The Fashion Translator

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Kiefer Cohen, Co-founder of Sad Eyewear, about building an independent eyewear brand at the intersection of subculture, product discipline, and multi-channel growth — including their expansion into a first flagship retail space in Costa Mesa, CA, USA.From subculture-driven design to disciplined product focus, the conversation highlights how independent brands navigate growth without diluting what made them relevant in the first place.We explore:• The subculture collaborations act as both brand positioning and acquisition channels• Why staying within a defined aesthetic can outperform trend-chasing in saturated markets• The operational reality of forecasting in a trend-sensitive product category• Navigating multi-channel growth (e-commerce, wholesale, retail, international)• The role of physical retail as a brand ecosystem, not just a sales channelIn eyewear — where aesthetic cycles, inventory risk, and cultural relevance intersect — the conversation reveals how product decisions, distribution structure, and brand identity must align as a single system rather than evolve independently.✨ If you’re currently trying to turn product decisions into consistent sales while navigating trends and inventory, feel free to reach outGuest:👤 Kiefer Cohen🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiefercohen/🔗 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kiefercohenBrand:🌐 https://sadeyewear.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeyewear🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sadeyewear/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Elif Akaydin, Founder of Patent of Heart, about building a fashion brand where product, craftsmanship, and social impact are structurally interconnected — not just conceptually aligned.What starts as a handbag brand quickly reveals a much deeper system: one that connects women artisans across India, Lebanon, and Turkey, while funding education for young girls through every sale. This isn’t about adding purpose to a product. It’s about designing a business where every layer — from sourcing to production to revenue — reinforces a mission.From building cross-border artisan collaborations to structuring her workflow between creativity and sales, the conversation highlights what it actually takes to run a purpose-driven brand without losing operational control.We explore:• Why building a mission-led brand requires structural decisions — not just storytelling• How distributed craftsmanship (India, Lebanon, Turkey) becomes a unified product system• The reality of balancing design, sales, and production as a solo founder• Why separating creative time and operational time becomes critical to survival• The limitations of manual wholesale follow-up — and where automation starts to matter🤍 Beyond the brand itself, Elif also supports the “I Have a Daughter in Anatolia” program, contributing to education for young women — with a donation link available for those who want to support directly. https://www.cydd.org.tr/pages/i-want-to-donate-34/ 📍 Alongside her wholesale activity, she is currently running a summer pop-up in New York’s West Village, offering a direct way to experience the products and meet the story behind them.🛍️ Listeners can also access 20% off with the code FashionTranslator20 on her website — a way to support both the brand and its wider mission.In a category like accessories — where aesthetics often dominate — this conversation exposes the operational reality of building a brand where craft, supply chain, and social impact must function as one system, not separate narratives.✨ If you’re building a brand where impact, production, and sales all compete for your time, finding the right structure changes everything — feel free to reach outGuest:👤 Elif Akaydin🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elif-akaydin-6139693/Brand:🌐 https://www.patentofheart.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patentofheart/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elif-akaydin-6139693/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Sophia Pervez, Founder of Formanova, to explore what it actually takes to build AI tools that can operate within the precision demands of the jewelry industry.While generative AI has rapidly expanded across fashion and content creation, jewelry exposes a critical limitation: accuracy. From gemstone color to millimeter-scale proportions, even minor discrepancies can lead to customer dissatisfaction, returns, and loss of brand trust.From building in a category where detail is non-negotiable to rethinking how AI integrates into creative workflows, Sophia shares a grounded perspective on what responsible AI implementation really looks like — beyond hype and surface-level outputs.We explore: • Why most generative AI tools fail in jewelry • The role of pixel-to-pixel validation in preserving product accuracy • The impact of CAD-to-image workflows on production and demand testing • Why AI should remain a supplement, not a replacement to creative directionIn jewelry, where visual precision shapes customer confidence, the opportunity is not just better generation — but stronger systems for accuracy, decision-making, and trust.For those who want to explore this in practice: ✨ 10 free credits on Formanova.ai ✨ 💍 Use code: CLAIRE10 💍Guest: 👤 Sophia Pervez 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiepervez/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiapervez/Brand: 🌐https://formanova.ai/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formanova_ai/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raresense_ai/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rare-sense-inc/Don’t just watch — test it. Use code CLAIRE10 to get your free credits on Formanova.ai.✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/#AIInBusiness #ProductDevelopment #JewelryTech #ProductAccuracy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Aleksandra Sivokoneva, Creative Director of Mana Fashion, about building a functional fashion ecosystem in Miami — through infrastructure, access, and community.Most fashion conversations focus on visibility, branding, and product. But none of that sustains without the systems behind it. In emerging markets like Miami, the real challenge isn’t creativity — it’s the absence of structured support: sourcing, space, and industry connection.From real estate-driven development to B2B services and local sourcing access, this conversation breaks down what it actually takes to build an environment where designers don’t just launch — but stay and grow.We explore:• Why community is the operational foundation of a fashion ecosystem• How physical spaces and real estate directly impact industry growth• The importance of local sourcing access — and what changes when it exists• How emerging brands integrate into structured systems instead of building in isolation• Why Miami is positioning itself as a strategic bridge between North and Latin AmericaFashion ecosystems aren’t built through visibility — but through infrastructure, systems, and the ability to operationalize creativity at scale.Guest:👤 Aleksandra Sivokoneva🔗 Instagram: @joa_diary🔗 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-sivokoneva-4608a971Brand:🌐 www.manafashion.com🔗 Instagram: @manafashionservices✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys speaks with Mitchella Gilbert, Founder of OYA Apparel, about designing clothing for real conditions — where performance is directly tied to environment, health, and function.Most apparel is developed within controlled parameters, optimized for appearance or perceived performance. But for individuals operating in high-intensity environments — military, medical, or physically demanding roles — the reality is different. Constant exposure to heat, sweat, and friction creates conditions that most products are not built to withstand.From moisture management systems to wear studies across military and high-performance environments, the conversation explores how apparel shifts from product to functional gear — designed to support the body under pressure.We explore:• Why moisture — not movement — is the core issue in performance apparel• How fabrics and chemicals directly impact skin health over time• What military and real-world testing reveals about product performance• Why most apparel fails under real conditions• How systems and processes enable product scalabilityDesigning for real-world conditions reframes apparel from aesthetic product to operational tool — where performance, health, and system thinking intersect.Guest:👤 Mitchella Gilbert🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellagilbert/Brand:🌐https://wearoya.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearoya/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearoya/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Darren Seigel, Chief Business Development Officer at TONA Activewear, to explore how performance apparel can support mental well-being, confidence, and community — without compromising on fit, function, or comfort.Born from a deeply personal mission around mental health and suicide prevention, TONA set out to create what many brands never fully address: a truly high-performance legging that works for every body, stays supportive all day, and avoids harmful forever chemicals.This conversation explores:• How mental health became the foundation of TONA’s brand strategy• Why compression, fit, and fabric integrity matter more than trends• The hidden impact of PFAS and why “chemical-free” isn’t optional anymore• What radical size inclusivity really means — and why most brands fall short• How community, performance, and purpose can coexist in modern activewearIf you’re interested in mission-driven brands, performance apparel innovation, or how fashion can actively support well-being, this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Darren Seigel🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darren_seigel/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-seigel/Brand:🌐 https://tonaactive.com/en-ca🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonaactive/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tona-activewear/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Brita Jackson, Founder of Arquette Agency, to explore the unseen work behind talent representation and long-term career development in the fashion industry.From guiding models through demanding international careers to prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, Brita shares what responsible talent management actually looks like behind the scenes. The conversation explores leadership, discipline, reputation, and why integrity and gratitude remain foundational to Arquette’s mission.We also look ahead — discussing how agencies can prepare for the next 20 years of the industry through innovation, ethical AI use, and emerging global markets, without losing the human core of the business.This episode explores:• What holistic talent development really requires• The unseen responsibilities of managing global modeling careers• Why integrity, discipline, and reputation define longevity• Balancing innovation and ethical AI with human-centered values• Preparing agencies and talent for the future of fashionIf you’re interested in fashion leadership, talent development, or what truly sustains careers in this industry, this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Brita Jackson🌐 https://www.arquetteagency.