Presented with the CAFA Changemaker Award in 2023, Amber-Dawn Bear Robe is a curator, art historian and Fashion Show Program Director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. Born in Alberta, Canada, and a member of the Siksika Nation, Bear Robe has spent her career working and lecturing in Native art institutions. Through her work and advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in the representation of Indigenous designers on a national platform. She has demonstrated profound dedication to empowering Indigenous talent, art, and design history and has set the stage for a more inclusive and culturally rich fashion landscape.

Vanja Vasic founded Fashion Art Toronto (intentionally called FAT) in 2005 making it the longest running fashion event in Toronto (Canada's largest city).

In this episode Vanja and Donna discuss:

• Vanja's history and how her artistic, rebellious parents helped shape her creative spirit
• the tie between fashion and art
• the "naughty" origins of Fashion Art Toronto
• key milestones throughout the past 18 years
• the importance of the runway show and why it is still the anchor of Fashion Art Toronto
• the surprising impact of Covid/ lockdowns and how it positively impacted the event

The next FAT is Nov 16 - 19, 2023 in Toronto, ON.

To learn more about Fashion Art Toronto - http://fashionarttoronto.ca/

On IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashionarttoronto/

Founder Vanja Vasic - https://www.instagram.com/_vanjavasic_/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Evan Biddell has been designing clothes since his teens. Before he became a viral sensation with The Playsuit, he talked with Donna Bishop in an early FashionTalks episode.

In this episode you will hear Evan talk candidly about:

• His upbringing in the Canadian Prairies
• Being on, and winning, the first Project Runway Canada
• His commitment to sustainability, the 81 Pound Challenge and this collection being on display in the Vancouver Museum
• His long relationship with super model Stacey McKenzie
• His thoughts on style, why fashion kids love Norm Core, how he works with clients and more, including what he has in common with Alexander McQueen

To learn more about Evan Biddell - https://biddell.shop/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/biddell/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Mina Gerges is known for his fearless self expression, ground breaking modelling gigs and plus size and LGTBQ2S+ advocacy.

In this episode you will hear Mina share:

• His Egyptian heritage and how it has shaped him
• How he started creating the videos he became known for
• His journey to discovering his authentic self
• What is means to him to be a plus sized, male model
• The massive ad campaign that changed his life

Learn more about Mina Gerges - https://www.itsminagerges.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/minagerges/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

FashionTalks for Industry Midroll

Making your side hustle your full time gig is one of the most common goals any entrepreneur has. Catherine Addai knows what it means to HUSTLE!

In this episode you will hear:

• Catherine talk about what her days looked like working her side hustle, her full time job and living her life
• What supports and lessons she learned as a side hustle designer that have been instrumental in her success
• How she honours and incorporates her Ghanaian roots into her designs
• How she got her "big break"
• The walls she hit as a Black designer then moving through and around them
• Her thoughts on the power of colour

To learn more about Catherine and her brand Kaela Kay - https://kaelakay.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/kaelakayonline/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thecatherineaddai/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jeanne Beker is a fashion icon and Canadian treasure. As the host of the ground breaking FashionTelevision Jeanne brought new fans to fashion, opened a portal to the otherwise unseen magic of runways shows and witnessed the entire fashion industry respond to new media.

In this episode you will hear Jeanne share stories about:

• how she became the host of FashionTelevision
• meeting designers Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and many more
• the moment she literally handed her mic over to someone else
• the lasting impact of FashionTelevision on her life and career

To learn more about Jeanne Beker - http://www.jeannebeker.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thejeannebeker/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

That's a wrap on season 4! But don't worry - FashionTalks isn't going anywhere.

We will return in September with a special series, FashionTalks for Industry. Host Donna Bishop will interview experts in legals, grant writing, thought leadership, financing, marketing, managing burnout and more. A host of topics to support you and your business whether you are a designer, entrepreneur, creative director, freelancer - any. career that touches fashion.

Until then, enjoy some favourite episodes from the vault throughout the month of August.

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Izzy Camilleri is a big deal. As one of Canada's most celebrated fashion designers she has dressed A list celebrities from David Bowie to Meryl Streep. In 2005 her world and career changed when a woman living with paralysis asked Izzy to design some custom clothing that would work with her power wheelchair. This entry into adaptive clothing pivoted her career in a profound way.

