Changing Room Thoughts (Karina Chan)

My Hoang is the definition of multi-hyphenate. But despite her many titles: jewelry business founder, AI Inventory Management SAAS startup founder, marketer, woman in stem--it is My's attitude that really left a mark on me.

My's passion for her custom watch jewelry business, Sage and Saber, is not fueled by pride or money -- but by love. Love for what she does, love for her customers, and the love of learning how to do something new. Being delulu is just being delulu unless you back those dreams up with an appreciation for what you're able to do for others and the bias-for-action to make those dreams real. We can all learn something from the way My handles herself and her business.

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Happy Cyber Monday! Today, I discuss the TikTok-fueled boycott around companies tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict. I question its practicality, urging you to explore and support local businesses. Join me for a unique take on conscious consumerism in a global crisis.

Boycott list here: https://boycott.thewitness.news/browse/1

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This episode dives into an uncomfortable yet critical topic. In the midst of fashion discussions, we can't ignore the world's harsh realities. This episode explores the intersection of fashion and major conflicts, urging us to acknowledge our privilege and face these issues. Fashion is not apolitical, and my hope is this episode will open your eyes to the impact of the industry on global crises. Let's grow, educate ourselves, and move beyond the surface of fashion. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on fashion's role in the world's most pressing issues. Here’s a link to the podcast referenced that explains the history of the Israel and Palestine Conflict: https://spotify.link/ye3Si96ycEb --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

Welcome back to Changing Room Thoughts! In this episode, recorded at the fabulous P&T Knitwear studio, I dive into the transformative practice of reinvention and finding personal style for the upcoming year. As 2024 approaches, I want to curate a wardrobe with intentionality, ethical consumption, and sustainability. In this episode we explore what the meaning of personal style even is--and how it's discourse on TikTok can be a bit misleading sometimes. Lastly I break down a step-by-step guide on how I plan to develop and refine my own in preparation for 2024. From setting budgets to creating mood boards, I hope today's episode offers a thoughtful approach to fashion, ensuring your style reflects your unique identity.

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Join the⁠ Changing Room Thoughts Discord Server here Follow Nail Fairy on IG here https://www.instagram.com/nailfairy_nyc?igsh=MTltcHNsd2E2Mnd0Mw== I have NEVER in my life been stopped and asked about my nails more. I have been stopped at least a dozen times (not exaggerating) about my latest Nail Fairy manicure. The nurse at my checkup, the girls working at the MAC counter, literally EVERYONE and their mothers wants to know where I get my manicures done. It makes one wonder: who is behind such magical manicures? This is a video about the beautiful and mysterious founder of Nail Fairy: New York's most artistic and talented nail salon growing at breakneck speed. If you've wondered about a NYC hot girl's editorial, fashion mag-worthy manicure of perfection, they're likely done by Leyla Mir or one of her talented Russian-speaking Nail Fairies. Join me in diving into this smart, creative, young and successful woman's life story as we uncover what it's like opening and owning 2 nail salons within a year in one of the most expensive cities in the world at the age of 25. 0:00 Intro 02:31 identifying a gap in a crowded market: quality dry-file manicures + creative nail art 05:03 opening a nail school 06:52 learning nails as a college side hustle 08:41 from graduating with a major in biology to opening a nail practice during COVID 11:08 being a 25 YO entrepreneur 12:14 nail art friends across the world 13:48 finding inspiration for original designs 16:42 Growing up in Uzbekistan 20:12 Girl boss mom = girl boss daughter 22:08 moving to America 23:08 no one spoke Russian or knew where Uzbekistan was from 24:30 the history of the Russian Manicure craze 27:22 what good customer service is for a nail business 28:44 what's next for Nail Fairy? 31:12 nail art and fashion 33:01 working with Dior and RebelMac 34:50 Gentle Monster x Nail Fairy dream collab 35:48 two girlies that DJ! 38:22 techno music and techno nails 40:24 NY house and techno spot recs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

Shop DAWANG here

There is something so undeniably gorgeous about the Qi Pao. The refined, structured tailoring. The divine hand-feel of silk brocade. As a Chinese American -- it's always been a shame to me that I felt I could only celebrate the beauty of my heritage's sartorial culture on rare occasions. You may have seen traditional Chinoiserie at weddings and graduations, but on a day-to-day Chinese Americans don a more "practical" and "casual" dress as dictated by our obviously euro-centric culture.