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arquetteagency/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britajackson/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and innovation can support fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Kevin Massar, co-founder and CEO of The Field Dream — a design-led soccer culture brand helping clubs build their identity through uniforms, fanwear, and community-first experiences.From his transition out of global corporate roles into a startup, to the realities of building grit, systems, and authentic growth — Kevin shares what it really takes to build a brand that serves people and the game.This conversation dives into:• How design shapes club identity and belonging• Why U.S. youth soccer became “pay-to-play” — and what’s missing• What it looks like to build a community hub beyond product• The real startup challenges: resources, logistics, tariffs, and momentum• Growing through events, partnerships, and organic relationships (not just ads)• Where automation and AI can actually help a small brand right nowIf you care about club culture, youth sports, brand-building through design, or building a business with real community gravity — this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Kevin Massar🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmassar/🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefielddream/Brand:🏷️ The Field Dream🌐 Website: https://thefielddream.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-field-dream/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefielddream✨ Connect with Claire Lys - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ to explore how AI and innovation can elevate fashion brands, or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Elma Madzar, Founder of Fashion My Way, to explore how technology-enabled customization is reshaping the fashion industry — from the fitting room experience to on-demand production and data-driven design.Drawing on over 20 years of retail experience, Elma explains why the future of personalization lies in intentional design, not infinite options. She shares how brands can use modular systems, real-time data, and consumer insights to help women feel seen and confident — while improving conversion, reducing returns and waste, and building smarter supply chains.This conversation explores:• Why personalization at scale is the next evolution of fashion• The limits of traditional sizing and fitting rooms• How tech-enabled customization reduces waste and inefficiency• Using consumer data to improve design and forecasting• Balancing brand vision with meaningful customer experiencesIf you’re interested in fashion innovation, retail strategy, or the future of consumer-centric design, this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Elma Madzar🌐 www.fashionmyway.com🔗 Instagram: @elmamadzar_🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmamadzar/✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and innovation can elevate fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if most product errors weren’t design problems — but communication failures?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Laura Zwanziger, Founder of Fit For Everybody, to unpack why apparel development breaks down long before production — and how clearer systems can dramatically reduce waste, cost, and confusion.From tech packs and sizing inconsistencies to factory–designer misalignment, Laura shares how her background as a designer and supply-chain strategist led her to build a platform focused on precision, translation, and fewer sampling rounds.This conversation explores:• Why most sampling errors stem from miscommunication, not creativity• How small structural gaps create compounding waste• The hidden cost of Excel-based tech packs• What factories actually need from designers• How guardrails and clarity free up creative time• Why better systems outperform more iterationsIf you’re building, scaling, or producing apparel — this episode offers a grounded look at how clarity becomes leverage.Guest:👤 Laura Zwanziger🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedInCompany:🌐 https://www.fitforeverybody.com🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how structured systems and AI can support long-term fashion growth, or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it take to build a children’s brand that parents genuinely connect with — beyond trends and mass-market sameness?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Dinah Chapman, Founder of Little Trouble, to unpack how a deeply personal idea turned into a fast-growing kidswear brand rooted in creativity, community, and design integrity.From navigating early motherhood and corporate burnout to designing alternative boyswear that actually reflects modern parents, Dinah shares the realities of building an e-commerce brand from the ground up — including product development, customer connection, and the invisible work behind growth.This conversation explores:• Designing kidswear without default stereotypes• Translating adult fashion trends into childrenswear• Building a loyal community through authenticity and access• The realities of running a founder-led e-commerce brand• Growth, wholesale expansion, and long-term brand visionIf you’re interested in brand building, creative direction, or what it truly takes to scale a values-driven fashion business, this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Dinah Chapman🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedInBrand:🌐 https://www.littletrouble.com🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn ✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if clothing wasn’t designed around speed — but around connection, care, and longevity?