FashionTalks (FashionTalks)

Qasim Mohammad is an investor who currently works out of Wittington Venture. His expertise is deeply rooted in consumer brands.

In this episode Qasim and Donna discuss:

• Outside investing 101 - what is venture capital and other financing options
• What are the goals of the VC/ investor
• How to build you network for potential investing
• What makes a great pitch
• Advice for crafting a pitch and where to look for pitch decks
• Scaling for capital
• How to present your opportunity and examples of companies that are doing it well
• Breaking down what the market is and how it impacts financing
• Expectations for founders/ entrepreneurs on the fundraising process - during and upon success of financing
• What is on trend in the market currently

The video Qasim mentions in the episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXYxCBBPegg

To learn more about Qasim, his thoughts on the marketing and investing, and to connect - https://qasimmohammad.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Presented with the CAFA Changemaker Award in 2023, Amber-Dawn Bear Robe is a curator, art historian and Fashion Show Program Director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. Born in Alberta, Canada, and a member of the Siksika Nation, Bear Robe has spent her career working and lecturing in Native art institutions. Through her work and advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in the representation of Indigenous designers on a national platform. She has demonstrated profound dedication to empowering Indigenous talent, art, and design history and has set the stage for a more inclusive and culturally rich fashion landscape.

Jamie Alexander got thrown into the fashion industry when his daughter Ruby wanted to wear a bikini like her friends. Something that was fun and girlie with tween/ teen vibes. Ruby, who is trans, wanted something that made her feel like herself. When Jamie and his wife looked for options for their daughter, there was nothing that fit what they, and Ruby, were looking for. So Jamie embarked on making it for her.

In this episode you will hear:

• The unique design journey of Ruby's bikini bottoms
• How Jamie used social media to problem solve design, launch the products and build community
• The feedback Jamie gets from families about the profound impact of his products and company

If you or someone you know is looking for information, education and support here are some resources:

• Kids Help Phone - https://kidshelpphone.ca/tag-cloud/?tags=2slgbtq
• The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• The Trans Student Educational Resources/ Gender Unicorn - https://transstudent.org/gender/

To learn more about Rubies - https://rubyshines.com/

Follow on IG - https://www.instagram.com/rubiesdad/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

As the founder and CEO of Talk Boutique, Andrea Sampson has been training individuals in delivering engaging talks, compelling stories, dynamic presentations and building active communities based on developing thought leadership.

Listen to Andrea and Donna Bishop discuss:

• The dual value of being a thought leader
• Why fashion is ripe for new thought leaders
• How to start being a thought leader
• Thought leader vs expert vs trail blazer vs influencer vs change maker
• Why an emotional connection is essential to being a thought leader
• What is the unique mindset of a thought leader and how to cultivate it
• How thought leadership supports business goals - including sales

To learn more about Andrea Sampson - https://talkboutique.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

That's a wrap on season 4! But don't worry - FashionTalks isn't going anywhere.

We will return in September with a special series, FashionTalks for Industry. Host Donna Bishop will interview experts in legals, grant writing, thought leadership, financing, marketing, managing burnout and more. A host of topics to support you and your business whether you are a designer, entrepreneur, creative director, freelancer - any. career that touches fashion.

Until then, enjoy some favourite episodes from the vault throughout the month of August.

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Lisa Corbo has been around the fashion block. She has been a textile designer, fashion designer, interior designer, buyer, retail entrepreneur, stylist and most recently has added digital creator to her incredible career. Lisa has so much to share and a ton of amazing stories, experiences and insights.

In this episode Lisa talks about:

• Her vast and varied career
• What authenticity means to her
• Her thoughts on aging
• Her thoughts on the power of aesthetics
• How she is more than fashion

To learn more and follow Lisa Corbo on IG - https://www.instagram.com/lisacorbo/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

David Cash, founder of Cash Labs, has been identified by Vogue Magazine as the leading force in bringing web3 to market. David, the 2023 CAFA Innovation Award winner, is the founder of Metaverse Fashion Week and has worked with dozens of global brands from Farfetch to Estée Lauder to Verizon to the NBA.

In this episode David and host Donna Bishop discuss:

• David's journey to founding Cash Labs
• The origins of Metaverse Fashion Week (and what is that experience?)
• Breaking down Web3, AI, VR, Blockchain and other technologies
• How these technologies impact and are essential for anyone in fashion to be aware of and pay attention to
• Explaining how prevalent so much of this technology is already
• Why the gaming world is relevant right now and in the future
• Understanding the scope of the digital realm and why it matters in a broad sense (you may be surprised)
• Amazing advice for anyone working in fashion

To learn more about Cash Labs - https://www.cashlabs.io/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cashlabs.io

David Cash - https://www.instagram.com/davidcash888/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jeanne Beker is a fashion icon and Canadian treasure. As the host of the ground breaking FashionTelevision Jeanne brought new fans to fashion, opened a portal to the otherwise unseen magic of runways shows and witnessed the entire fashion industry respond to new media.

In this episode you will hear Jeanne share stories about:

• how she became the host of FashionTelevision
• meeting designers Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and many more
• the moment she literally handed her mic over to someone else
• the lasting impact of FashionTelevision on her life and career

To learn more about Jeanne Beker - http://www.jeannebeker.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thejeannebeker/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

John Fluevog has been designing shoes since the 1970s. His unmistakeable footwear has graced not just runway shows around the world, but have been worn by countless celebrities including Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

George Clinton, known as Parliament known as Funkadelic, came to prominence in the 60s, revolutionized R&B music in the 70s and continues to make music with a host of artists including Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, LL Cook J and Drake (one of his latest).

Dame Zandra Rhodes has been a fashion designer for over 50 years and is the founder of the British Fashion and Textile Museum. She has dressed countless celebrities from Natalie Wood to Diana Ross to Freddy Mercury to Princess Diana.

