It was a distinct privilege and special experience during our visit to Paris for fashion week in early March 2020 to interview Dana Thomas at her home. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Wait, who is Dana Thomas? 

If you haven’t heard of her, don’t worry! Many people outside of the fashion and journalism industries may not be familiar with her, so let’s begin with a short (but impressive) bio: 

Dana is a highly regarded journalist and writer, who started her illustrious career under Katherine Graham (remember the movie “The “Post”?), and has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, the New Yorker, Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, and Architectural Digest to name just a few publications you might have heard of before! She has written three books that center around the fashion industry and the hidden problems and issues therein. These books are Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster and Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano & the latest, Fashionopolis. She is now the Editor-at-Large for Vogue Business. We can’t wait to share her story & thoughts on the future of the fashion industry with you!

Did you say she started her career under Katherine Graham???

Yes we did! One the most interesting and inspiring parts of this podcast is hearing about what she learned as a young journalist under Ms. Graham, and how those lessons have stayed with her and influenced her throughout her own admirable career.

No Judging!

Everyone in or out of the fashion industry has an opinion about “Fast Fashion”- you may think you do not, but if you shop at Zara, Mango, or H & M, for example, then you do simply by purchasing from these stores (we are not judging anyone who does!) 

Also, most everyone has heard of the brand, Alexander McQueen, though some may know what happened to its founder, Alexander (called “Lee” by family and friends).

You may have heard that fashion is one of the largest polluters of our time, and that there are too many collections and clothes being produced, but you not know the inside scoop on any of this, and certainly not why it is important for you personally. Therefore, we highly suggest you tune in to our podcast with Dana! 

Is there hope for the fashion industry in general, and individual brands and designers?

Besides, the downside of all of this, Dana gives examples of what positive steps are finally being taken to combat the dismal state fashion finds itself in today. When we interviewed her at her Parisian apartment, the Coronavirus had not yet shut down Paris; we had no idea what was to come in a few short weeks, but this “New Normal”, as it is referred to, will also lead to changes in the way things are done in the fashion industry, and the world in general. We encourage you to listen to the podcast, and send comments or questions -we can forward to Dana for answers!!