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Megan Krajco, apparel designer and former Design Director at PAKA, to explore what it truly means to design apparel from source to story.From time spent with Peruvian weaving communities to material-first design decisions, Megan shares how PAKA approaches creation through relationships — not trends — and why slowing down the process is essential to making garments that last.This conversation dives into:• Designing in direct relationship with weaving communities in Peru• Why material choice and construction define longevity• Moving away from trend-driven design toward cultural continuity• The role of collaboration inside brands and across suppliers• How structure and process protect creative space• Why clothing carries memory, meaning, and soul over timeIf you’re interested in thoughtful design, responsible production, and the human systems behind what we wear, this episode offers a grounded perspective on building apparel with integrity.Guest:👤 Megan Krajco🔗 LinkedInBrand:🌐 https://www.pakaapparel.com🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and intelligent systems can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it take to stay relevant in one of the most competitive corners of the apparel industry?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys speaks with Milissa Gibson, Sales Director at Lane Seven Apparel, about building lasting relationships, reading trends ahead of the market, and balancing technology with human connection in sales.From wholesale blanks and brand positioning to demand planning and AI-assisted workflows, Milissa shares what it really looks like to operate at scale while staying grounded in people-first sales.This conversation explores:• How Lane Seven approaches trend forecasting through global markets• Why relationship-driven sales still matter more than automation• Translating retail trends into accessible, commercial products• Using AI as a tool — not a replacement — in sales and planning• What’s next for Lane Seven as the line expandsIf you work in apparel, sales, or brand development, this episode offers a practical and human perspective on where the industry is heading.Guest:👤 Milissa Gibson🔗 LinkedIn🔗 InstagramBrand:🌐 https://lanesevenapparel.com🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and structured systems can support smarter fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unit This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it mean to design menswear with precision, inclusivity, and intention.🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Tom Speight & Garrett Swann, co-founders of ALPHX, to unpack how they’re redefining men’s underwear by putting comfort, fit, and consciousness first.Built to fill a clear gap in the market, ALPHX was born from a simple truth: all men are created equal — but their underwear isn’t.From personalized fit to body positivity and inclusivity, this conversation goes beyond product to explore how thoughtful systems, complementary leadership, and long-term vision shape a brand that starts with the essentials — and gets them right.This episode explores:Why comfort must come before aestheticsDesigning underwear with precision, consciousness, and real bodies in mindHow ALPHX fills a gap the menswear market overlookedBody positivity and inclusivity as core brand pillarsWhy “better basics” require better systemsHow a creative spirit + analytical mind build stronger brandsWhat it really means to redefine the Alpha MaleIf you’re interested in menswear innovation, product-led brand building, and designing for real people — this episode is for you.Guests: 👤 Tom Speight & Garrett Swann 🔗 Instagram🔗 Linkedin 🔗 YouTube / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok: BEALPHX✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can elevate fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if building a fashion brand was less about trends — and more about lived experience, structure, and storytelling?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Nasreen Hussain, Founder and Creative Director of NEISA (formerly known as Humans of High Fashion at the time of recording).From styling and retail to corporate banking and entrepreneurship, Nasreen shares the non-linear journey that shaped her brand — and how operational discipline, leadership, and creative intuition now coexist at the core of her work.This conversation explores:• How early retail and corporate leadership shaped her approach to fashion• Why storytelling is the backbone of brand identity• Turning personal experiences and travel into collections with meaning• Balancing creativity, structure, and mental space as a founder• Building a brand designed for long-term global presenceIf you’re interested in fashion entrepreneurship, brand narrative, or the realities behind building a modern fashion label, this episode offers grounded insight and clarity.Guest:👤 Nasreen Hussain🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedInBrand:🌐 NEISA (rebranding from Humans of High Fashion)🔗 Instagram✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how clarity, structure, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it really take to build apparel supply chains that last — for brands, workers, and the industry itself?