From fashion to beauty, décor and pop culture, style director Louise Hilsz has been binging out on podcasts over the lockdown, here she shares her list of recommendations.
How Two Live
Bio: We’re all just figuring out this thing we call life, but wouldn’t it be a little easier if we had a bunch of people who had been there, done that, and could talk us through it? Sisters, fashion personalities and entrepreneurs Jess and Stef Dadon, are setting out to solve this problem for us all. Chatting to mentors for life advice, business tips, and everything in between, while having illegal amounts of fun along the way. Warning: side effects of listening may include acquiring extreme knowledge about life stuff, and laughing out loud in public places. To hear more from Jess and Stef you can find them on Instagram at @howtwolive.
Why I love it: These two Australian sisters, are also the founders of shoe brand Twoobs, and the blog How To Live interview both fascinating and inspiring women. I love the mix of business entrepreneurs - not to mention their quirky, cute little voices. I have so many favourite episodes, however here are a few that really stood out: Laura Lynne Jackson, Psychic Medium: Secrets of the Universe, In Conversation with Jess and Stef: Workplace or Lifeplace? and Kimberley Gordon, WILDFOX & Selkie: Starting Over. Enjoy.
The Business Of Fashion
Bio: The Business of Fashion has gained a global following as an essential daily resource for fashion creatives, executives and entrepreneurs in over 200 countries across the globe. It is frequently described as “indispensable,” “required reading” and “an addiction.”
Why I love it: American Imran Amed and kiwi Tim Blanks are so in touch with what is happening with fashion globally. They cover everything you need to know when it comes to the topic of fashion. It’s insightful and inspirational. One not to be missed if you have a love for fashion. Their coverage during Codid-19 has been on point. Check out this interview with hairstylist Sam McKnight Special Edition: Sam McKnight on Why Fashion Is the ‘Eternal Optimist’ .
Fashion No Filter
Bio: Fashion journalists Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley give you a unique, behind the scenes view at how the fashion industry operates.
Why I love it: These two fashion journos one English and one French are well experienced in fashion having travelled the runway circuit for years and share a great perspective on the industry. Their recent ep Spilling The Tea With Bryan Boy was fantastic. An in-depth look at the rise and success of fashion bloggers, why they still matter and what has become of the traditional magazine fashion editor - bang on when you look at what is happening to media in NZ right now.
Gucci
Bio: Each episode features the voices who are collaborating with Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele. This is a brilliant insight into the eclectic narrative, inspiration and vision of the hot-right-now Florentine fashion House founded in 1921 and still at the top of it’s game.
Why I love it: Apart from being Gucci (what’s not to love) this podcast takes you so far into the brand, offering an insight into the culture of this incredible company. My favourite episode, Creative soul mates: Sir Elton John and Alessandro Michele talk about their artistic connection. Where Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele talks with Sir Elton John about their latest collaboration, which is the stage design by Michele for the showman’s global ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour and their collective love for beauty, fashion, objects and of course music.
Fashion in Focus
Bio: Showroom 22 founder Murray Bevan and journalist India Leishman speak with New Zealand fashion designers, stylists, directors, influencers and more about their unique New Zealand perspective on the world of fashion.
Why I love it: Just recently launched, I’m excited to listen to some local New Zealand content. The series kicked off with one of my favourite NZ handbag brands Fashion In Focus - with Liam Bowden and Steve Boyd from Deadly Ponies. I am interested to see how it evolves.
Dolly Parton’s America
Bio: In this intensely divided moment, one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on is Dolly Parton—but why? That simple question leads to a profoundly personal, historical, and musical rethink of one of America’s great icons in a nine-episode journey into the ‘Dollyverse’. It's hosted by Jad Abumrad, creator of Radiolab and More Perfect.
Why I love it: One of my icons is Dolly Parton. So I was always going love this podcast series. I discovered insights into her personal life and thoughts in this nine-part series, which made me fall in love with her even more. She’s an icon in society and has had more influence on fashion and music than you would think. When and if I can travel again - guess where I am heading- Dollywood, that’s right, it’s at the top of my bucket list!
Glow Journal
Bio: Join beauty writer Gemma Watts in conversation with some of Australia's, and the world's, biggest beauty pioneers. We're picking the brains behind the beauty products that fill your bathroom cupboards - the CEOs, founders and creative minds heading the brands that shape the beauty industry today. From cult favourites to the products you reach for each morning, from young entrepreneurs to companies steeped in history, these are the stories behind the most successful beauty businesses on the planet.
Why I love it: As a beauty junkie this ticks so many boxes. Hearing the stories of the people behind some of my favourite brands, as well as some educational insights into what it takes to make a top-selling beauty buys -it’s one to add to the list, my pick the chat with Shelley Sullivan Founder and CEO of ModelCo.
WARDROBE CRISIS with Clare Press
Bio: WARDROBE CRISIS is a sustainable fashion podcast from VOGUE's sustainability editor Clare Press. Join Press and her guests as they decode the fashion system, and dig deep into its effects on people and the planet. This show unzips the real issues that face the fashion industry today, with a focus on ethics, sustainability, consumerism, activism, identity and creativity.
Why I love it: Over the years, I have become more and more aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment. You can’t ignore it, and this podcast highlights what I have been thinking. It’s helped me, not only with my fashion choices and consumption but also my lifestyle choices. You must listen to Anya Hindmarch - Single-Use Plastic Be Gone! As a fan of this brand, it was refreshing to hear their take on what most would consider the scourge of the planet - plastic.