Clinton and Rhodes were in Toronto to launch their latest Fluevog collaborations. Donna Bishop sat down with them in the flagship Fluevog store in Toronto to chat about:

• collaboration
• creative inspiration
• the importance of feelings
• and of course, shoes

To learn more about John Fluevog - https://www.fluevog.com/

To learn more about George Clinton - https://georgeclinton.com/

To learn more about Dame Zandra Rhodes - https://zandrarhodes.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

FashionTalks is back! Starting April 26 join host Donna Bishop for weekly conversations with designers, entrepreneurs and creatives on thinking and moving through the world through the lens of fashion.

Follow FashionTalks - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Follow Host Donna Bishop - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Discover our Partner CAFA - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

Follow Producer Jason Perrier - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thanks to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

George Sully has been designing for over 20 years. Yet despite that history he, and other designers, have been designing in the dark for years. George is candid, clear and passionate while sharing his story and the future of designing.

In this episode you will hear:

• George discuss how he was shut out of the fashion industry and what the impact of designing in the dark has been on him and other black designers
• The breadth and depth of his experience - "I have always been premium..."
• The importance of a data base of black designers
• The weight and mental health toll of his many identities
• The importance of family
• How he has manifested his life - personally and professionally
• His advice to other designers

ABOUT GEORGE SULLY: Multidisciplinary designer, entrepreneur and activist are all different ways one can begin to describe George Sully.  Based in Toronto, with an impressive worldwide network, Sully has established a collective of multifaceted companies that leverage him as an innovative player in the world of multimedia content creation and fashion design.

Celebrated CAFA Change-maker Award winner, George Brown honorary degree recipient and FGI Visionary Award Winner, Sully is also known for his collaborations that include but not limited to, DHL, EBAY, Disney, Hudson’s Bay, and Mercedes Benz. Sully is also a Bata Shoe Museum inductee, creator of Black designers of Canada, co-founder of House of Hayla and creator of break-out brand Sully & Son Company.

To learn more about George Sully - https://georgesully.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/realgeorgesully/

To learn more about Black Designers of Canada - https://blackdesignersofcanada.com/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Sage Paul is a designer, artist, creator and the executive & artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Arts, an organization committed to exploring the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice through presentation for broad audiences and industries.

In this episode you will hear Sage and Donna talk about:

• Sage's experience taking a delegation of Indigenous designers to Milan, why being on the European fashion calendar is important and how this mission came to be
• An insider look at White Milano
• How luxury fashion is being reinvented
• Why she is tired of Indigenous designers having to make white people feel better about wearing their work
• The connection between having basic needs met and cultural appropriation
• What narratives she has included in her personal work

To learn more about Sage Paul - http://sagepaul.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/sagepaul/

To learn more about Indigenous Fashion Arts - https://indigenousfashionarts.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/indigenousfashionarts/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Evan Biddell has been designing clothes since his teens. Before he became a viral sensation with The Playsuit, he talked with Donna Bishop in an early FashionTalks episode.

In this episode you will hear Evan talk candidly about:

• His upbringing in the Canadian Prairies
• Being on, and winning, the first Project Runway Canada
• His commitment to sustainability, the 81 Pound Challenge and this collection being on display in the Vancouver Museum
• His long relationship with super model Stacey McKenzie
• His thoughts on style, why fashion kids love Norm Core, how he works with clients and more, including what he has in common with Alexander McQueen

To learn more about Evan Biddell - https://biddell.shop/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/biddell/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Vanja Vasic founded Fashion Art Toronto (intentionally called FAT) in 2005 making it the longest running fashion event in Toronto (Canada's largest city).

In this episode Vanja and Donna discuss:

• Vanja's history and how her artistic, rebellious parents helped shape her creative spirit
• the tie between fashion and art
• the "naughty" origins of Fashion Art Toronto
• key milestones throughout the past 18 years
• the importance of the runway show and why it is still the anchor of Fashion Art Toronto
• the surprising impact of Covid/ lockdowns and how it positively impacted the event

The next FAT is Nov 16 - 19, 2023 in Toronto, ON.

To learn more about Fashion Art Toronto - http://fashionarttoronto.ca/

On IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashionarttoronto/

Founder Vanja Vasic - https://www.instagram.com/_vanjavasic_/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Fashion intersects with some surprising places! Case in point, tarot reader Lori Simeunovic has a ton of experience harnessing and acknowledging the power of adornment as it pertains to empowerment, manifestation and more.

In this episode Lori and Donna discuss:

• The photoshoot that had a profound impact on Lori's life and career
• How fashion plays into manifestation and showing the universe what you are ready for
• How Lori uses fashion in her business
• The events that lead to Lori's multiple book deal
• How she cultivated her signature style and why it matters
• The power of rituals, and how they relate to fashion

The jeweller who made the necklace Lori mentioned - https://katekingjewellery.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/katekingjewellery/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3D

Wendy Alana, photographer Lori did the boudoir photoshoot with - https://wendyalanaphotography.com/portfolio-item/boudoir/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/wendyalanaphoto/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3D

To learn more about Lori - https://www.tarotlori.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/tarot.lori/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Do you ever feel like you have 2 passions, or even 2 conflicting desires, inside you? Seda Rafilovich does and she has maintained both of them, medicine and fashion, throughout her entire life. She is full of life advice and inspiration on how to live a fulfilled life.

In this episode we talk about:

• How she has always honoured her love and pursuit of fashion and medical careers
• Her experience of working as a fashion designer in Russia in the 1990s
• How Covid was time of growth, personally and professionally
• The inspiration she draws from working with women
• The importance of local buying and producing
• Why she has a love affair with outerwear
• The reason she turns her philanthropic energy to the geriatric medicine, one of the most underserved areas of medicine

To learn more and discover Seda - https://sedaworld.com/

To learn more about her philanthropic initiative for geriatric medicine - https://sedaworld.com/pages/seda-x-shn-foundation  

Follow Seda - https://www.instagram.com/sedaworldfashion/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Naomi Shapiro of long standing brand Rock n Karma is breaking down over 25 years of fashion success; from street vending as a teenager to kiosks in major malls to store fronts in some of Toronto's coolest neighbourhoods.