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Fatima Anwar, Founder & CEO of Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing (ESS), to unpack the realities behind global apparel production — from factory floors to boardroom decisions.With a background spanning advertising strategy and deep roots in manufacturing, Fatima shares how data, planning, and accountability can transform how brands source, scale, and operate across borders.This conversation explores:• How global supply chains actually function behind the scenes• Why ethics, labor conditions, and environmental practices are interconnected• The role of data, traceability, and on-the-ground verification• Balancing speed-to-market with long-term operational integrity• How regulation, risk, and AI are reshaping sourcing decisionsIf you’re navigating production, compliance, or growth in fashion — this episode offers a grounded look at the systems that quietly determine success.Guest:👤 Fatima Anwar🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedInCompany:🌐 https://es-sourcing.com/🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, structure, and systems thinking can elevate fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it really take to embed sustainability into fashion — not as a promise, but as an operating system?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Romain Liot, Co-Founder of Adore Me & Advisor at Asterion, to explore how sustainability in fashion actually works when it’s built through systems, data, and long-term decision-making — rather than announcements or surface-level claims.From scaling a DTC lingerie brand in the U.S. to now working at the intersection of fashion, technology, and sustainability infrastructure, Romain shares what most sustainability conversations overlook: governance, internal measurement, incentives, and execution.This conversation dives into:What real sustainability transformation in fashion looks likeHow systems and governance determine long-term environmental impactWhy sustainability must be measurable, operational, and accountableThe role of data, internal indexes, and AI in sustainability decision-makingWhy “green premium” models fail at scaleHow accelerators and first-customer support unlock sustainable innovationIf you’re interested in how fashion evolves through better systems, credible sustainability, and long-term thinking, this episode is for you.Guest👤 Romain Liot🔗 LinkedIn🔗 InstagramCompany🌐 Asterion 🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and sustainability can elevate fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if the garments we wear closest to our skin were quietly impacting our health every day?🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Michael Drescher, Founder of Vibrant Body Company, to explore what most consumers — and even brands — overlook about intimate apparel.From toxic chemicals and wire-based construction to the role of education, clean materials, and innovation, Michael shares how Vibrant Body is rethinking the first layer with health, comfort, and science at its core.This conversation dives into:• Why most intimates are not designed with the body in mind• The hidden health impact of wires, foam, and compression• The importance of certifications and consumer education• How innovation — from fabric development to AI — can reshape intimate wear• Why the future of intimates must balance trust, transparency, and performance.If you’re interested in health-conscious design, material innovation, or the future of fashion at the intersection of science and wellbeing, this episode is for you.Guest:👤 Michael Drescher🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedInBrand: 🌐 vibrantbodycompany.com🔗 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and innovation can elevate fashion brands, or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Caroline Chamorro, Director of Retail at HANRO USA, to explore how a heritage brand stays relevant in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. From clienteling and CRM innovation to omnichannel strategy and team empowerment, Caroline shares how HANRO keeps human connection at the heart of luxury — even in a data-driven world.Connect with HANRO:🌐 hanrousa.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Abby Dubois, Founder of Each Jewels, to unpack how deep technical expertise, sustainable manufacturing, and fearless creativity come together to build a standout accessories brand.Abby shares how recycled metals, thoughtful engineering, and minimal-impact processes shape her production, why hair accessories became the brand’s unexpected hero category, and how long-term innovation — not trends — drives her vision for the future.Connect with Abby Dubois: 🌐 https://www.eachjewels.com/ 🔗 Instagram🔗 Facebook✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator. 🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode: Claire Lys sits down with Billie Whitehouse, Founder & CEO of Wearable X, to uncover how the brand blends design, haptic technology, and emerging physical-AI frameworks to create connected garments that genuinely improve people's lives. Billie shares insights on building meaningful wearables, using technology to enhance wellness, and designing with human behavior at the center.Connect with Billie Whitehouse: 🌐 wearablex.com🌐 ⁠billiewhitehouse.com/🔗 Instagram: wearablex🔗 Instagram: billiewhitehouse🔗 LinkedIn: wearablexbilliewhitehouse✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator. 🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Angeline Hayling, co-founder of IslandTribe, to explore how the brand blends creativity, spiritual direction, and intentional living to build a deeply recognizable identity. Angeline opens up about the realities of producing ethically, finding inspiration while living between Bali