laura's journey into the fashion industry, the psychology of style, and how clothing choices impact confidence and behavior. Laura shares insights on her styling process, the importance of personal style, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. The conversation also touches on networking, the benefits of staying in St. Louis, and advice for aspiring fashion professionals. Website: https://lauraksawyier.com/ Instagram: @lauraksawyier Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laura Sawyer and Her Journey 03:02 The Psychology of Style and Its Impact 05:57 Client Transformations Through Style 08:52 Understanding Personal Style and Confidence 12:03 The Closet Editing Process 14:55 Virtual Closet Consultations 17:56 Insights from Workshops and Seminars 20:58 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs 23:59 Challenges in the Fashion Industry 26:46 Networking and Building Relationships 29:59 Staying in St. Louis: Opportunities and Challenges 33:09 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights #FashionPsychology #StyleAndConfidence #PowerOfFashion #DressForSuccess #ConfidenceThroughStyle #PsychologyOfStyle #FashionAndPerformance #PresenceAndStyle #WhatYouWearMatters #FashionScience #StyleExpert #LauraSawyier #FashionConsulting #StyleImpact #FashionPodcast

Summary Lisa Hu, the owner of Lux and Nyx, shares her journey from the finance world to starting her own brand of multifunctional bags. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding functional and stylish bags for professional women and how that led her to create her own. Lisa emphasizes the importance of balancing personal and professional life and how Luxe and Nix aims to serve women who are trying to do it all. She also talks about the company's commitment to sustainability and incremental improvements in their practices. Lisa Hu, the founder of Lux & Nyx, shares her journey as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. She discusses the motivation behind starting a unisex line and the importance of serving professional women with functional and stylish bags. Lisa talks about the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she adapted her business strategy. She also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the significance of having a purpose beyond oneself. Takeaways -Lisa Hu transitioned from the finance world to starting her own brand of multifunctional bags, Lux and Nyx. -Lux and Nyx aims to serve professional women who are trying to balance their personal and professional lives. -The company focuses on creating functional and stylish bags that meet the needs of busy women. -Lisa emphasizes the importance of incremental improvements in sustainability practices. -Lux and Nyx uses a 3PL (third-party logistics) partner for warehousing and shipping to ensure efficient operations. Starting a business requires a strong sense of purpose and a willingness to persevere through challenges. -Understanding unit economics and continuously testing and iterating are crucial for success in the fashion industry. -Being open to opportunities and preparedness are key factors in seizing retail partnerships. -Favorite restaurants in St. Louis: Little Saigon and Forks and Sticks. -Favorite colors: black, yellow, red, and green. -Favorite animals: dogs and bunnies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and How They Met 01:55 Lisa's Journey from Finance to Fashion 06:50 Creating Functional and Stylish Bags 10:26 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 13:54 Empowering Professional Women with Lux and Nyx 20:53 Sustainability and Incremental Improvements 25:11 Efficient Operations with a 3PL Partner 35:46 Expanding into a Unisex Line 36:03 Technical Difficulties 40:12 Empowering Professional Women with Functional and Stylish Bags 48:06 Navigating Challenges and Adapting During COVID-19 57:27 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs 01:04:47 Favorite Restaurants, Colors, and Animals Socials and Website https://luxandnyx.com/ Instagram: @luxandnyx  Facebook: @luxandnyx 

In this episode of the Fashion is Cool podcast, host Dwight Carter speaks with Paul Gibson, the founder of Paulie Gibson, about his journey in the fashion industry. They discuss their early days in St. Louis fashion, the transition to menswear, the challenges of building a brand, and the importance of connecting with customers. Paul shares insights on the state of fashion shows, the birth of his new venture Gent, and offers valuable advice for aspiring designers. The conversation highlights the transformative power of fashion and the significance of self-expression. Takeaways -Paul Gibson emphasizes the importance of passion for people in fashion. -Fashion can transform how individuals perceive themselves. -The journey of building a brand is filled with excitement and challenges. -Transitioning to a niche market can lead to greater success. -Understanding customer needs is crucial for a fashion brand. -Fashion shows should focus on creativity and the designer's vision. -The importance of mentorship and community in the fashion industry. -COVID-19 has reshaped the fashion landscape and personal priorities. -Designers should remain true to their identity and vision. -Building a connection with customers can enhance brand loyalty. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Meeting and Early Days 05:56 Transitioning to Menswear: Discovering a Niche 11:48 Building a Brand: The Launch of Paulie Gibson 18:09 Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Fashion 24:00 The Importance of Customer Connection 30:00 Fashion Shows: The State of the Industry 35:52 The Birth of Jett: A New Direction 42:14 Advice for Aspiring Designers: Staying True 47:58 Reflections and Future Aspirations