Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) on 2026 Fashion Trend Predictions, Freaky Shoes, and Embodying the Old Loser in Brooklyn | 13.10

Who were the best designers of Paris Fashion Week 2025?Sol and Michael are talking the future of fashion this week! The duo sit down with Mandy Lee (aka oldloserinbrooklyn) to chat about fashion trend forecasting before TikTok existed (and TikTok fashion trends), microtrends vs macro trends (and why everyone's obsessed with ranking them), the Simone Rocha bride aesthetic, designer fashion show debuts in 2025, what it's really like being a Gen Z fashion influencer, how TikTok changed fashion predictions forever, the politics of fashion discourse (and why fashion people need to touch grass), pandemic TikTok origin stories (chainmail, anyone?), freaky shoes collections, why the fashion industry ate its own during COVID layoffs, fashion community building, Neo-punk revivalism right-wing mommy influencers (yes, that's a thing, apparently), and whether liberals are losing the culture war on the internet (among other things)!Want to support the podcast? Subscribe to our HeroHero for giveaways, extra episodes, and more!We hope you enjoy just as much as we did recording!Lots of love!Sol---Episode tags: trend forecasting, microtrends 2025, Simone Rocha, old loser in Brooklyn, Mandy Lee, TikTok fashion, Gen Z fashion trends, designer debuts 2025, fashion show rankings, Brooklyn fashion, pandemic TikTok, fashion predictions 2026, balletcore, coquette aesthetic, fashion industry, runway analysis, fashion podcast, fashion forecaster interview, Sandy Liang, quiet luxury, mob wife aesthetic, fashion and politics, neo-punk revival, fashion community, fashion discourse, freaky shoes, Y2K fashion, fashion career advice Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

Is Glenn Martens a good designer? Who owns Maison Margiela (and thus, controls the brand)? Are Margiela gats, futures, tabis, and shoes enough to carry a designer through their tenure? Join Michael and Sol as they chat about what it means to be a designer in 2025, Maison Margiela shoes, John Galliano, Martin Margiela, Hedi Slimane Jeans, Saint Laurent's rebrand (why did YSL change to SLP), mm6 (and the connotations of the line), Margiela's Line 2, Vetements Hoodies (and how to legit check vetements hoodies (they're all fake)), how fashion changed with social media, what the connotations of a hoodie/t-shirt/sweatpants changed, Sol's weird date, if Thom Yorke is a zionist, and Dubtribe Sound System's "Do It Now" (among other things)!If you'd like to support the podcast and be entered into our wonderful Toskovat fragrance giveaway, subscribe to our HeroHero!We hope you enjoy :)Lots of love!Sol---mens fashion podcast, margiela 2026, demna balenciaga, glenn martens designer, y project fashion, diesel fashion brand, gucci flip flops, streetwear trends 2026, luxury fashion for men, designer fashion explained, north face style guide, mens style tips, fashion podcast recommendations, balenciaga worth it, margiela review, streetwear essentials, mens fashion trends, designer sneakers 2026, hypebeast fashion, fashion for guys, mens streetwear guide, luxury streetwear brands, demna gvasalia designs, is balenciaga overrated, gucci slides styling, mens fashion advice, ski jacket streetwear, designer hoodies men, fashion podcast spotify, mens style 2026, streetwear fit check, designer brand tier list, margiela vs balenciaga, mens fashion basics, streetwear on budget, fashion trends explained, mens wardrobe essentials, designer fashion worth it, streetwear outfit ideas, fashion for young men, luxury fashion guide, street style men, fashion podcast youtube, mens fashion mistakes, designer clothing review, fashion trends tiktok, streetwear brands 2026, mens style evolution, fashion content creators, pair of kings podcast Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

Where DO you find the best vintage jeans? This week, Dr. Sonya Abrego, the world's preeminent Westernwear historian joins Sol and Michael to talk about vintage jeans, American-made denim, the Cone Mills Corporation, Lee Jeans (and why pocket designs matter!), what IS selvedge denim, (and what is raw denim), her greatest finds from her days as a picker, the modern landscape of denim, how to date levis, what is so special about raw denim (especially if it's made in the US), some myths about denim production, the craziest denim/workwear brand you've never heard of (not a joke, Sonya blew my mind), her newest research, and so much more!If you want to hear episodes early, support the podcast, and be included in all of our giveaways, subscribe to our HeroHero!Thank you so much to Dr. Abrego - we hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed chatting with her!Lots of love!Sol---0:00 Dr. Sonya Abrego - Western Wear Expert & Fashion Historian0:35 What makes vintage Levi's valuable? 2:02 What is selvedge denim? 4:04 How to date vintage Levi's jeans 5:52 Where to find vintage Western wear7:14 Why is Western wear popular?11:52 What is raw denim?14:37 Best vintage clothing stores 18:20 How to authenticate vintage denim 22:45 Cone Mills denim? 28:30 Japanese selvedge denim brands35:15 Kapital clothing brand guide42:00 How to identify vintage cowboy shirts48:25 Western wear trends 202553:40 Where to buy vintage jeans online58:10 How to care for raw denim 1:02:35 Is vintage clothing sustainable? 1:06:20 Ranch wear vs Western wear difference 1:09:09 Spaghetti Western fashion influence1:12:59 Best Western wear brands today Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

