By Beatrice Tridimas
Over the past few years, podcasting has successfully infiltrated journalism and entertainment. There are podcasts on anything and everything, from tips and tricks specifically for dentists (yes, they do exist) to investigations that challenge history (try Revisionist History), stories that pull at your heart strings (Desert Island Discs always), and those that have you screaming with laughter (did somebody say The Receipts Podcast).
More than keeping you entertained while you’re on the tube, in the shower or at the gym, podcasts keep us informed and give people a platform to tell their stories. So, without further ado, I’ve pulled together a list of podcasts that are keeping me informed about the fashion and sustainability.
Who better than Vogue’s first ever Sustainability Editor to be leading the conversation around sustainable fashion? Yes, Clare Press’s credentials in the world of sustainable fashion are pretty impressive and since 2017 she’s joined the podcast mania too! Every week, Clare is joined by an exciting guest, each an expert in their own way, from supermodel Amber Valetta to a group of fashion-loving vegan chefs. Press approaches sustainable fashion from any and every angle, mixing intellectual analysis with casual, fun style chat. Clare’s podcast is for anyone who wants to dive in deep to some of the biggest issues in fashion at the moment.
102. Economist Raj Patel – Can We Imagine the End of Capitalism?
At the dark, complex intersection of fashion and capitalism, Press meets journalist Raj Patel to delve deep into the history of capitalism, colonialism and the patriarchy, providing a sophisticated analysis of the economics that have built the modern world and plotting how to break them down…
Model, Charli Howard is guided by her own experience in the industry to lead a fascinating podcast aimed at fixing fashion. Chatting with designers, models and budding entrepreneurs over a cup of tea or in the bath, Charli delves behind the scenes to get a look at what people are doing right now to change the industry for the better. She is never afraid to point out where things are going wrong, initiating vital, accessible conversations about how we can do better.
Body Positivity with Sonny Turner
The very first episode of the podcast, Charli discusses body positivity with model Sonny Turner whilst enjoying a day out at the spa. Charli and Sonny’s chatter is intimate as they seek change in the industry’s attitudes towards appearance and celebrate figures that front the inclusive, self-loving body positivity movement.
The Ted Talks of fashion, this podcast brought to you by The Business of Fashion is unlike any other industry podcast. The 20 minute ‘Voices’ episodes are often a single speaker delivering eloquent, impassioned stories based on their personal experiences of the industry. Verging on the edge of motivational speeches, the episodes are informative, empowering and utterly inspiring. In the slightly longer, ‘Inside Fashion’ episodes, Imran Amed, founder of The Business of Fashion, talks to some of the industry’s moguls.
180. Alok Vaid-Menon on Why Clothes Have No Gender
This was an emotional and inspiring insight into the history of gendered dressing and the personal experiences of designer, Alok Vaid-Menon. Alok discusses how the way we dress shapes gender binaries and calls on the industry to break down these barriers.
Diving into full-on conversations about business, the future of fashion, and design, Kestrel’s podcast is for anyone wanting an in depth exploration of the sustainable fashion industry. She also covers more niche topics like the Hemp trend, the psychology of fashion, and knitting! One of the first podcasters on the sustainable fashion scene, Kestrel is somewhat of a guru and, joined by other experts, is determined to learn how the industry can change for the better.
171. The Psychology of Fashion and Why We Wear What We Wear
Kestrel chats with psychologist Anabel Maldonado about how our clothes reflect our personalities, emotions and wellbeing. This was a really interesting episode, answering so many questions about why we dress the way we dress.
Hosted by journalists, Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley, this is a friendly, chatty and fun exploration of fashion. Often combining style advice with powerful stories of female entrepreneurship, Charriere and Ainley are exciting and enthusiastic hosts always down to have a laugh. The pair are honest about their own wardrobes and open up a space to start getting real about what’s going on behind the scenes of the fashion industry.
Joining the circular economy with Vestiaire Collective
This episode was a really exciting dive into the fantastic minds behind Vestiaire Collective. Camille and Monica chat with founders, Fanny Moisant and Sophie Hersan, about how they created the company that is changing the face of fashion.
So there we have it! Next time you’re settling into a long journey on the bus or need a little company while you cook, get listening and get learning!
Beatrice Tridimas
Beatrice is an ethicist and book-lover, pursuing her passion for writing at KeiSei whilst studying for a masters degree at UCL. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh earlier this year.
