CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund: What It’s Really Like to be a Finalist

CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund: What It’s Really Like to be a Finalist

Author: Victoria Smith March 22, 2026 Duration: 46:46

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Ashley Moubayed, founder of Don’t Let Disco and a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. They discuss her journey from building the brand as a side hustle to becoming a full-time founder, and the realities of growing a fashion business. Ashley shares what it’s really like to go through the CFDA Fashion Fund, from the application process to the impact it has on credibility and growth. They also break down the cost of New York Fashion Week, navigating press, and why relationships and long-term partnerships are key in the industry. The conversation explores storytelling in fashion, misconceptions around jewelry, and why visibility doesn’t always equal value.


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Ever wonder how a clothing line actually gets made or what it takes to build a brand from a sketch to a global name? Fashion & Founders The Podcast, hosted by Victoria Smith, pulls back the curtain on the entire process. This isn't about seasonal trends or red carpet looks; it's a deep exploration of the machinery behind the glamour. Each episode features candid, long-form conversations with the founders, investors, and operators who are actively building the future of apparel and wearables. You'll hear real stories about the hurdles of fundraising, the complexities of ethical manufacturing, the explosive growth of resale, and the practical application of AI in design. Victoria guides discussions that connect the dots between capital, technology, and creativity, covering essential topics from sustainability to career navigation within the business of fashion. Tune in for a grounded perspective on an industry in constant flux, where ideas meet execution. This podcast delivers substance for anyone curious about the foundational work that makes fashion function.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 89

Fashion & Founders The Podcast
Podcast Episodes
8. Family Ties: Handmade Clothes and Priceless Pearls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:00
This week Charlotte Turner, a sustainable consultant and educator joins me. She discusses the joy in making her own clothes and the family influence. She tells the beautiful story behind her wedding dress, one with many…
7. Making a Statement Through Maximalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
This week, Maura, talks about what has inspired her bold and graphic sense of style from her art background to a desire to be heard. Fashion in an incredible channel to express your individual identity, who you are, how…
6. Shared Clothes and Memories with Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:58
This week, Lucy, my roommate joins me and we reminisce on our favorite memories and unsurprisingly we both can remember what we wore (often each other’s clothes). She talks about the fun and joy she gets from sharing clo…
5. The Significance and Celebrations our Items Hold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:59
Little hiatus since the last episode, but this week, Isabella, who is starting a sustainable and size inclusive denim brand joins us. She shares stories of shared pieces and the large significance that even the smallest…
4. Dressing in Color for Joy and Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
This week, Kirsty, a writer who definitely has a way with words discusses dressing in color for joy and culturally. She also talks about colonialism in the context of her own life and fashion. Thank you for listening!Ins…
3. The Sustainable Luxury of Second Hand Fashion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:23
This week features, Chloe, who studied sustainable fashion and is now getting a master's in luxury brand strategy. She talks about how some of the favorite things she has in her closet were her grandmother's, and the sec…
2. A Publicist on Outfit Repeating for Milestone Moments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:28
First guest! This week Valeria, who works in PR and is a full time masters student, talks about different articles of clothing she’s worn for major moments in her life (good and bad). She’s also a big advocate for outfit…
1. Introduction and a Greetings and Goodbyes Jacket [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:08
Hello and welcome to the first episode of Interwoven Stories! In this episode Victoria, the host, describes the reason for starting this storytelling series, explains the concept, and shares a couple stories of her own.…