You could hear episode early and get access to our Rick Owens "Temple of Love" Giveaway by subscribing to our HeroHero! Michael's back! Michael's back! Sit down as Sol catches up with his work husband and chat about Rick Owens, Helmut Lang, Stone Island, CP Company, Balenciaga, Adidas, Italian fashion, the downfall of tourism, Issey Miyake shirts, Margiela, Margiela Couture, Glenn Martens, Off-White hoodies, the now-defunct Pyrex vision, Virgil Abloh, LL Bean and Eddie Bauer, popular fashion trends as a result of internet engagement (Rick Owens shoes, Chrome Hearts rings, Yeezy Gap), Paris Fashion Week 2025, post-modern fashion, athleisure and the rise of synthetic fabrics, how TikTok fashion changes how we dress, The 1975, and so much more!We hope you enjoy the episode!Sol--Ignore these tags:streetwear, men’s streetwear, urban fashion, hypebeast, sneaker culture, sneakerhead, men’s outfits, outfit inspiration, vintage streetwear, thrifted fashion, street style, fashion trends, TikTok fashion, Instagram fashion, Gen Z style, capsule wardrobe, men’s accessories, unisex fashion, oversized clothing, logo tees, baggy jeans, statement sneakers, graphic hoodies, layering, street fashion brands, everyday streetwear, athleisure, skate style, music and fashion, street culture, global menswear, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Vetements, Chrome Hearts, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Junya Watanabe, Undercover, Kapital, Salomon, geobaskets, gorpcore, techwear, streetwear, athleisure, haute couture, archive fashion, thrifted, grailed, legit check, Carti aesthetic, opium style, Rick Owens reps, DHgate haul, Pandabuy Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

You could hear episodes early and get access to all of our giveaways on our HeroHero!It's with great pleasure that I announce this week's episode with Sophia Stel, the artist/producer/singer/songwriter behind not one, but two of the year's best EPs: Object Permanence and How to Win at Solitaire. Tune in as Sol and Michael chat with Sophia about her soon-to-be international tour, finding and working with "anime baddie" opener ilykimchi, living life without a phone, thrifting in New York City, how she thinks through her music from inception to release, remixes, Young Thug, sliming out your day ones the second you blow up, being comfortable, the Great White North, learning to tailor your clothes, and so much more!Thanks again to Sophia and her wonderful publicist Elizabeth for making this episode possible - the international leg of the tour begins on November 7th in Paris! Get tickets if you can :)Lots of love!SolSol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

This episode has a $250 ESSX Giveaway! All HeroHero subscribers are automatically entered.The boys are back for a totally normal, definitely-nothing-amiss episode. Join Sol and Michael as they cover all of the recent runway debuts of Paris (J.W. Anderson's Dior, Pierpaolo Piccioli's Balenciaga, Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta, Duran Latnik's Jean Paul Gaultier, Mathieu Blazy's Chanel, Ann Demeulemeester, Alexander McQueen, Glenn Martens' Maison Margiela, Miguel Frietas' Mugler, Loewe) and chat about what people are buying, stories of walking runways, and so much more!Huge thanks to Fifi and Ella for stepping in for this totally normal episode (Michael is traveling).Lots of love!SolSol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

You could have heard this episode early and had access to our $250 Komune Giveaway on our HeroHero!That title isn't a joke, everyone! This week, instagram.com/_smithstagram and instagram.com/solthompson sit down with their new friend, instagram.com/caitlepillar (also known as Caitle, Caitlin Dark, Cait, or the progenitor of the health goth movement) to chat about their professional basketball career, what it was like to hang with Anna Delvey, Australia's fashion scene, *potentially* walking for Rick Owens, partying during New York Fashion Week, Lu'u Dan, getting solicited for feet pics, respectful DM slides, Cait's new music, and so much more!We hope you love the episode as much as we love Caitle!Sol Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

Get early access to episodes and automatic entry into our giveaways when you subscribe to our HeroHero!Michael and Sol report live from their Komune popup, full of a live studio audience! Tune in as the boys talk about the highlights and lowlights from New York Fashion Week, why calling brands "emerging" isn't only a misnomer but deeply offensive, how to be #26andtappedin, the lack of quality menswear in New York, comic books, Matt Mercer, perfumery, hatmaking, what it's like to run a popup, and why spaces like Komune matter so much for fashion!They also have a few surprise guests, including shoe and bootmaker Ives Barrera, Joseph Baumeister from Perfume Making Co., and a whole host of listeners who ask questions live!Hope you enjoy - thank you so much for coming out to support the podcast!Lots of love!SolSol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

You can hear episodes early and get access to our weekly giveaways on HeroHero!The glaring issues of the greatest city in the world (New York) frustrate the Pair of Kings: little access to trains, high costs of living, improper addressing of the upper class' disparate tax burden... the list goes on. How can we change any of this? What can we do?This week, Sol and Michael bring New York City's District 36 Councilman, Chi Ossé on to the pod to chat Why Shit Not Working, how we can fix the city, some of the insane mayoral candidates, transit systems, affordable housing, and so much more.We hope you enjoy the episode just as much as we did recording it!Lots of love,SolSol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok

Hi everyone! After a very long wait, we're back with a new season of the podcast! Tune in as the boys talk about the upcoming Friends of PoK popup (September 26th-28th at Komune) featuring designers NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN NEW YORK like Lac Demure, Ives Barrera, Bailey Goldberg, Perfume Making Co., Kozaburo, Jordan Arthur Smith, and so many more! Sol and Michael also discuss the changing landscape of the Lower East Side (uh oh!) and the mega-list that covers literally EVERY fashion stop in the neighborhood for both residents and visitors alike.We hope you enjoy, and we hope to see you at the popup (where we'll be doing a live podcast AND giving things away!)Also - drawing for the $250 in Komune credit closes on Monday, September 22nd. All you have to do is subscribe to the HeroHero (which supports the pod!): you'll be able to use it at the popup if you so choose!All the best, and lots of love!SolSol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don’t forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we’ve dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at [email protected] to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol’s Instagram Michael’s Instagram Michael’s TikTok