In this episode:

• Izzy shares her meeting and designing for David Bowie
• Her career shift to a focus on adaptive clothing, the fashion industry's reaction (spoiler, it wasn't great) and how she stayed the course of her vision
• Insight into the size, perspective and future of adaptive fashion
• Her proprietary innovation and how it is revolutionizing the adaptive fashion market and beyond

To watch Izzy's Ted Talks - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/galleries/ted-talk/

To learn more about Izzy and IZ Adaptive - https://www.izzycamilleri.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/izzy.camilleri/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Fashion intersects with some surprising places! Case in point, tarot reader Lori Simeunovic has a ton of experience harnessing and acknowledging the power of adornment as it pertains to empowerment, manifestation and more.

In this episode Lori and Donna discuss:

• The photoshoot that had a profound impact on Lori's life and career
• How fashion plays into manifestation and showing the universe what you are ready for
• How Lori uses fashion in her business
• The events that lead to Lori's multiple book deal
• How she cultivated her signature style and why it matters
• The power of rituals, and how they relate to fashion

The jeweller who made the necklace Lori mentioned - https://katekingjewellery.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/katekingjewellery/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3D

Wendy Alana, photographer Lori did the boudoir photoshoot with - https://wendyalanaphotography.com/portfolio-item/boudoir/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/wendyalanaphoto/?igshid=Y2IzZGU1MTFhOQ%3D%3D

To learn more about Lori - https://www.tarotlori.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/tarot.lori/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Lisa Corbo has been around the fashion block. She has been a textile designer, fashion designer, interior designer, buyer, retail entrepreneur, stylist and most recently has added digital creator to her incredible career. Lisa has so much to share and a ton of amazing stories, experiences and insights.

In this episode Lisa talks about:

• Her vast and varied career
• What authenticity means to her
• Her thoughts on aging
• Her thoughts on the power of aesthetics
• How she is more than fashion

To learn more and follow Lisa Corbo on IG - https://www.instagram.com/lisacorbo/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Sage Paul is a designer, artist, creator and the executive & artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Arts, an organization committed to exploring the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice through presentation for broad audiences and industries.

In this episode you will hear Sage and Donna talk about:

• Sage's experience taking a delegation of Indigenous designers to Milan, why being on the European fashion calendar is important and how this mission came to be
• An insider look at White Milano
• How luxury fashion is being reinvented
• Why she is tired of Indigenous designers having to make white people feel better about wearing their work
• The connection between having basic needs met and cultural appropriation
• What narratives she has included in her personal work

To learn more about Sage Paul - http://sagepaul.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/sagepaul/

To learn more about Indigenous Fashion Arts - https://indigenousfashionarts.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/indigenousfashionarts/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

George Sully has been designing for over 20 years. Yet despite that history he, and other designers, have been designing in the dark for years. George is candid, clear and passionate while sharing his story and the future of designing.

In this episode you will hear:

• George discuss how he was shut out of the fashion industry and what the impact of designing in the dark has been on him and other black designers
• The breadth and depth of his experience - "I have always been premium..."
• The importance of a data base of black designers
• The weight and mental health toll of his many identities
• The importance of family
• How he has manifested his life - personally and professionally
• His advice to other designers

ABOUT GEORGE SULLY: Multidisciplinary designer, entrepreneur and activist are all different ways one can begin to describe George Sully.  Based in Toronto, with an impressive worldwide network, Sully has established a collective of multifaceted companies that leverage him as an innovative player in the world of multimedia content creation and fashion design.

Celebrated CAFA Change-maker Award winner, George Brown honorary degree recipient and FGI Visionary Award Winner, Sully is also known for his collaborations that include but not limited to, DHL, EBAY, Disney, Hudson’s Bay, and Mercedes Benz. Sully is also a Bata Shoe Museum inductee, creator of Black designers of Canada, co-founder of House of Hayla and creator of break-out brand Sully & Son Company.

To learn more about George Sully - https://georgesully.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/realgeorgesully/

To learn more about Black Designers of Canada - https://blackdesignersofcanada.com/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

John Fluevog has been designing shoes since the 1970s. His unmistakeable footwear has graced not just runway shows around the world, but have been worn by countless celebrities including Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

George Clinton, known as Parliament known as Funkadelic, came to prominence in the 60s, revolutionized R&B music in the 70s and continues to make music with a host of artists including Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, LL Cook J and Drake (one of his latest).