Naomi is a force of knowledge and experience. Here energy is infectious as is her positive outlook on life, as well as fashion.

In this episode you'll hear all about:

• What continues to drive Naomi after 25 years
• How she encourages clients to step out of their fashion comfort zone
• The power of clothes and how to harness it
• Naomi's thoughts on how covid impacted our relationship with fashion & on fashion and your age
• How to make your wardrobe timeless (hint, defining what is timeless is part of it and that may not be what you think)

Check out Rock N Karma 789 Queen St W Toronto, ON

https://www.rocknkarma.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/rocknkarma/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Grant financing can be the perfect cash injection to take a business to the next level. In this episode grant consultant Weiyi Chang unpacks the process, shares expectations and offers advice on how to determine if grant financing is right for your business and setting you up for success.

Weiyi Chang and host Donna Bishop discuss:

• Debunking fashion and access to grant funding
• Grant financing 101 - what it is, what is it for and what to expect
• Where to find grants
• The importance of key word strategies when researching grants
• Role of the granting officer and how to leverage it
• Tips for applying for grant financing
• What to expect when you are successful in being awarded grant financing

From this episode:

Databases mentioned:

• https://grantconnect.ca/login
• https://ontario.grantwatch.com/grants-for.php
• https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding.html

Article on Government Grant Financing - https://www.froeselaw.com/post/diversify-your-business-financing-with-government-grants

Guest Weiyi Chang - email weiyi@froeselaw.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/weiyi-c-55600a193/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Lara Koretsky is a leadership and business coach pulls back the curtain how she supports her clients to achieve professional success and satisfaction, as well as personal expansion and growth.

In this episode Lara talks with host Donna Bishop about:

• the essential connection between aligning personal values and professional goals
• ditching your "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee"
• identifying burnout vs stress
• boundaries, boundaries - what they are and how to keep them
• reality check about "time off"
• the one minute tool that can make a huge impact
• how leaders can support their team members
• communication tools you can implement right now to build stronger teams
• the neuroscience of moving through fear and negative emotions
• stories of success
• the power of a To Be list

To learn more about Lara Korestsky and her coaching work - https://www.larakoretsky.com/

Connect with Lara - https://www.larakoretsky.com/contact

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakoretsky/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is making a serious impact.

Not just because her sustainable beauty brand is now available in Sephora (Canada) and JC Penny (USA).

Not just because she is creating an example for other Indigenous people of what is possible; to see and feel their value.

Not just because of how she has overcome generational trauma and created her own journey to sobriety.

But because she is all of these at once.

In this episode Jenn and Donna discuss:

• The dream that inspired Cheekbone Beauty
• The impact of learning about her heritage and grandmother's experience in residential school
• How she brings her Indigenous roots into her leadership
• How she keeps grounded and focused as an entrepreneur

To learn more and shop Cheekbone Beauty - https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cheekbonebeauty/

Follow Jenn Harper - https://www.instagram.com/jennlharper/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Hilary MacMillan has been at the helm of her namesake label for 10 years! She is no stranger to all the facets of entrepreneurship.

We talk about all the things the weigh on the mind of business owners:

• Leadership
• Pivoting
• Scaling
• Sustainability
• Trusting you gut

And she shares what she really wants Canadians to know about our fashion industry (her thoughts may surprise you...)

To learn more about Hilary MacMillan - https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/hilarymacmillan/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

If you love and hate your heels you are not alone (and you are not imagining it). Dr Liza Egbogah is not just acclaimed shoe designer, she is also a Chiropractic Doctor and manual osteopath.

Dr Liza discusses with Donna Bishop:

• What happens to our body when our feet are comprised (it may surprise you!)
• Her unexpected road to fashion designer
• How her practice as a chiropractor influenced her journey
• Why changing the foot industry is no mean feat
• Can we be our best selves if we are in discomfort?

To learn more and shop dr liza shoes - https://www.drlizashoes.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/drlizashoes/

Follow Dr Liza - https://www.instagram.com/drliza/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Izzy Camilleri is a big deal. As one of Canada's most celebrated fashion designers she has dressed A list celebrities from David Bowie to Meryl Streep. In 2005 her world and career changed when a woman living with paralysis asked Izzy to design some custom clothing that would work with her power wheelchair. This entry into adaptive clothing pivoted her career in a profound way.

In this episode:

• Izzy shares her meeting and designing for David Bowie
• Her career shift to a focus on adaptive clothing, the fashion industry's reaction (spoiler, it wasn't great) and how she stayed the course of her vision
• Insight into the size, perspective and future of adaptive fashion
• Her proprietary innovation and how it is revolutionizing the adaptive fashion market and beyond

To watch Izzy's Ted Talks - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/galleries/ted-talk/

To learn more about Izzy and IZ Adaptive - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/izzy.camilleri/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

It all started with a cyborg named Neil.

You can not deny that fashion and technology are forever intertwined. Electric Runway founder, journalist Amanda Costco unpacks the good, the bad and the grey in between discussing this relationship. Where are we in the hype cycle? What is going to stick and what is just passing amusement? What are the global priorities as it pertains to fashion and tech? Manufacturing, the metaverse, filters, robots, avatars - where are we?

Amanda and Electric Runway - https://electricrunway.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/electric_runway/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@electric_runway?

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Making your side hustle your full time gig is one of the most common goals any entrepreneur has. Catherine Addai knows what it means to HUSTLE!

