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
Luxury’s Italian Sweatshops Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
Background:Over the past year, the pristine image luxury brands have built on their links to artisanal craft, ethical manufacturing and quality has begun to crumble, buffeted by a scandal that has linked labels including…
What Happened to Beauty’s Billion-Dollar Brands? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:37
The beauty industry has witnessed a wave of disruptors rise and fall. Brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Glossier and Morphe leveraged social media and influencer marketing to achieve rapid success and unicorn valuatio…
Inside Luxury's Slowdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:36
For nearly a decade, the luxury sector has experienced what seemed like limitless growth, with brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel pushing product prices higher — and seeing consumers pay up. However, recent qua…
Why Some Sports Win Big in Fashion — and Others Don't [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
In recent years, sports has provided a rich ground for fashion partnerships. Where even three years ago Dior’s tie-up with Paris Saint-Germain was relatively novel, today it’s harder to find luxury brands that aren’t at…
Can AI Make Shopping Online Less Annoying? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
Online shopping promises convenience, but finding the right product among thousands – or hundreds of thousands – of options can often feel like a chore. To address this, retailers are experimenting with AI tools that aim…
How Dupe Culture is Challenging Traditional Luxury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:03
A growing number of direct-to-consumer brands are disrupting the luxury market by offering high-quality alternatives at more affordable prices. As traditional luxury brands focus on the ultra-wealthy and fast fashion dom…
How Beauty Blunders Go Viral and What Brands Do Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
The beauty industry thrives on virality, but in the age of social media, that can be a double-edged sword. One viral TikTok video can catapult a brand to success — or bring it to its knees. From Youthforia’s foundation s…
How Influencers Make Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
The influencer landscape has shifted dramatically over the last decade. While the image of influencers posting flawless selfies on exotic, brand-sponsored trips still resonates, the reality has become far more complex. I…
Can Department Stores Save Themselves? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:48
For decades, department stores were symbols of American retail success, but their shine has long since faded. Overexpansion that began in the 1990s, the growth of e-commerce and the decline of many malls has left a satur…
Why Does Menswear All Look the Same? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
A style renaissance that changed how many men dress – mostly for the better – has congealed into a sea of sameness, at least in the eyes of a growing number of fashion critics and influencers. Too many interchangeable br…