Dame Zandra Rhodes has been a fashion designer for over 50 years and is the founder of the British Fashion and Textile Museum. She has dressed countless celebrities from Natalie Wood to Diana Ross to Freddy Mercury to Princess Diana.

Clinton and Rhodes were in Toronto to launch their latest Fluevog collaborations. Donna Bishop sat down with them in the flagship Fluevog store in Toronto to chat about:

• collaboration
• creative inspiration
• the importance of feelings
• and of course, shoes

To learn more about John Fluevog - https://www.fluevog.com/

To learn more about George Clinton - https://georgeclinton.com/

To learn more about Dame Zandra Rhodes - https://zandrarhodes.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Nina Kharey rose to acclaim when Meghan Markle wore a design from her label Nonie. Now she is dedicated to designing for an industry that has seen little to no innovation in over 50 years: Scrubs.

In this episode you will hear:

• Nina sharing what drew her to putting her attention on front line medical workers
• The incredible, innovative, unique technology that she uses for a completely new fabric
• How she makes her business circular, sustainable and out of landfill
• Where her love of fashion design hits in this new sector
• What keeps her inspired, energized and focused

Here is the episode with Dr Liza Egboyah referenced in our conversation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/45tkps2FmhBgS7reW4uWft

To lean more about Folds - https://foldswear.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/foldswear/

To learn more about Nina - https://www.noniewear.com/pages/about

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ninakharey/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Hilary MacMillan has been at the helm of her namesake label for 10 years! She is no stranger to all the facets of entrepreneurship.

We talk about all the things the weigh on the mind of business owners:

• Leadership
• Pivoting
• Scaling
• Sustainability
• Trusting you gut

And she shares what she really wants Canadians to know about our fashion industry (her thoughts may surprise you...)

To learn more about Hilary MacMillan - https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/hilarymacmillan/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jamie Alexander got thrown into the fashion industry when his daughter Ruby wanted to wear a bikini like her friends. Something that was fun and girlie with tween/ teen vibes. Ruby, who is trans, wanted something that made her feel like herself. When Jamie and his wife looked for options for their daughter, there was nothing that fit what they, and Ruby, were looking for. So Jamie embarked on making it for her.

In this episode you will hear:

• The unique design journey of Ruby's bikini bottoms
• How Jamie used social media to problem solve design, launch the products and build community
• The feedback Jamie gets from families about the profound impact of his products and company

If you or someone you know is looking for information, education and support here are some resources:

• Kids Help Phone - https://kidshelpphone.ca/tag-cloud/?tags=2slgbtq
• The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• The Trans Student Educational Resources/ Gender Unicorn - https://transstudent.org/gender/

To learn more about Rubies - https://rubyshines.com/

Follow on IG - https://www.instagram.com/rubiesdad/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is making a serious impact.

Not just because her sustainable beauty brand is now available in Sephora (Canada) and JC Penny (USA).

Not just because she is creating an example for other Indigenous people of what is possible; to see and feel their value.

Not just because of how she has overcome generational trauma and created her own journey to sobriety.

But because she is all of these at once.

In this episode Jenn and Donna discuss:

• The dream that inspired Cheekbone Beauty
• The impact of learning about her heritage and grandmother's experience in residential school
• How she brings her Indigenous roots into her leadership
• How she keeps grounded and focused as an entrepreneur

To learn more and shop Cheekbone Beauty - https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cheekbonebeauty/

Follow Jenn Harper - https://www.instagram.com/jennlharper/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

If you love and hate your heels you are not alone (and you are not imagining it). Dr Liza Egbogah is not just acclaimed shoe designer, she is also a Chiropractic Doctor and manual osteopath.

Dr Liza discusses with Donna Bishop:

• What happens to our body when our feet are comprised (it may surprise you!)
• Her unexpected road to fashion designer
• How her practice as a chiropractor influenced her journey
• Why changing the foot industry is no mean feat
• Can we be our best selves if we are in discomfort?