In this episode you will hear:

• Catherine talk about what her days looked like working her side hustle, her full time job and living her life
• What supports and lessons she learned as a side hustle designer that have been instrumental in her success
• How she honours and incorporates her Ghanaian roots into her designs
• How she got her "big break"
• The walls she hit as a Black designer then moving through and around them
• Her thoughts on the power of colour

To learn more about Catherine and her brand Kaela Kay - https://kaelakay.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/kaelakayonline/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thecatherineaddai/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

The Oscar nominated Costume Designer Luis Sequeira got his start in fashion. In this final BEST OF episode Luis and assistant Costume Designer Ann Steel joined Donna Bishop for a live recording of FashionTalks during Toronto Fashion Week.

In this episode you will hear Luis and Ann talk about:

• Their fashion background
• The process of working with Academy Award Winning Director Guillermo del Toro on his Oscar winning Best Picture film The Shape of Water
• Insider details about The Shape of Water and stories of working on the film and designing the costumes

To learn more about Luis Sequeira - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0784751/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/luis_sequeira_costumes/?hl=en

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

FashionTalks for Industry Midroll

Branding/ fashion lawyer and trademark agent Ashlee Froese breaks down so many myths around the relationship and importance between entrepreneurship (and not just fashion designers), legals, trademarks, IP and more.

In this episode you will hear Ashlee Froese and Donna Bishop discuss:

• What it means to be a fashion lawyer and the eco system of the industry
• When it is beneficial to engage a lawyer (likely sooner than you think)
• Why freelancers benefit from working with a lawyer (its not just for big businesses)
• The critical business tools that fall under legal protection
• The big misstep shoe empire Manolo Blahnik made and how you can avoid it
• Demystifying IP: copy write, trade secrets, trademarks and more
• What to know about contracts from employees to suppliers to independent contractors
• How to choose a lawyer to work with
• Success stories
• How to avoid brand trolls

Articles mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.froeselaw.com/post/crocs-case-confirms-industrial-design-as-tool-in-fashion-law
• https://www.froeselaw.com/post/structuring-your-independent-contractor-agreements

To connect with Ashlee Froese - https://www.froeselaw.com/contact

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

More about Ashlee:

Ashlee Froese is a branding & fashion lawyer and trademark agent. She has been practicing law since 2007. She is recognized by the Law Society of Ontario as a Certified Specialist in Trademarks Law; 1 of 6 female lawyers to carry that designation. Since 2017, Ashlee is consistently listed in the World Trademark Review as one of the top 1000 trademark lawyers in the world. In 2019, Ashlee was one of 39 lawyers across Canada to be granted the Lexpert Zenith Award, which recognizes her as a change maker in law. In 2021, Ashlee was granted the World Intellectual Property Review’s Diversity award as an Influential Woman in IP, one of only 69 lawyers worldwide. In 2022, Ashlee was an awardee with the Canadian Law Awards in the Female Trailblazer of the Year category. Prior to launching Froese Law, Ashlee was a partner on Bay Street. She fast tracked to partnership within 6 years.

Ashlee's scope of practice includes trademarks, copyright, contract, licensing, domain name, social media, marketing/advertising, packaging/labeling and start up corporate laws.

Ashlee holds numerous leadership and mentorship positions

Nina Kharey rose to acclaim when Meghan Markle wore a design from her label Nonie. Now she is dedicated to designing for an industry that has seen little to no innovation in over 50 years: Scrubs.

In this episode you will hear:

• Nina sharing what drew her to putting her attention on front line medical workers
• The incredible, innovative, unique technology that she uses for a completely new fabric
• How she makes her business circular, sustainable and out of landfill
• Where her love of fashion design hits in this new sector
• What keeps her inspired, energized and focused

Here is the episode with Dr Liza Egboyah referenced in our conversation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/45tkps2FmhBgS7reW4uWft

To lean more about Folds - https://foldswear.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/foldswear/

To learn more about Nina - https://www.noniewear.com/pages/about

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ninakharey/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

This episode is JAM PACKED. Raj Girn, founder of Anokhi Life, is a is a multi-award winning media & events entrepreneur, brand strategist, marketing consultant, confidence coach, #1 best-selling author, and entertainment personality. She is widely recognized as an expert in niche branding, media, marketing, and public relations, having worked with a vast array of globally recognized brands and celebrities for almost 2 decades.

Raj and I cover a lot of ground in this episode. You will hear about:

• Her incredible journey and experience fusing her Indian and Western backgrounds and identity
• Starting the globally celebrated media company Anokhi Life
• The global influence of Indian fashion and the recent impact of the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai and its founder/ Chairperson Nita M Ambani
• The zeitgeist moment South Asian culture is having
• How fashion weaves into her successful, executive coaching business
• Raj's perspective on confidence as it relates to fashion, style and the difference between the two

To learn more about Anokhi Life and the 20th anniversary events https://www.anokhilife.com/

Tickets for the Anokhi 20th anniversary events - https://www.anokhi20.com/tickets/

Raj Girn - https://www.rajgirn.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/rajgirn/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards www.cafawards.ca

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Mina Gerges is known for his fearless self expression, ground breaking modelling gigs and plus size and LGTBQ2S+ advocacy.

In this episode you will hear Mina share:

• His Egyptian heritage and how it has shaped him
• How he started creating the videos he became known for
• His journey to discovering his authentic self
• What is means to him to be a plus sized, male model
• The massive ad campaign that changed his life

Learn more about Mina Gerges - https://www.itsminagerges.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/minagerges/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

FashionTalks for Industry Midroll

Think it is all fluff? Think again. Executive Director of the world renown Toronto Fashion Incubator Susan Langdon and acclaimed fashion designer David Dixon talk why fashion is an industry not to be over looked or under valued.

Fashion insiders Glen Baxter and Lisa Tant share personal stories of when fashion changed their lives from early childhood through their professional lives at Fashion Television, international fashion weeks, Flare Magazine, luxury retailer Holt Renfrew and more.