In comes DAWANG -- a shining beacon of expressive hope for fashion-forward Chinese Americans who can finally fill this hole in their closet and their hearts. After taking a class on subcultures, Chinese-born Daisy Wang realized that nobody was making the type of elevated Asian streetwear that she wanted to consume—comfortable, ready to wear, and not a gimmick. DAWANG's brocade patterns in lavender, periwinkle, cobalt, and orange are sewn into practical streetwear silhouettes--allowing the wearer to enjoy the beauty and heritage of Chinese sericulture day to day.

DAWANG (大王) means "Big King" and is a New York-based contemporary streetwear design brand that draws influences from East and West.
DAWANG is committed to celebrating a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Later joined by her best friend Abby Li in 2022, with their similar background growing up, having absorbed aesthetics from both American and Chinese cultures, they meticulously joins traditional chinoiserie apparel and Chinese fabrics with Western tailoring techniques and trends.

In addition to fostering a creative space for Chinese and Chinese Americans, Daisy and Abby's aim is to invite people of all backgrounds to partake in the beauty of #ModernChinoiserie. The intention to create a melting pot of culture surrounding modern Chinese streetwear is more than apparent in their diverse casting choices across runway and e-commerce models.

I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did -- this one is really special and personal.

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Hi, and welcome to the Changing Room Thoughts podcast. You may know me from TikTok as Karina, the fashion nerd, and this podcast is an expansion of all the things I talk about on there, fashion, history, fashion, commentary, fashion, just as a concept in This podcast is for anyone who has ever had a single critical thought about fashion, about their relationship with clothes, about self-expression, through getting dressed in the morning. I'll be dropping 20 minute episodes every Monday morning Something perfect to listen to on the way to your work.

This podcast is meant to be fashion food for thought, so it's not necessarily a fashion journalism podcast. With that being said, can't wait to see you in the first episode. Bye!

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Join us for a multi-faceted and inspiring episode as we delve into the worlds of fashion, creative expression, and personal resilience. Our conversations with Henry and Marco of Undermind span everything from their collective's ventures in fashion magazine publishing and music production, to tales of early techno raves, the power of community, and the importance of positive manifestation practices.Don't miss the exciting launch of Iconic Magazine on June 5th!

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Met Gala this, Met Gala that. What is the Met Gala? And what is so special about it that it captures the world's attention on the first Monday of every May? What does the costume institute do? If you've ever been curious about the Met Gala and are curious about this year's event -- this episode is for you!

Discord Server

TikTok

Youtube

Instagram

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Check out the time stamps below to skip around!

Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivian.z/

Today's episode of Changing Room Thoughts touches on some controversyyyyyy. But we said what we said! Vivian and I talk about it all: cultural appropriation, is it lunar new year or Chinese new year, internalized sinophobia in Chinese Americans all while we drink some actual tea! 0:00 CRT 21: Happy Lunar New Year 09:17 being REALLY chinese 11:47 lunar new year or chinese new year? 14:22 Fast Fashion 17:50 expensive fashion can still be "fast" 20:23 lunar new year traditions 21:20 how to stay connected to the culture 22:58 internalized racism in Chinese Americans 27:45 how traditions differ across china 29:55 Chinese Zodiac 33:30 traditional Chinese jewelry 37:22 how to connect with your culture more 40:09 shanghainese representation

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In this special episode of Changing Room Thoughts, I had the pleasure of featuring my mother as the guest speaker. She's an OG fashionista whose style and taste have greatly influenced my own. We discussed her journey from China to the United States, her career as a successful real estate agent, and her newfound passion for photography. She shared her favorite fashion brands, like Max Mara and Carolina Herrera, and emphasized the importance of investing in quality pieces over quantity. Moreover, my mom talked about passing down timeless clothing items and the balance between financial responsibility and dressing well. It was an emotional and insightful conversation that showcased her love for fashion and life's beauty.