To learn more and shop dr liza shoes - https://www.drlizashoes.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/drlizashoes/

Follow Dr Liza - https://www.instagram.com/drliza/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Do you ever feel like you have 2 passions, or even 2 conflicting desires, inside you? Seda Rafilovich does and she has maintained both of them, medicine and fashion, throughout her entire life. She is full of life advice and inspiration on how to live a fulfilled life.

In this episode we talk about:

• How she has always honoured her love and pursuit of fashion and medical careers
• Her experience of working as a fashion designer in Russia in the 1990s
• How Covid was time of growth, personally and professionally
• The inspiration she draws from working with women
• The importance of local buying and producing
• Why she has a love affair with outerwear
• The reason she turns her philanthropic energy to the geriatric medicine, one of the most underserved areas of medicine

To learn more and discover Seda - https://sedaworld.com/

To learn more about her philanthropic initiative for geriatric medicine - https://sedaworld.com/pages/seda-x-shn-foundation  

Follow Seda - https://www.instagram.com/sedaworldfashion/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

It all started with a cyborg named Neil.

You can not deny that fashion and technology are forever intertwined. Electric Runway founder, journalist Amanda Costco unpacks the good, the bad and the grey in between discussing this relationship. Where are we in the hype cycle? What is going to stick and what is just passing amusement? What are the global priorities as it pertains to fashion and tech? Manufacturing, the metaverse, filters, robots, avatars - where are we?

Amanda and Electric Runway - https://electricrunway.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/electric_runway/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@electric_runway?

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

This episode is JAM PACKED. Raj Girn, founder of Anokhi Life, is a is a multi-award winning media & events entrepreneur, brand strategist, marketing consultant, confidence coach, #1 best-selling author, and entertainment personality. She is widely recognized as an expert in niche branding, media, marketing, and public relations, having worked with a vast array of globally recognized brands and celebrities for almost 2 decades.

Raj and I cover a lot of ground in this episode. You will hear about:

• Her incredible journey and experience fusing her Indian and Western backgrounds and identity
• Starting the globally celebrated media company Anokhi Life
• The global influence of Indian fashion and the recent impact of the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai and its founder/ Chairperson Nita M Ambani
• The zeitgeist moment South Asian culture is having
• How fashion weaves into her successful, executive coaching business
• Raj's perspective on confidence as it relates to fashion, style and the difference between the two

To learn more about Anokhi Life and the 20th anniversary events https://www.anokhilife.com/

Tickets for the Anokhi 20th anniversary events - https://www.anokhi20.com/tickets/

Raj Girn - https://www.rajgirn.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/rajgirn/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards www.cafawards.ca

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Naomi Shapiro of long standing brand Rock n Karma is breaking down over 25 years of fashion success; from street vending as a teenager to kiosks in major malls to store fronts in some of Toronto's coolest neighbourhoods.

Naomi is a force of knowledge and experience. Here energy is infectious as is her positive outlook on life, as well as fashion.

In this episode you'll hear all about:

• What continues to drive Naomi after 25 years
• How she encourages clients to step out of their fashion comfort zone
• The power of clothes and how to harness it
• Naomi's thoughts on how covid impacted our relationship with fashion & on fashion and your age
• How to make your wardrobe timeless (hint, defining what is timeless is part of it and that may not be what you think)

Check out Rock N Karma 789 Queen St W Toronto, ON

https://www.rocknkarma.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/rocknkarma/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

FashionTalks is back! Starting April 26 join host Donna Bishop for weekly conversations with designers, entrepreneurs and creatives on thinking and moving through the world through the lens of fashion.

Follow FashionTalks - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

Follow Host Donna Bishop - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Discover our Partner CAFA - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

Follow Producer Jason Perrier - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thanks to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

David Cash, founder of Cash Labs, has been identified by Vogue Magazine as the leading force in bringing web3 to market. David, the 2023 CAFA Innovation Award winner, is the founder of Metaverse Fashion Week and has worked with dozens of global brands from Farfetch to Estée Lauder to Verizon to the NBA.

