Podcasts are a great medium to stay updated on current events – best thing about it, it makes a great commute companion when you just want to zone out and listen. Over time, while the landscape has become crowded, the best ones invite us into candid conversations with designers, artists, historians, and behind the scenes people of the fashion world. The audio based format offers insights into the industry’s best kept secrets that can be thought-provoking and compelling. Whether you’re into sustainability talks, fashion history, or simply looking for something that tickles your brain, these are some of the best fashion podcasts to tune into.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Hosted by reporter and radio producer Avery Trufelman, the award-winning podcast explores the topic of ‘what we wear’, a deep-dive into the origin of fashion in its simplest form like zippers and elaborate topics such as its intersection with society and capitalism. Her well-written and well-said narration immediately pulls you in, seated for the rest of the episode. In this podcast, she approaches each ‘articles of interest’ in a fun and almost unexpected way, engaging conversations with people from diverse backgrounds to dig into the history of each item – in its recent episode, Trufelman brought an Amish person to discuss the relationship between zippers and its community. In these compelling conversations, we are not only informed but entertained by her witty, precise remarks.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Website
DRESSED: THE HISTORY OF FASHION
This long-time running podcast is hosted by fashion historians and friends, April Calahan and Cassidy Zachary, Dressed: The History of Fashion delves deep into the complex social and cultural history of ‘The who, what, when, of why we wear’. The two friends answer questions from their listeners, with detailed research and holistic approach, but light-hearted in its delivery that makes it easy to follow. With diverse topics such as the evolution of polka dots through the ages and legacy of important figures in fashion, there are plenty to keep you company for the rest of the year.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart
THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR
Recho Omondi is an American fashion designer who started her podcast in 2018. The expansive and highly esteemed guest list from behind-the-scenes figures to famed stylists and designers already promises insightful and exciting ideas. What makes it truly refreshing, however, is Omondi’s unapologetic and brutally honest takes, unafraid to actually question and challenge ideas of her own guests. Recent highlights have included Steve Madden talking about his time in prison and Law Roach telling untold stories about his partnership and collaboration with Zendaya. These candid conversations truly invigorates the mind and opens up new perspectives.
Listen on: Spotify and Patreon
THE BUSINESS OF FASHION PODCAST
Fashion’s most trusted and updated news outlet foray into audio format offers some of the best insider’s take. Hosted by founder and editor-in-chief, Imran Amed, in conversation with fashion creatives and business leaders, these interviews provide us the real ins and outs of the industry. Covering the latest news, trends, and opinions from esteemed guests, BoF’s podcast provide indispensable insights into the fashion world, straight from the mouths of leading visionaires.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Overcast
LOUIS VUITTON [EXTENDED]
Louis Vuitton brings in French fashion journalist and famous documentary filmmaker Loic Prigent as a host for their exclusive podcast. The French maison invites close collaborators like Takashi Murakami, designer Pharell Williams, and ambassadors such as K-Pop artist BamBam from Got7 to tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz. The conversations go beyond their relationship with the brand and explores vast subjects regarding their journeys to success, future plans, and insights to the guests’ different realms. So far, with two ongoing seasons, the podcast promises to bring in more fresh conversations with famed and loved personalities.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Louis Vuitton Website
CHANEL CONNECTS
Chanel Connects bridges fashion, arts, and culture, in dialogue with artists across multiple disciplines and presented by the brand’s President of Arts, Culture & Heritage, Yana Peel. The fifth season is set against the stunning backdrop of La Pausa, Gabrielle Chanel’s Mediterranean villa on the French Rivera. Encompassing a series of conversations that touch on subjects across disciplines and vision for the future. With the number ‘five’ being a significant symbol for the maison, the latest season signals a promising space for illuminating conversations.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Chanel Website
FASHION NEUROSIS WITH BELLA FREUD
In a nod to her grandfather, Sigmund Freud, who for those unfamiliar, is the father of psychoanalysis, designer Bella Freud launched Fashion Neurosis, a podcast that hones conversations about clothes and beyond. Set in a small living room that is designed to resemble a therapist’s office, guests recline on a sofa answering questions, while Freud picks at their brain. It is perhaps in such settings that her high profile guests and household names such as Jonathan Anderson, Alessandro Michele, Juergen Teller, and more are able to talk candidly about fashion, offering a glimpse into their often mysterious personalities and decision-making processes. Expect thought-provoking and mind-enriching discussions that allow you to get a grasp of the industry’s ropes.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
AFTER WORK DRINKS
After Work Drinks is a conversation on pop culture and fashion-related topics shared between two friends, journalist Isabelle Truman and writer Grace O’Neill, over a few drinks – a glass of vino to be exact. The two engage their audience with great chemistry and banters, sharing totally unrestricted thoughts and opinions. New episodes are released every week and recent episodes discuss Taylor Swift’s engagement news to Donald Trump’s election win, the widespread topics are guaranteed to be a fun listen.
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Patreon, and Acast