How do you take a 50 year old, beloved brand and make it young again? Michel Lepage, retail and marketing expert and co- Chief Creative Officer of Kanuk discusses the art of reenergizing a heritage brand. Kanuk is an independent Canadian outerwear company. Kanuk has designed and crafted outerwear from a small factory in the heart of Montréal for close to 50 years. Our designs are born of our environment, meticulously architected to protect against nature’s extreme weather conditions.

Ron White went from aspiring to be a fashion buyer to creating a global brand that changed the designer shoe industry. In this episode Ron shares funny and candid stories of his childhood, his first fashion job, the early day of Ron White Shoes and the surprise decisions that have made the biggest impact on his business. It is no wonder he is known as Canada's "Shoeru."

In 2019, Najwa Zebian, best selling author and activist, made the decision to stop wearing the hijab. The reaction was swift and varied. Najwa shares her story of the relationship between fashion and culture and her passion for personal choice over doctrine.

Jeanne Beker is a fashion and media icon. For many, Saturdays at 630PM were sacred as Fashion Television aired, showing for the first time behind the scenes at fashion weeks around the world. From McQueen to Lagerfeld to Karen to Jacobs to Gaultier - Jeanne has seen it all, but the road was not always easy. Listen as Jeanne shares intimate stories, milestone moments and speaks incredibly candidly about her 27 years as the host of FT.

Mina Gerges is changing the face of fashion. As the first Middle Eastern, Queer model he is the face of Sephora and Calvin Klein campaigns. Mina’s road has not been easy. Here he speaks about the importance of having more variety of male models and being true to yourself…

As a best selling author, interior designer, public speaker and mother of 7 Lisa Canning knows a thing or 2 about what it takes to achieve the things you want in life. Listen as she shares how fashion plays an important role, what she learnt from working on HGTV and stories from the trenches as a mom of 7 kids under 10.

Julia Grieve is a trail blazer. Her label, Preloved, was part of the sustainable fashion movement before there was such a thing. Julia, ever unguarded and hilarious, opens up about the struggles of retail, life after a fire (for the brand not her personally), the fashion industry and how it launched her as Canada's Accidental Environmentalist.

Sarah Jay is an international leader in the intersection of sustainability, fashion and beauty. Combining her extensive career in fashion media and styling with a passion for the planet, Sarah has pushed creative boundaries and awareness through the award winning documentary Toxic Beauty to associate producer of The Green Shows in NYC to guest editing FASHION Magazine.

Tiffany Pratt's infectious energy and immense talent have made her a sought after interior designer and DIY expert in media for almost a decade. Known as the "Queen of Colour" she has a standout style (no doubt rooted in her early days in fashion) that is all her own. Tiffany shares how fashion is a constant part of her world whether she is hosting  a show on HGTV (currently Home to Win), working as an interior designer, making DIY magic, writing, styling or anything else her creative heart touches.

When Meghan Markle visited Australia in 2018 she wore a pair of skinny, black jeans by Outland Denim. This resulted in the company growing to employ dozens of new employees at their production house. James Bartle, founder and CEO has an incredible mission: to provide careers for women who've been exposed to sex trafficking in Asia and to support their well being through fair wages, training and personal development. They are also sustainable working a numerous local partners proving that fashion can change the world.

Knix wear, an intimates company with sales passes $50-million, wants to change the way women relate to and celebrate their bodies. CEO Joanna Griffiths began Knix in 2013 with core products of leak proof panties and comfortable bras. Her purpose driven brand is giving the whole lingerie category cause to pay attention to her small (under 100 staff members) but mighty growing company.

Calli and Sam Beckerman, aka The Beckerman Twins, started their fashion blog before fashion blogging was a thing and quickly became a fixture at New York Fashion Week and beyond. They candidly share stories about their childhood, running their fashion brand and transitioning to blogging, what it means to be an influencer and their thoughts on fashion and the ever evolving media landscape change.

Photo shoots are complex and creative events. Canadian supermodel Kim Cloutier, photographer Lindsay Anne Delaney and fashion designer Mikhael Kale discuss “Lower Level. Shot in Toronto’s abandoned Lower Bay subway station, it is an electrifying juxtaposition of grit and glamour, both editorial and exhibition and spins a narrative of feminine power that is bold, contemporary and compelling.

Victoria Hayes has become a favourite designer of Lady Gaga, Andra Day, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande and many more. Hayes speaks openly about the struggles and joys of being an independent designer and candidly shares stories from her childhood in Canada through to life in NYC.

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with the incredible Annie Horth. Horth is responsible for numerous iconic looks worn by Céline Dion, including the white, Dior tuxedo Dion wore to the 1999 Oscars. The Québec native shares stories of working and collaborating with Céline (she was the first to wear couture during her concert tours), and what keeps her going in the fashion industry. How she got her start as a stylist is an amazing story (and provides a wonderful full circle career moment).

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with two powerful and passionate entrepreneurs who put purpose at the centre of their brand: Elle AyouZadeh, found of Zvelle, and Pegah Kargar, founder of Repaint History. Both business owners speak openly about starting their brands, how they infuse purpose through every aspect of their operations and the challenges and joys of running a fashion company.

Before COVID, Donna Bishop sat down with fashion designer Catherine Addai. She has an amazing story of turning her side hustle fashion brand, Kaela Kay, into an international sensation. From being featured on CNN to infusing her Ghanaian roots into her designs, Catherine shares her journey with humour and directness.

Next In Fashion designer Charles Lu is exactly as you see him on the popular Netflix series host by Tan France and Alexa Chung. He is candid, warm, funny and full of stories. He openly chats with host Donna Bishop about his childhood, his love of fashion and the experience of being on an international TV show sensation.

Follow us in Instagram!

FashionTalks at @fashiontalkspod

Host Donna Bishop @thisisdonnab

Today's guest Charles at @charles__lu

Fashion designer Tanya Taylor is full of surprises. Whether it is dressing strong, powerful woman (hello, Michelle Obama) or sharing her unique journey to fashion design or talking about the joys of print and colour, Tanya is full of optimism and inspiration.