In this episode David and host Donna Bishop discuss:

• David's journey to founding Cash Labs
• The origins of Metaverse Fashion Week (and what is that experience?)
• Breaking down Web3, AI, VR, Blockchain and other technologies
• How these technologies impact and are essential for anyone in fashion to be aware of and pay attention to
• Explaining how prevalent so much of this technology is already
• Why the gaming world is relevant right now and in the future
• Understanding the scope of the digital realm and why it matters in a broad sense (you may be surprised)
• Amazing advice for anyone working in fashion

To learn more about Cash Labs - https://www.cashlabs.io/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cashlabs.io

David Cash - https://www.instagram.com/davidcash888/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

From the FashionTalks vault comes a fantastic conversation with one of the nicest fellas ever. A compelling origins story is so inspiring and Paul Mason's story of how the international sensation, Fashion Santa, came to be is no exception. Paul is proof that you never know what is waiting for you around the corner. The road was full of ups and downs and Paul weathered it all with grace, warmth and, naturally, the spirit of the festive season.

Paul and Donna cover not just Fashion Santa, but what Paul observed about people/ what we gain from some lightness in life - and all of this pre-pandemic.

Follow Paul on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fashionsanta/

Follow host Donna Bishop on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow our producing partner CAFA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

It is not often you hear of someone being drafted as a linebacker for pro football and then pivoting into the fashion industry, but that is exactly what James Yurichuk, CEO of Wuxly has done. James and I have a fascinating conversation that moves between his suburb roots in Ontario, Canada to his love for brand campaigns to how his Brazilian girlfriend inspired a 180 move to starting a parka company to working with serious cultural icons.

James is not your traditional fashion insider and how he thinks about his position in the industry is incredibly unique.

With inspirational parallels between sports and entrepreneurship, James is full of insights that he shares openly.

Learn more about Wuxly - https://wuxly.com/

Instagram - http://bit.ly/3i6CNOg

Check out host Donna Bishop - www.thisisdonnab.ca

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Thanks to our producing partner - www.cafawards.ca

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

Shopping can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. We have all had experiences shopping that have been amazing, or hopefully we all have. Shopping is ever evolving and that has never been more true than right now. Lisa Kisber, co-founder of ShopSquad, shares her deep knowledge of retail and where we are headed with live, digital shopping. Lisa is smart, funny and full of insights. You are going to love this conversation.

Follow Lisa @lkisstyle

Learn more about ShopSquad www.shopsquad.ca

Follow our host Donna Bishop @thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA www.cafawards.ca

There is nothing like some behind the scenes intel. Am I right? Vicky has some amazing stories to share as we reminisce about CAFA galas through the years.

Vicky Milner, President of CAFA, has her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry. CAFA (Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards) is Canada's national organization honouring, celebrating and supporting designers and the other creatives within the fashion space. Its annual awards gala is a who's who of the industry combined with the hottest up and coming players. Fashion royalty from all over the world flies into Toronto to revel in the energy and glamour of Canada's most fashionable night. Vicky, who touches every element of the gala, has seen it all.

Follow Vicky Milner:

@vickymilner6

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

This one got surprisingly emotional! Melodie Reynolds is a beauty brand founder/ CEO who is breaking all the rules when it comes to makeup. Be it the marketing messages or packaging or ingredients or corporate culture Melodie is maintaining the empowering elements of adornment through beauty while breaking the traditional molds of the billion dollar industry.

Follow Elate and Melodie:

@elatecosmetics

www.elatebeauty.com

@melodieelated

Follow host Donna Bishop:

@thisisdonnab

Follow and learn more about CAFA - Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards

@cafawards

Myles Sexton is a force of nature. They are a Creative Director, HIV & Sobriety Activist, model, makeup artist, content creator and lover of all things fashion and travel. In this episode Myles talks openly about how fashion has been an integral part of their life, whether it be their roots on the east coast of Canada, their decision to come forward about living with HIV, the honour of wearing the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress and so much more.

Follow Myles:

@mylessexton

www.mylessexton.com

Watch the video as Myles shares that they are living with HIV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MmYyfmFOoM

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

Smash + Tess is a community, a fashion brand and the dream of mother/ daughter team Ashley Freeborn and Teresa Freeborn. Hailed as starting the "Romper Revolution" Ashley's vision goes well beyond the freedom and comfort of the casual dressing that has taken the globe by storm since 2020.

But what does being comfortable really mean? Have we shed a metaphorical corset since the onset of Covid? Hear Ashley's thoughts on this in more.

