Advertise on podcast: Raw Talent with Fiona Abrahams

In Series 4 Episode 9 of Raw Talent, I am speaking with Katrina Armitage who is the vision behind Fashion Desk UK an initiative she has set up inspired by the needs of brands in today's fashion industry reinforced by 26+ years in the business.  Fashion Desk UK facilitates and supports retailers and brands in relocating some of their manufacturing to the UK in order to establish a transparent supply chain and improve sustainability, offering flexibility, creativity and speed to market.

In S4 Episode 8 of Raw Talent, I am speaking with Erica Horne founder of CAD For Fashion. Erica and her team teach the most effective steps for computer and iPad based Photoshop and Illustrator. They offer group sessions and one-to-one lessons with a step-by-step watch, learn and do approach for students, graduates and established designers of all levels.  Erica believes iPad Illustrator launched in 2020 will revolutionise fashion CAD with its speed, accuracy and ease of use. It makes light work in enabling a designer to create highly professional CAD's and illustrations to a professional standard a skill we see people continually honing throughout their fashion careers. 

In Series 4, Episode 7 of Raw Talent we are exploring how psychology can make fashion better with Professor Carolyn Mair, Author of 'The Psychology of Fashion'.  Carolyn Mair is a Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Her professional experience spans consultancy, academia and early careers in visual merchandising, graphic design, dressmaking and portraiture. During her 20 years in academia, she was promoted to full Professorship at two universities and established a Psychology Department at University of the Arts London (UAL) pioneering the world’s first Psychology for Fashion Masters degrees (MA and MSc). Carolyn left academia in 2017, established her consultancy and wrote a book, The Psychology of Fashion, published in 2018. In the first of a 3 part series, we are going to explore why the psychology of fashion matters and it's impact on society and the industry.

In Series 4, Episode 6 of Raw Talent I am joined by sustainability and raw materials expert Kavita Dass.  With a solid history in raw material sourcing and technology, Kavita combines both industry experience and study to offer an authoritative grasp of the latest innovations, sustainable sourcing and circular economy challenges and solutions faced and on offer within the industry.  Her unique selling point is the ability to help implement and embed sustainability with a systemic approach, so that a business remains agile and in step with its customers. Implementing changing practices is a gradual process that should not impede or disrupt but instead be a smooth transition.

In Series 4, Episode 5 of Raw Talent I am speaking with Rebecca Rodden founder of Eluroom.  Rebecca's career evolved in a 21-year stint at Ted Baker rising from Receptionist to Buying Director across two decades during which we have experienced the evolution of technology making a revolutionary impact on the way in which fashion is consumed and experienced.  During her time at Ted Baker, Rebecca worked across men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, footwear and licensed product with the mission of continually evolving the Ted Baker brand through innovation and diversification in response to the ebb and flow of a changing global consumer. 2020 has shaken many established businesses and stepping out into a brave new world, Rebecca is embarking on a new chapter inspired by a desire for balance expressed in her about to launch brand Eluroom.

In Series 4, Episode 4 of Raw Talent I am speaking with luxury brand consultant Michelle Mahlke. After graduating with Degrees in Art History and Fashion Design, her career started in 2006 with iconic designer Roland Mouret and progressed through several roles from EA / Office Manager (2006 – 2007) to PR, Event Management and Special Projects (2008 – 2009), General Manager (2009 – 2013) and ultimately Managing Director (2013 – 2018). This breadth of knowledge and expertise positioned Michelle with the opportunity to understand the successes, challenges and growing pains of the business and how to get past them.  She is fascinated by making a dream become reality and has the imagination, determination, and experience to build this synergy within a developing business.  As a consultant, her goal is to help founders and owners build successful and dynamic companies that inspire both teams and consumers to carve out new niches within their respective industries.

In Series 4, Episode 3 of Raw Talent I am speaking with Tanya Robertson Founder of Womanhood, an online store showcasing a curated collection of lingerie by female founders offering multiple sizes and styles, creating a positive underwear shopping and wearer experience. Womanhood reflects representation, authenticity and women reclaiming their bodies. It is a joining of forces showcasing brands that share the aligned values of diversity, inclusion and body positivity. The aim is to build a community of confident, empowered women whilst championing diverse, ethical and independent brands, who create their products with love. 

Welcome to Series 4, Episode 2 of Raw Talent, where we are off to the Netherlands and getting all summery with sustainable swim & resort wear brand Bower. As soon as we head to the website, we want to book a holiday and buy everything! Bower offers modern design-led beautifully constructed swimwear for men and women that retains functionality and ease of wear. 1% of profits are donated to the Healthy Seas initiative and all swimwear is created from fabrics produced with ECONYL®, a yarn created from post-consumer plastic waste including discarded fishing nets.

In Series 4, Episode 1 of Raw Talent we're heading to Ipswich to chat with Matthew Rawlings Retail Director of Coes, one of the UK’s largest independent fashion retailers. Matthew has extensive expertise across all aspects of retail operations including product, high-end store management, area management, buying, merchandising, financial planning and team development.  He brings a warm and engaging leadership style that gets the best out of individuals and creates happy high performing teams. Exactly what you'd expect at a business at the forefront of style that is constantly pushing for innovation. Where service excellence and selecting the best styles with customers in mind is at the heart of what they do.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 10 of Raw Talent where we are back in London diving into brand development, communications and investment with John Hoffman, Partner at the New Spirit Group and ex-Chairman of The Communications Store, now Science Magic Inc.   John was at the helm during the evolution of The Communications Store into Science Magic Inc. with the mission of building, partnering with and investing in the brands and people of tomorrow using Science, Magic and Experience.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 9 of Raw Talent, where we are back in London sneaking a peek behind the scenes at emerging menswear brand Basic Rights with MD Jack Gove. Basic Rights was founded in New York and launched in Electric Lady Studios in 2016 by guitarist Freddie Cowan of The Vaccines, before relocating to East London in 2018. They believe in style combined with fabric, fit and finish. Ethical transparency and sustainable practices are at the forefront of the brand's values in creating elevated essentials, designed as off-duty uniforms for modern creatives.  The message is about getting the basics right.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 8 of Raw Talent, where we are hanging in London and experiencing a French twist with footwear designer Léa Zana who is also the founder of emerging homeware brand Vaisselle Boutique, founded during lockdown as a homage to all the favourite restaurants and bistros Léa is missing.  Léa confesses that the food she cooks is terrible and she had to find a way to make it tasty and yummy. So she designed a range of kitchen and decoration essentials inspired by Spanish antique ceramics with a colourful twist. All the items are interchangeable so you can create your OWN tablescape. By the way, in case you're wondering what Vaisselle means... it’s the French word for crockery.