Follow on Instagram:

@fashiontalkspod

@thisisdonnab

@tanyataylor

FashionTalks is back! Donna Bishop returns with candid interviews with designers, stylists, artists, activists and leaders within the fashion industry. What we wear says something. Fashion literally talks. Join us beginning November 10 for conversations on the power and persuasion of fashion.

Where to Find Us:

* @fashiontalkspod

* @thisisdonnab

Meredith Shaw is a leader of Canadian Fashion Authority, On-Air personality on CHUM FM and Style-Expert on The Social + The Marilyn Denis Show. Meredith inspires women of all sizes across the country through body positivity activism, modelling and style expertise.

Donna and Meredith talk about:

* Working in fashion as a curvy woman

* The language of body types

* Taking the emotion out of size

* The challenge of the word "inclusive" sizing

* Dispelling myths of curvy women

Mentioned in this Episode:

@diana.dares

http://www.marielleelizabeth.com/

https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/

Where to Meredith Shaw:

* @meredithshaw - including her body language series

* https://www.femmefaire.ca/ for the MEREband in support of Girls Inc. - a National Organization

encouraging young women of all backgrounds to be strong, smart and bold

Where to Find Host Donna Bishop

* @thisisdonnab

* @fashiontalkspod

Our Producing Partner @cafawards - the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards

It is About Far More than Bras & Underwear with Chantal Carter of Love and Nudes.

In this episode Chantal Carter shares:

* her inspirational and dramatic spark that planted the seed for Love and Nudes

* what it means to be seen, and not be seen, in fashion

* how she created her own opportunity

* what it means to see other companies, larger companies, take a bite of your market

Where to find Chantal:

@loveandnudes

www.loveandnudes.com

Where to find Donna:

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

To learn more about CAFA:

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

Grace Lee has seen the beauty industry change a lot in her 26 years of experience. With strong opinions on the specific role of a fashion makeup artist, how social media is shaping the industry and her go-to products, Grace shares all this as well as behind the scenes stories from her days at fashion weeks around the world.

Is there a connection between our body and our subconscious mind? Atarah breaks down this powerful connection, shares his personal journey and love of fashion and how the clothes we choose can impact our belief system. So much to take in on this one!

Follow Atarah and connect to book a session:

https://www.instagram.com/atarahvalentine/

Follow host Donna Bishop:

https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Learn more about our producing partner the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards:

@cafawards

What do you do when getting dressed is traumatizing? If you are Mahrzad Lari you face it head on. As a plus sized man since his youth Mahrzad never felt he could express himself with clothing. Flash forward to 2021 and he is disrupting the menswear industry with his label Wide the Brand. A classic, chic line of modern basics for plus sized men. Mahrzad candidly shares personal stories about his love of fashion, his experience as a plus sized man and why we should take the emotion out of size. Sound familiar?

Episode with Meredith Shaw: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/finding-belonging-in-fashion-with-meredith-shaw/id1271856693?i=1000541311124

Follow Us:

@mahrzadlari

@widethebrand

www.en-ca.widethebrand.com

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

Michelle and Karen love weddings, but that doesn't mean they didn't see the point of reevaluating the traditions and tropes of the typical, heteronormative, western wedding. We dive into the bridal, white wedding dress and the crushing pressures that the billion dollar wedding industry can impose upon women as they celebrate their nuptials.

As authors of The New Wedding Book: A Guide to Ditching All the Rules, Michelle and Karen uncover the historical foundation of the traditional wedding gown (thank you Queen Victoria, but mostly Princess Grace and Princess Diana) in the hopes of supporting couples to make choices that align with their perspectives, values and forge new tradtions.

The New Wedding Book can be found here - https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-new-wedding-book-a/9781459747111-item.html?ikwid=the+new+wedding+book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=b5ab362fe92db4785119f80c62cbe626

Follow Michelle and Karen:

@thenewweddingbook

@mbilodeau

@karen_cleveland

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

Smash + Tess is a community, a fashion brand and the dream of mother/ daughter team Ashley Freeborn and Teresa Freeborn. Hailed as starting the "Romper Revolution" Ashley's vision goes well beyond the freedom and comfort of the casual dressing that has taken the globe by storm since 2020.

But what does being comfortable really mean? Have we shed a metaphorical corset since the onset of Covid? Hear Ashley's thoughts on this in more.

Follow & Discover Smash + Tess:

https://smashtess.com/

@smashtess

Follow host Donna Bishop:

@thisisdonnab

Follow CAFA:

@cafawards

Myles Sexton is a force of nature. They are a Creative Director, HIV & Sobriety Activist, model, makeup artist, content creator and lover of all things fashion and travel. In this episode Myles talks openly about how fashion has been an integral part of their life, whether it be their roots on the east coast of Canada, their decision to come forward about living with HIV, the honour of wearing the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress and so much more.

Follow Myles:

@mylessexton

www.mylessexton.com

Watch the video as Myles shares that they are living with HIV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MmYyfmFOoM

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

This one got surprisingly emotional! Melodie Reynolds is a beauty brand founder/ CEO who is breaking all the rules when it comes to makeup. Be it the marketing messages or packaging or ingredients or corporate culture Melodie is maintaining the empowering elements of adornment through beauty while breaking the traditional molds of the billion dollar industry.

Follow Elate and Melodie:

@elatecosmetics

www.elatebeauty.com

@melodieelated

Follow host Donna Bishop:

@thisisdonnab

Follow and learn more about CAFA - Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards

@cafawards

There is nothing like some behind the scenes intel. Am I right? Vicky has some amazing stories to share as we reminisce about CAFA galas through the years.