Follow & Discover Smash + Tess:

https://smashtess.com/

@smashtess

Follow host Donna Bishop:

@thisisdonnab

Follow CAFA:

@cafawards

Michelle and Karen love weddings, but that doesn't mean they didn't see the point of reevaluating the traditions and tropes of the typical, heteronormative, western wedding. We dive into the bridal, white wedding dress and the crushing pressures that the billion dollar wedding industry can impose upon women as they celebrate their nuptials.

As authors of The New Wedding Book: A Guide to Ditching All the Rules, Michelle and Karen uncover the historical foundation of the traditional wedding gown (thank you Queen Victoria, but mostly Princess Grace and Princess Diana) in the hopes of supporting couples to make choices that align with their perspectives, values and forge new tradtions.

The New Wedding Book can be found here - https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-new-wedding-book-a/9781459747111-item.html?ikwid=the+new+wedding+book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=b5ab362fe92db4785119f80c62cbe626

Follow Michelle and Karen:

@thenewweddingbook

@mbilodeau

@karen_cleveland

Follow host Donna Bishop

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

Learn more about CAFA

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

What do you do when getting dressed is traumatizing? If you are Mahrzad Lari you face it head on. As a plus sized man since his youth Mahrzad never felt he could express himself with clothing. Flash forward to 2021 and he is disrupting the menswear industry with his label Wide the Brand. A classic, chic line of modern basics for plus sized men. Mahrzad candidly shares personal stories about his love of fashion, his experience as a plus sized man and why we should take the emotion out of size. Sound familiar?

Episode with Meredith Shaw: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/finding-belonging-in-fashion-with-meredith-shaw/id1271856693?i=1000541311124

Follow Us:

@mahrzadlari

@widethebrand

www.en-ca.widethebrand.com

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

Is there a connection between our body and our subconscious mind? Atarah breaks down this powerful connection, shares his personal journey and love of fashion and how the clothes we choose can impact our belief system. So much to take in on this one!

Follow Atarah and connect to book a session:

https://www.instagram.com/atarahvalentine/

Follow host Donna Bishop:

https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Learn more about our producing partner the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards:

@cafawards

As the founder and CEO of Talk Boutique, Andrea Sampson has been training individuals in delivering engaging talks, compelling stories, dynamic presentations and building active communities based on developing thought leadership.

Listen to Andrea and Donna Bishop discuss:

• The dual value of being a thought leader
• Why fashion is ripe for new thought leaders
• How to start being a thought leader
• Thought leader vs expert vs trail blazer vs influencer vs change maker
• Why an emotional connection is essential to being a thought leader
• What is the unique mindset of a thought leader and how to cultivate it
• How thought leadership supports business goals - including sales

To learn more about Andrea Sampson - https://talkboutique.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Grace Lee has seen the beauty industry change a lot in her 26 years of experience. With strong opinions on the specific role of a fashion makeup artist, how social media is shaping the industry and her go-to products, Grace shares all this as well as behind the scenes stories from her days at fashion weeks around the world.

It is About Far More than Bras & Underwear with Chantal Carter of Love and Nudes.

In this episode Chantal Carter shares:

* her inspirational and dramatic spark that planted the seed for Love and Nudes

* what it means to be seen, and not be seen, in fashion

* how she created her own opportunity

* what it means to see other companies, larger companies, take a bite of your market

Where to find Chantal:

@loveandnudes

www.loveandnudes.com

Where to find Donna:

@thisisdonnab

@fashiontalkspod

To learn more about CAFA:

@cafawards

www.cafawards.ca

Meredith Shaw is a leader of Canadian Fashion Authority, On-Air personality on CHUM FM and Style-Expert on The Social + The Marilyn Denis Show. Meredith inspires women of all sizes across the country through body positivity activism, modelling and style expertise.

Donna and Meredith talk about:

* Working in fashion as a curvy woman

* The language of body types

* Taking the emotion out of size

* The challenge of the word "inclusive" sizing

* Dispelling myths of curvy women

Mentioned in this Episode:

@diana.dares

http://www.marielleelizabeth.com/

https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/

Where to Meredith Shaw:

* @meredithshaw - including her body language series

* https://www.femmefaire.ca/ for the MEREband in support of Girls Inc. - a National Organization

encouraging young women of all backgrounds to be strong, smart and bold

Where to Find Host Donna Bishop

* @thisisdonnab

* @fashiontalkspod

Our Producing Partner @cafawards - the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards

FashionTalks is back! Donna Bishop returns with candid interviews with designers, stylists, artists, activists and leaders within the fashion industry. What we wear says something. Fashion literally talks. Join us beginning November 10 for conversations on the power and persuasion of fashion.