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Today's episode explores the intersection of self-care and fashion. It's not just skincare; it's personal style and expression. Fashion reflects self-worth, and is a tool to become the person we want to be. Self-care helps us feel psychologically ready. Despite discourse about self-care devolving into an industry for capitalist opportunists, embracing self-care for confidence is okay IMO. I share what my perfect night of self care looks like: starting with a clean space and then engages all senses with a feel-good drink, bath, music, and reading. I'm curious what other peoples' self care rituals are too! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

Join the⁠ Changing Room Thoughts Discord Server

Follow ⁠@newyork.ccc⁠ on IG for more events like the one we did at the Met's exhibit: Women Dressing Women

TikTok: @karinajchan

IG: @karinajchan

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In this episode of "Changing Room Thoughts," I explore the world of designer fragrances and their business motivations. I delve into the fascination and high costs of perfumes, the different strengths of fragrances, and their cultural significance. I also discuss the rise of Arabian perfume oils and why many still opt for Western luxury brands. The episode includes a back-of-the-envelope calculation of perfume profitability, the complexities of intellectual property in the fragrance industry, and the emergence of perfume dupes.

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Support the Chinese Miao Tribe and help keep their embroidery history alive here: https://sourgongzhu.com/ Checkout Sour Gong Zhu's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sourgongzhu/ 00:00 Introduction to the Meow Tribe Embroidery 00:45 Understanding Sustainable Fashion 01:50 Welcome to Season Three of Changing Room Thoughts 02:36 Meet Becca Pu: Fashion Tech Innovator 04:23 Challenges in Sustainable Fashion 07:50 The Importance of Indigenous Textiles 13:54 Modernizing Traditional Folk Art 18:31 Empowering Village Artisans 28:29 Choosing the Right Textile 28:49 Creating the Perfect Silhouette 29:01 Collaborating with Seamstresses 29:56 Navigating the Tailor Market 30:58 Sourcing Sustainable Factories 32:53 Challenges in Sustainable Fashion 41:37 Debunking Pricing Myths 48:44 The Reality of 'Made in China'

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Changing Room Thoughts with me! Delve into the world of fashion, its history, commentary, and self-expression. This episode offers insights into New York Fashion Week, from its logistics to its broader concept. Discover the exclusivity, celebrity attendance, and the interplay between fashion's elite and social media. I also shares my excitement for upcoming shows, showcasing innovative designers and collections. Join the conversation and explore deeper fashion topics in this thought-provoking podcast. Leave a five-star rating if you enjoy it, and stay tuned for more every Monday.

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Join the Changing Room Thoughts Discord Server

Follow @newyork.ccc on IG for more events like the one we did at the Met Gala's exhibit: Women Dressing Women

"The Craze for Feminine Rage" by Emily Tom

"Your Satin Ribbons Will Not Save You" by Salome Sol

Women Love Power - Feminine Archetypes

Dark Feminine Designers/Brands Mentioned:

Elena Velez

Mirror Palais

SS24 Alaia by Pieter Mulier

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I'm excited to welcome my second guest ever, Kristie Chow, on Changing Room Thoughts. Together we explore how to balance tech and fashion and sustainability. We discuss Hauteline, Kristie's curated rental platform bridging sustainability and style. The episode dives into Kristie's journey, her elevated and exclusive curation of high-end fashion, and a vision for a future where renting reshapes our closets. Tune in for an enlightening conversation. 🛍️✨

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To share my gratitude for this nerdy fashion community -- I'm doing a giveaway of Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style Today we delve into various types of "fashion girlies" based on accessibility. Covering finance girlies, tech girlies, thrift everything vintage queens, luxury fashion lovers, financially sustainable fashion girlies, and nepo babies. Karina shares insights and anecdotes about each category while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in fashion.