Vicky Milner, President of CAFA, has her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry. CAFA (Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards) is Canada's national organization honouring, celebrating and supporting designers and the other creatives within the fashion space. Its annual awards gala is a who's who of the industry combined with the hottest up and coming players. Fashion royalty from all over the world flies into Toronto to revel in the energy and glamour of Canada's most fashionable night. Vicky, who touches every element of the gala, has seen it all.

Follow Vicky Milner:

@vickymilner6

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

Shopping can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. We have all had experiences shopping that have been amazing, or hopefully we all have. Shopping is ever evolving and that has never been more true than right now. Lisa Kisber, co-founder of ShopSquad, shares her deep knowledge of retail and where we are headed with live, digital shopping. Lisa is smart, funny and full of insights. You are going to love this conversation.

Follow Lisa @lkisstyle

Learn more about ShopSquad www.shopsquad.ca

Follow our host Donna Bishop @thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA www.cafawards.ca

It is not often you hear of someone being drafted as a linebacker for pro football and then pivoting into the fashion industry, but that is exactly what James Yurichuk, CEO of Wuxly has done. James and I have a fascinating conversation that moves between his suburb roots in Ontario, Canada to his love for brand campaigns to how his Brazilian girlfriend inspired a 180 move to starting a parka company to working with serious cultural icons.

James is not your traditional fashion insider and how he thinks about his position in the industry is incredibly unique.

With inspirational parallels between sports and entrepreneurship, James is full of insights that he shares openly.

Learn more about Wuxly - https://wuxly.com/

Instagram - http://bit.ly/3i6CNOg

Check out host Donna Bishop - www.thisisdonnab.ca

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Thanks to our producing partner - www.cafawards.ca

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

From the FashionTalks vault comes a fantastic conversation with one of the nicest fellas ever. A compelling origins story is so inspiring and Paul Mason's story of how the international sensation, Fashion Santa, came to be is no exception. Paul is proof that you never know what is waiting for you around the corner. The road was full of ups and downs and Paul weathered it all with grace, warmth and, naturally, the spirit of the festive season.

Paul and Donna cover not just Fashion Santa, but what Paul observed about people/ what we gain from some lightness in life - and all of this pre-pandemic.

Follow Paul on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fashionsanta/

Follow host Donna Bishop on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow our producing partner CAFA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

Celebrity stylist Alexis Honce and Fashion Editor of The Kit Jillian Vieira discuss how fashion has moved from the domain of the very rich and the famous to an all access industry and why 1988 was such an influential year.

Gail McInnes, founder of the celebrity showroom The Stylist Box, shares anecdotes of helping celebrities find the ideal outfit, discusses the history of and key moments on the red carpet and why we love it so much.

Gail has worked in the fashion industry for over twenty years with a focus on managing and promoting entrepreneurs and performers.

Travel enthusiast, Toronto expert and founder/ editor-in-chief of the popular lifestyle blog She Does the City, Jen McNeely discusses the relationship between fashion and the cities we live in. Weather and personal style may not be the only thing influencing the clothes you put on in the morning.

Carly Stojsic, former Market Editor at Worth Global Style Network and internationally sought after Trend Forecaster, shares insights into how items become the “it thing” for a season and what exactly is a “trend” anyway. Carly is is known as being one of Canada’s...

With a Masters from Polimoda, one of the top 10 fashion institutes in the world, Trend Forecaster Emily Miller Palmquist discusses the evolution of fashion as status and how what we wear holds more meaning than taste.

Designer Spotlight episodes are the origin stories of fashion designers. What kind of kid were they growing up? What did they submit to design school? When did clothing and fashion start to be an important force in their life? We talk about them, not their collections.

In a relatively short time period, consumers have gone from having to visit a store to touch and feel an item in order to purchase it, to purchasing off a website, to purchasing pre-production through sites like Kickstarter. Christine Carlton, founder and CEO of The September, discusses the evolution of the luxury consumer.

The fashion industry is fraught with copy cats and big business legal battles. While the notion of IP (intellectual property) protection within fashion is a relatively modern notion, fashion and branding lawyer Ashlee Froese discusses why it is a critical issue to designers and consumers alike.

There are a number of iconic luxury brands that have stood the test of time: Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Gucci to name a few. What do they have in common? What inventions influenced the growth and erosion of luxury fashion? Who has been bitten in the arse of expanding too fast? Nathalie Atkinson and Nicholas Mellamphy dissect the current arc of luxury fashion brands.

Designer Spotlight episodes are the origin stories of fashion designers.  What kind of kid were they growing up? What did they submit to design school? When did clothing and fashion start to be an important force in their life? Donna Bishop asks about them, not their collections.

Nikki Yassemi is a Canadian, Austrian born, raised in Iran designer with a long family history of couture, dress making and visual arts. Her label Narces, which she runs with her husband Stefan.

Focusing on post WW II and the advent of the teenager as a distinct cultural force, fashion editor Odessa Paloma Parker and fashion academic Becky Halliday discuss select, key moments where fashion intersects with music, film and other culture forces for a broad stroked exploration of eager playmates - fashion and pop culture.

It was a chance encounter with a complete stranger that inspired Jordan Erin McKay to leave law school and follow her dreams to become a fashion designer.

Inspired by the vintage rock & roll and old Hollywood glamour icons, Jimi Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe, HENDRIXROE embodies the epitome of “glamorous rocker couture” with close attention to construction, fabric and fine lines, combining an innovative and unique perspective on the affluent ...

Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, a fairy tale of a 1960s janitor and her relationship with a sea-creature captured in the name of science experimentation, earned 13 Academy Award nominations and numerous accolades and awards including: Best Director and Best Score 2017 Golden Globes, BAFTA winner for Best Production Design, Best Original Music, Best Direction, AFI Film of the Year and more.

Costume design incorporates intensive research, character development, garment construction and more to bring to life the story on the screen.

Costume Designer Luis Sequeira (nominated for Best Costume Designer by dozens of organizations including the Academy Awards

Fashion and Designing for the Future with Gersha Phillips, Costume Designer Star Trek Discovery - from pop culture and historical references to existing Star Fleet heritage to technological advances what does fashion look like in star date 2250.