Where to Find Us:

* @fashiontalkspod

* @thisisdonnab

Fashion designer Tanya Taylor is full of surprises. Whether it is dressing strong, powerful woman (hello, Michelle Obama) or sharing her unique journey to fashion design or talking about the joys of print and colour, Tanya is full of optimism and inspiration.

Follow on Instagram:

@fashiontalkspod

@thisisdonnab

@tanyataylor

Next In Fashion designer Charles Lu is exactly as you see him on the popular Netflix series host by Tan France and Alexa Chung. He is candid, warm, funny and full of stories. He openly chats with host Donna Bishop about his childhood, his love of fashion and the experience of being on an international TV show sensation.

Follow us in Instagram!

FashionTalks at @fashiontalkspod

Host Donna Bishop @thisisdonnab

Today's guest Charles at @charles__lu

Before COVID, Donna Bishop sat down with fashion designer Catherine Addai. She has an amazing story of turning her side hustle fashion brand, Kaela Kay, into an international sensation. From being featured on CNN to infusing her Ghanaian roots into her designs, Catherine shares her journey with humour and directness.

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with two powerful and passionate entrepreneurs who put purpose at the centre of their brand: Elle AyouZadeh, found of Zvelle, and Pegah Kargar, founder of Repaint History. Both business owners speak openly about starting their brands, how they infuse purpose through every aspect of their operations and the challenges and joys of running a fashion company.

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with the incredible Annie Horth. Horth is responsible for numerous iconic looks worn by Céline Dion, including the white, Dior tuxedo Dion wore to the 1999 Oscars. The Québec native shares stories of working and collaborating with Céline (she was the first to wear couture during her concert tours), and what keeps her going in the fashion industry. How she got her start as a stylist is an amazing story (and provides a wonderful full circle career moment).

Qasim Mohammad is an investor who currently works out of Wittington Venture. His expertise is deeply rooted in consumer brands.

In this episode Qasim and Donna discuss:

• Outside investing 101 - what is venture capital and other financing options
• What are the goals of the VC/ investor
• How to build you network for potential investing
• What makes a great pitch
• Advice for crafting a pitch and where to look for pitch decks
• Scaling for capital
• How to present your opportunity and examples of companies that are doing it well
• Breaking down what the market is and how it impacts financing
• Expectations for founders/ entrepreneurs on the fundraising process - during and upon success of financing
• What is on trend in the market currently

The video Qasim mentions in the episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXYxCBBPegg

To learn more about Qasim, his thoughts on the marketing and investing, and to connect - https://qasimmohammad.com/

Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/

Follow the podcast

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/

To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/

This episode was produced by Jason Perrier

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/

Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Victoria Hayes has become a favourite designer of Lady Gaga, Andra Day, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande and many more. Hayes speaks openly about the struggles and joys of being an independent designer and candidly shares stories from her childhood in Canada through to life in NYC.

Photo shoots are complex and creative events. Canadian supermodel Kim Cloutier, photographer Lindsay Anne Delaney and fashion designer Mikhael Kale discuss “Lower Level. Shot in Toronto’s abandoned Lower Bay subway station, it is an electrifying juxtaposition of grit and glamour, both editorial and exhibition and spins a narrative of feminine power that is bold, contemporary and compelling.

Calli and Sam Beckerman, aka The Beckerman Twins, started their fashion blog before fashion blogging was a thing and quickly became a fixture at New York Fashion Week and beyond. They candidly share stories about their childhood, running their fashion brand and transitioning to blogging, what it means to be an influencer and their thoughts on fashion and the ever evolving media landscape change.

Knix wear, an intimates company with sales passes $50-million, wants to change the way women relate to and celebrate their bodies. CEO Joanna Griffiths began Knix in 2013 with core products of leak proof panties and comfortable bras. Her purpose driven brand is giving the whole lingerie category cause to pay attention to her small (under 100 staff members) but mighty growing company.