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In this exciting second episode, we're diving deep into AAPI fashion at New York Fashion Week. From Peter Do's stunning debut at Helmut Lang to Kim Shui's Italian-inspired collection, Dauphinette's sustainable and artistic creations, and Private Policy's thought-provoking designs, we'll explore the rich tapestry of styles on display. It's an exhilarating time for AAPI fashion with designers catering to a wide range of aesthetics and a strong focus on sustainability. Join me as we dissect these collections and celebrate the diverse voices shaping the fashion landscape! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

What's a fashion podcast without a scathing review of top trends, looks, and designers of the year? Grab a drink/joint/vice of choice and join me and Mars Scott (AKA @mars.0rbit on TikTok) in our roundup of the year's biggest flops and most iconic moments in fashion. From Anok Yai's goddess-like appearance at the MET Gala to Muni Long's unfortunate Mugler ensemble we get intoooo it. Let us know what your favorite (or least favorite) takes were!

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After a brief hiatus, we're back with an episode that delves deep into our connection with clothes.

In this episode, I dissect Black Friday mind-games, consumption, and our intricate relationships with our wardrobes. We explore the highs of love, the pitfalls of failure, and the rocky road of ambivalence in our fashion choices.

I share many insights from Alec Leach's eye-opening book, "The World Is On Fire, But We're Still Burning Shoes." Ever wondered why we're hooked on fashion despite its environmental toll? Alec Leach breaks it down, offering hope and a way out.

As a thank you for your unwavering support, I'm running a giveaway for a fabulous fashion history coffee table book! Details on how to participate are in the episode—don't miss out!

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Personally I feel that the connection between one's spiritual practice and their fashion comes quite naturally -- but if this is a novel idea to you I encourage you to keep an open mind. For those that think, perhaps a little too much, about the clothes they put on their bodies -- adopting some aspects of spiritual self reflection, self awareness, self love, and self care can uplevel not only our clothes, but the way we feel in our clothes. In my quest for finding a more sustainable relationship with clothing: environmentally, financially, emotionally I've found these core principles offer great clarity and helps me maintain high standards with the clothes that touch my skin everyday. If you think about it that way -- fashion is indeed quite intimate. Instagram Youtube TikTok --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

Today’s guest speaker is the zenith of corporate baddie on TOP turned fashion tech startup founder. A former Blackstone employee, our esteemed guest speaker today left the trillion-dollar asset manager to start Pickle, a peer-to-peer clothing rental app, that allows users to rent out their closet to people who live nearby and favorite of enterprising fashion girlies nationwide. Though born in New York City in 2021, Pickle has more than half of its new users come from other parts of the country.

In the sea of startups vying for the all elusive venture capital funding — she and her cofounder Brian McMahon has raised $8 million in funding from FirstMark, Craft Ventures and others in 2023, giving it a $30 million valuation. An all the more incredible feat given that only 2% of venture dollars goes to women founders.

Fashion nerds I hope you enjoy this episode with the inspiring, Forbes 30 under 30, Julia O’Mara. We get INTO it from her most worn pieces, Pickle's incredibly cost-effective marketing strategy, and the creative features which this startup has developed to help fashion lovers across the US try beautiful clothes in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable way.

Have you given Pickle a try? If not, would you? As a renter or as an owner? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Threads of Tech IG

Download Pickle and get $20 off your first rental

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In this episode, we dive into the Matilda Djerf controversy, which I refer to as "DjerfGate." We explore the nuances of intellectual property in fashion, influencer branding, and the challenges small creators face. While the situation is complex, it raises questions about protecting originality in the digital age and the blurred lines of inspiration.

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Poshmark's head of merchandising, Chloe Baffert, has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Daily Mail for her trend predictions. And if you've had the privilege of watching any of her TikToks, you'd know her refreshingly honest takes from 2023's trends being 2010's references to calling out Staud's overpriced and unoriginal Cleo Peppiat dupes.

Her content belies just how much the girl knows how to shop. Chloe is a bonafide e-commerce queen. Not only has she led merchandising at Poshmark, but also product management at Macy's leading digital style strategy and even contributed her fashion taxonomy expertise to The Yes--an AI powered shopping platform startup that sold to Pinterest for 80 million in 2022.

As a techie girl and fashion nerd, I cannot explain my delight To have Chloe join me on changing room boss today. Check out her IG and TT here:

https://www.instagram.com/chloebaffert/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@chloebaffert

Undermind is an innovative collective and music label whose continued growth includes recent Latin Grammy nominations and a collaboration with NYC's iconic venue, Elsewhere. Soon, they'll launch the second issue of their magazine, Screens Don't Capture Reality, at the legendary Iconic Magazine in NYC.