April 2018 marks the 5th year of the deadly collapse of Rana Plaza. A massive garment factory in Bangladesh that shocked the world over with its appalling working conditions. Fashion Revolution is a global movement rooted in demanding transparency for the garment industry around labour conditions, fair wages and environmental impact.

Kelly Drenann, founder of Fashion Takes Action, and its creative director and longest collaborator, Sarah Jay, discuss the broad strokes of fashion and sustainability.

Fashion and royalty have always gone hand in hand. From as far back as Queen Victoria the British Royals have influenced styles, trends and designer acclaim. Since Princess Diana this power gets ever more pronounced as she was, and now Princess Kate and Meghan Markle are, among the most photographed women in the world. Author Shinan Govani and designer Bojana Sentaler discuss the lasting impact the Royals have on fashion. 

It takes approximately 2900 gallons of water to make one pair of traditional cotton jeans. That's equivalent to 10,977one litre water bottles. When the three Taubenfligel siblings began their sustainable denim label Triarchy they set out to change that. Triarchy has grown to be an award winning brand, most recently taking home the Fashion Impact CAFA Award and the H&M Sustainability Award, with retailer and consumer demand on the rise.

The fashion industry is often one to lead cultural change. The issue of diversity in the industry as it relates to race, body and gender is a hot topic and Sage Paul, Haley Elsaesser and Adrienne Wu are leaders in the industry and activism inclusivity. This episode of Fashion Talks was recorded in front of a live audience as part of the Urbani_T festival in Toronto, ON.

The relationship between fashion and the LGBTQplus community has a long history; from coded dressing in the 1800s to increasing gender fluidity with dressing to the AIDS crisis to the immense impact of M.A.C and Fashion Cares.

Phillip Ing, now a special consultant to M.A.C Cosmetics after years as an executive, as well as the producer and artistic director of the immensely successful AIDS fundraiser Fashion Cares; and Jim Searle, co-founder and co-designer of the iconic fashion label Hoax Couture who has worked with Phillip on every year of Fashion Cares, discuss the historical roots of fashion and gay culture.

In conversation with Canadian fashion model Kim Cloutier, and resident style experts including celebrity stylist Joe Zee and ELLE Canada’s Editor-in-Chief, Vanessa Craft, cast of the new design competition series STITCHED. Live from Toronto Fashion week they discuss how media is democratizing fashion, personal career stories and behind the scenes tidbits from this new series.

Do fashion exhibitions belong within museums? Dr Alexandra Palmer, who oversees the third largest fashion and textile collection in world, discusses the relevancy and importance of fashion in cultural institutions. As a global authority on Christian Dior and curator of ground-breaking exhibits she is critical voice within the fashion industry.

The power and process of Costume Design for film and TV does far more than cloth the actors. It gives clues about character, informs the story, involves couture design and so much more. In conversation with 3 leading Costume Designers, Alex Kavanagh, Christine Toye and Leslie Kavanagh, share details of their process, on set stories and examples of when design is not just about clothing.

In Conversation with Fashion Activist Elizabeth Peyton-Jones, founder of the Responsible Trust for Models, an international organization dedicated to revolutionizing the model industry.

After volunteering at Toronto Fashion Week for four seasons, the backstage rush and outrageous industry rumours stuck with me. I knew I had an irresistible backstage story and had to write Military Chic. Everyone asks if any of the characters are real...

Paul Mason had been working as a fashion model in the United States and Europe when he returned to Toronto. This fateful return to his hometown would mark the beginning of a number of life and professional changes and developments; perhaps most notably his persona as Fashion Santa...

Shayne Stephens has worn a lot of hats: from hockey player in Winnipeg, Manitoba to music writer to marketing maven to leading the opening of Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada.

David Dixon's latest collection Bubl has a unique inspiration designed to use the language of fashion to provoke important conversations.

Join Donna Bishop in an intimate discussion with global Dior Historian Dr Alexandra Palmer as they discuss the impact this iconic designer has had on fashion, culture and the French economy.

Rosa Halpern has garnered international praise and celebrity fans for her custom leather jackets by her label The Namesake. Rosa shares stories from her early days interning for some of American's most notable designers, how she got started designing jackets (it was bit of a fluke!) and reflects on the power of customizing clothing.

Pauline Trigere launched her namesake label in New York City in the 1940s. A single mother, immigrant and female entrepreneur she was ahead of her time. With Trigere, she dressed some of the most famous celebrities of the day from Lena Horne to Lauren Bacall to Estee Lauder.

Now, this heritage brand is in the hands of Franklin Benjamin Elman. Born in Montreal, Canada Franklin has a design career that has included many illustrious houses, including numerous years at Dior. Franklin shares the intimate stories of his childhood, the unexpected moment of his career journey and how he is honouring the legacy of Pauline as he reignites her glamorous label, Trigere.

Gigi Gorgeous is a Canadian activist, personality, speaker and socialite. Gigi began uploading videos to her Youtube channel in 2008. Since then she has become an inspiration to millions as she candidly shares her story as a transgender woman. Her joys, her struggles, her thoughts on a multitude of issues.

Gigi was in Toronto for the photo exhibition Xposed, Gigi Gorgeous: An Icon in the Making, photographed by Chris Nicholls. The most recent installation from George Antonopoulos, FASHION’s Creative and Fashion Director, co-founded the project with Glenna Weddle.

Gigi spoke with Fashion Talk host Donna Bishop at the Hazelton Hotel about her childhood, what inspires her, the role of fashion in her life and much more.

Kimberly Newport Mimran, founder and Design Director of the global fashion label Pink Tartan. In a personal and entertaining conversation, Kimberly shares stories of her childhood and what fashion meant to her through the years, her foray into fashion retail, the difference between product developer and designer and surprising anecdotes of life in the fashion industry.