Jordan Lewis, a Houston native and founder of J. Alexandra Designs, talks about her journey into fashion. She emphasizes the challenges of building a brand while fast fashion grows unchecked, the importance of quality in design, and knowing one's 'why' in the fashion business.

Jordan's passion for fashion began at a young age, and she launched J. Alexandra Designs in 2019, focusing on quality pieces. Jordan shares her inspirations and the evolution of her brand and offers valuable advice for emerging designers. Gavon and Jordan also touch on her cultural influences, current fashion trends, and the significance of authenticity in the industry.

Follow her here!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jordan and Her Journey in Fashion 04:49 The Birth of J. Alexandra Designs 09:34 Inspiration and Evolution of Designs 14:34 Navigating the Fashion Industry and Market Needs 18:58 Advice for Aspiring Designers 24:08 Cultural Influences and Personal Style 28:47 Current Fashion Obsessions and Trends 33:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Fashion 38:39 Houston's Unique Fashion Scene 43:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Independent Designers

In this episode of the Right Hype podcast, Gavon interviews Sarai Thompson and discusses her career journey, from starting as a fashion reporter in Atlanta to rubbing elbows with the talented people at Harlem's Fashion Row in New York City. She shares her insights on the challenges of working in media, the importance of communication, building a network, and valuable life lessons from her family. Her story is filled with examples of pivots and perseverance that will inspire you.

Follow her personal page: https://www.instagram.com/thesaraiashari/

Follow her business page: https://www.instagram.com/luxeandchiccompany/

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

08:55Journey into Fashion and Media

10:08Experiences at Pop Sugar and Harlem's Fashion Row

13:31The Importance of Community and Networking

16:22Defining Culture and Its Evolution

19:17Fashion Trends and the Shift Post-Pandemic

22:16Quality Over Quantity in Fashion

25:08The Role of Gatekeeping in the Industry

28:04Fashion Week: Changes and Observations

31:15Advice and Life Lessons

In this episode of the Right Hype Podcast, Gavon Owen reflects on his recent transition into his 30s, discussing personal growth, resilience, and the lessons learned from his parents. He delves into the concept of culture, drawing insights from Marcus Collins' book, and explores the intersection of fashion and politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. Gavon also highlights notable moments from Fashion Month and shares his excitement for future projects and events.

Chapters

00:00Entering the 30 Club

04:34Shopping for Closet Staples and Assets

09:49The Right Hype Merch

12:17Exploring Culture and Identity

16:24Beyonce’s Brands

18:06Fashion Month Highlights

33:08Politics and Fashion Intersect

46:57Looking Forward: New Beginnings

Sasha, a model and producer, shares her journey of breaking into fashion, from working in retail to moving to Paris and kickstarting her modeling career. She also discusses her experience on the production side of the fashion industry and how she juggled two career tracks. In the Hype Seat, we get into topics such as diversity and inclusion, luxury fashion, and sparking kindness in the fashion industry.

Follow her on Instagram!

Key takeaways:

• Take pride in your appearance, and try not to forget to accessorize when appropriate.
• Working in retail provides valuable experience and understanding of the fashion business.
• The definition of luxury is subjective and varies from person to person.
• The modeling industry is evolving, with more opportunities for diverse representation and street casting, but it is crucial to stay open, adaptable, and willing to learn.
• Beware of social media—it can both inspire and hinder creativity.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:08Growing Up in New York and Fashion Influences

05:42The Business Side of Fashion and the Role of Retail

07:52The Importance of Retail Experience in the Fashion Industry

10:24Transitioning to Event Production and Creating Community

12:20Discovering Passion for Production and Creating Spectacles

14:21Moving to Paris and Manifesting Dreams

17:29Arriving in Paris and Overcoming Doubt

20:50Breaking into the Fashion Industry in Paris

27:37Modeling and Production in Paris

34:14The Evolution of the Modeling Industry

38:09Lessons Learned in Production and Navigating the Industry

39:13Flexibility and Open-Mindedness

43:24From Paris to Milan: A Pandemic Journey

46:08Three Months Turned into Three Years

49:54Networking in the Fashion Industry

53:58The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

55:29Questioning Hype Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, and Luxury Fashion

01:06:47Outro.mp4

In this conversation, Gavon and Noel discuss Noel's journey in the design world, the role of a creative director, and the impact of hype culture in marketing. They explore the importance of storytelling and identity in design, and Noel shares his admiration for artists like Milton Glaser and Paul Rand.

Noel discusses his early interest in creativity, various roles in graphic design and art direction, and the importance of networking and collaboration. Noel emphasizes the need for authenticity and self-expression while cautioning against the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Kerene talks about her career in the fashion industry, from starting as an intern to freelancing full-time. Starting from her early days in retail at Urban Outfitters and Topshop, she talks about her experience in visual merchandising and the skills she learned in managing and supervising until she started working at Tory Burch.

After leaving Tory Burch, Kerene went freelance and assisted with photo shoots, further expanding her skills and connections in the industry and emphasizing the importance of building a community and collaborating with other stylists. Kerene talks about pulling from showrooms, getting published in magazines, and the significance of patience, etiquette, and rest in the freelance world.

Kerene highlights the role of social media in her career and the pros and cons of using different platforms. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude and self-care for mental health. Finally, she expresses her opinions on fast fashion, working with celebrities, and the hype surrounding fashion week.

Follow her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerenejg/

Gavon returns from his hiatus to kick off a new season with a new format, so you know how to maximize each episode. The overarching theme of this season is alleviating the tension of today's struggles by finding joy during moments of rapid change.

He's encouraging everyone to switch up their routine and get out of their heads by listening to personal stories. This season also serves as the initiation of the Right Hype Instagram account, specifically for those who want to keep up with culture.

Follow for more on IG @righthypenyc and TikTok @therighthypepod.

Meet Will, a New York native and a good human at the top of his game. He started his career working at department stores and boutiques, and when he took his style to the streets, he inevitably gained a following for his unmissable style and magnetic personality.

In this episode, we discuss his early influences and the brands he wore in his childhood, the current state of fashion, and the immediate need for stylists to be intuitive in their personalization, not replication.

Will is a personal shopper, creative, wardrobe consultant, stylist, and model. He specializes in big and tall men, made-to-order garments, and customization. Follow Will on Instagram @mylawd92.