Drawing inspiration from techno warehouse culture, Undermind encourages its community to embrace the present. The magazine will also be available across retailers in South Korea and Japan. I've had a sneak peek into the contents and it is some serious fashion eye candy.

Thank you, Henry and Undermind, without which today's episode would not be possible. Check them out here:

https://undermind.xyz/

https://www.instagram.com/undermindnyc/?hl=en

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You might cross Faith on the street and think to yourself, "My goodness, what a beautiful and well dressed girl!" But dig a little deeper and you'll find that Faith Nathanie isn't just a pretty face. Her youth belies her maturity, experience, and entrepreneurial prowess. Years before she was known as @faithnathanie, the certified social media star sitting at 134,000 followers on Instagram. Years before she started running her own creative services business. And right before moving halfway across the globe to live her dream of studying fashion at LIM in New York City, Faith was running her own sustainable fashion business from Perth, Australia at the ripe age of 19. I myself had discovered Faye Studios In late 2021, much to Faith's surprise when I later ran into her in person at a fashion event with emcee Studios in New York. Now armed with a degree in fashion business from LIM and years of PR experience as both influencer and creative services entrepreneur--Faith is looking to relaunch Faye Studios and today we're going to learn all about it. Please join me in welcoming the inimitable Faith Nathanie. 0:00 CRT 20 | What it takes to build a sustainable fashion brand from scratch with Faith Nathanie 00:37 Introducing Faith 03:13 Being Australian 03:49 Ambition stems from funding expensive taste 05:34 Why start a sustainable fashion brand? 07:11 Crushed dreams 08:33 You dont need to be an illustrator to design 09:37 Google is free 11:53 Why move to New York? 13:52 Tips to improve production efficiency 16:07 Finding a sustainable manufacturing practice for small brands 18:58 The goal is to learn not just achieve 19:48 Building effective brand marketing 25:28 Launching Nathanie 28:48 Postgrad Plans

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Welcome back to Changing Room Thoughts! I'm Karina, your host for this unscripted episode. Grab your coffee and join me as we dive into the multifaceted world of fashion sustainability. We'll explore how the fashion industry, divided between culture and manufacturing, affects the environment and discuss innovative solutions. I'll introduce you to exciting fashion tech startups founded by AAPI women that are reshaping the industry. Plus, I'll share my theory about why fashion has been left behind in technological innovation. Together, we'll envision a future where self-expression through clothing aligns with a sustainable world. Join the conversation on Spotify or YouTube and let's unravel the complexities of fashion sustainability. See you next Monday on your commute! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karina-chan4/support

I am soooooo excited to bring this SS24 Couture Week review episode of Changing Room Thoughts to you today! Joined by my very knowledgeable and insightful guests Ari Arvand and Edward Park we uncover all the juicy details of this season's finest masterworks and biggest flops. For those of you who don't know: haute couture garments are handmade, unique and custom-made garments while ready-to-wear is clothing produced in large(er) quantities in a factory. TLDR couture week showcases the creme de la creme of craftsmanship, design talent, and fashion heritage. Hope you enjoy diving into all the looks with us! 0:00 Intro 08:38 JPG, Simmon Rocha, and the Nipple Bra 12:02 quality loss in clothing 15:59 addition through subtraction 18:44 fragrances keep couture houses alive 23:09 Robert wun 26:24 margiela 29:44 dark aesthetics 32:26 feminism 36:09 miss sohee 38:03 rahul mishra 41:11 tweens at chanel

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In episode five of "Changing Room Thoughts," I explore the world of Italian fashion designers. We delve into three iconic Italian brands: Versace, Prada/Miu Miu, and Emilio Pucci. Versace embodies the powerfully sexy woman. Prada, offers a quirky, intellectual style with a focus on practicality. Emilio Pucci, known for psychedelic prints, offers an escapist, fun, and quirky fashion experience. These designers reveal distinct Italian fashion flavors that cater to various personalities and aesthetics.

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