The Debrief

The Debrief

Author: The Business of Fashion Language: English Episodes: 100
Every week, The Debrief takes the most talked-about articles from BoF Professional and turns them into a deeper conversation. This isn't just about runway shows and red carpets; it's about the money, strategy, and often surprising forces driving the decisions we see. Hosted by seasoned BoF correspondents Sheena Butler-Young and Brian Baskin, the discussions pull back the curtain on a $2.5 trillion global industry, moving from the boardrooms of mega labels to the creative hustle of indie upstarts. You'll hear analysis of the pivotal deals, the disruptive technologies, and the powerful personalities that are constantly redefining what fashion means. The result is a clear-eyed look at the complex ecosystem where art, beauty, and commerce intersect. Tune in to this weekly podcast from The Business of Fashion for a nuanced perspective that goes far beyond the headlines, offering context and clarity on how the business actually works.
Episodes
Celebrating Black Style Inside the 2025 Met Gala [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
The Costume Institute's 2025 exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrated its opening at the annual Met Gala, marking the first menswear-focused exhibit in two decades and the first ever centred exclusively…
Are Viral Microtrends Losing Their Cool? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:21
Viral microtrends, the fleeting aesthetics popularised on platforms like TikTok, have defined recent fashion moments for young consumers. From the playful "Cottagecore" to the fleeting "Mob Wife", these trends have rapid…
The Power of a Luxury Handbag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
From the legendary Hermès Birkin to recent sensations like Alaïa’s Teckel, luxury handbags have long held a distinctive power within the fashion world. Blending brand heritage, practicality, and emotional resonance, hand…
Can Tariffs Really Revive 'Made in USA' Fashion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
In early April, President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented wave of tariffs, imposing duties as high as 145 percent on imports from China. Among the rationales offered were the prospect of a US manufacturing renais…
Trump’s Tariffs Change Everything [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:35
President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented wave of tariffs on April 2, imposing duties as high as 54 percent on fashion imports from key manufacturing countries, including China and Vietnam, and 20 percent on good…
H&M's AI Models and the Future of Fashion Marketing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:52
Fast-fashion giant H&M recently announced its plans to deploy AI-generated "digital twins" of real-life models in marketing campaigns. While H&M argues it's proactively managing inevitable industry changes, including by…
What Happened to Pat McGrath Labs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Pat McGrath is widely regarded as one of the most influential makeup artists of all time. Known simply as “Mother” to some in the industry, she’s been behind some of the most memorable runway beauty moments for decades.…
Is Forever 21 Shein's Biggest Victim Yet? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:36
Once a dominant player in fast fashion, Forever 21 recently filed for bankruptcy for the second time in six years, marking the likely end of its run as a physical retailer. The chain, known for introducing ultra-affordab…
Can You Sell Sexual Wellness Without Sex? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
In the 2010s and early 2020s, a new generation of sexual wellness companies selling sex toys, massage oils and other bedroom aides broke taboos by championing pleasure and redefining sex as wellness. Startups such as Han…
Can Farfetch Be Fixed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
Once hailed as a pioneering platform for online luxury, Farfetch is now undergoing a dramatic operational overhaul. The South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang acquired the luxury marketplace in 2023, rescuing it from near…