and LA, building community around a feeling rather than a product, and trusting intuition throughout the creative journey.Connect with Angeline Hayling: 🌐 https://islandtribeusa.com/ 👤 Instagram🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator. 🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Junius Valentine, Head of Brand and Content at Jordan Craig, to explore how the brand builds a deeply engaged fan base through storytelling, cultural relevance, and empowering artists with true creative freedom. Junius also shares insights on integrating AI into marketing and product creation while keeping human connection at the center.Connect with Junius Valentine:🌐 https://jordancraig.com/🔗 Instagram @jordancraigdenim🔗 LinkedIn: Jordan Craig✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Jessica Schisler, Founder & CEO of Sunny Cubs, a brand that is helping parents protect their children’s skin differently: functional, soft, sun-protective clothing designed for outdoor adventures. Jessica shares how her family’s personal experience with melanoma inspired her to create gear that supports safe and comfortable outdoor play for babies and kids. Whether you’re passionate about thoughtful kid's apparel, circular fashion, or empowering families to enjoy nature with less worry, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.Connect with Jessica Schisler:🌐 sunnycubs.com🔗 http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-schisler✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator. 🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Mike Gugat, Co-Founder & CEO of jbrds, a children’s footwear brand reshaping how little feet move and grow. From stepping into the athletic-industry trenches at Mizuno and adidas to founding a startup rooted in anatomical design for kids Mike shares how he and his team are solving a gap in the market and empowering young lives, one step at a time.Connect with Mike Gugat:🌐 jbrds.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Nancy Rhodes, Founder & CEO of Alternew a platform that is helping brands and consumers treat their wardrobes differently: repair, personalize, extend lifespan. Nancy shares how she went from designing mass-volume footwear to transforming how we think about fashion care through tailoring, repair, and technology. Whether you’re shopping smart, building a brand, or rethinking circular economies, this conversation offers insights and inspiration.Connect with Nancy Rhodes:🌐 alternew.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Nisha Blackwell, Founder and CEO of Knotzland, a Pittsburgh-based sustainable accessories brand redefining what it means to create with purpose.From repurposed fabrics to handcrafted bow ties, Nisha shares how Knotzland transforms discarded textiles into timeless pieces of wearable art while empowering community, creativity, and conscious design.Connect with Nisha Blackwell:🌐 knotzland.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:🔗 LinkedIn🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Anshu Malika Gupta founder of Tygr Sourcing and PureLuum, a sustainable baby essentials brand rooted in organic cotton and natural vegetable dyes.They explore how ethical manufacturing, fair trade, and conscious sourcing can transform the future of fashion and how PureLuum is leading the way by prioritizing purity, transparency, and connection to nature.Connect with Anshu Malika Gupta:🌐 pureluum.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:Claire Lys sits down with Anshu Malika Gupta founder of Tygr Sourcing and PureLuum, a sustainable baby essentials brand rooted in organic cotton and natural vegetable dyes.They explore how ethical manufacturing, fair trade, and conscious sourcing can transform the future of fashion and how PureLuum is leading the way by prioritizing purity, transparency, and connection to nature.Connect with Anshu Malika Gupta:🌐 pureluum.com🔗 LinkedIn✨ Connect with Claire Lys to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙 In this episode:I sit down with Jemima, founder of a startup revolutionizing fashion design and manufacturing making it easy for anyone to design clothing without technical expertise or industry connections.We talk about accessibility, creativity, and how technology is reshaping the future of fashion.✨ Connect with Jemima:🔗 LinkedIn🔗 Instagram🔗 Website👗 Connect with Claire to discover how AI can elevate your fashion business or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:🔗 LinkedIn🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

In this episode, I chat with Catherine Lepetit, founder of Sundrunk, a vibrant beach lifestyle brand born on the sunny shores of Florida.After a 20-year career in beauty and leadership, Catherine took a bold leap to create a colorful, high-end beachwear label that celebrates joy, resilience, and reinvention.We dive into her incredible story of rebuilding after a hurricane and how she found purpose and passion through creating a brand that beautifully blends the class of France and the fun of Florida. ☀️🌴✨ Connect with Catherine:🌐 Website📸 Instagram💼 LinkedIn💌 Want to be featured on The Fashion Translator or know someone whose story deserves to be told?Connect with me on LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

n this first episode, I sit down with Rishabh Harish, co-founder of Wellbi, a Mysore-based startup pioneering bamboo fabrics for comfort-driven, sustainable fashion. We talk about growth, supply chain, and why bamboo is a game-changer.✨ Connect with Rishabh:LinkedInInstagram Website📩 Reach me on ⁠LinkedIn⁠🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

This episode explore a question that sits at the center of today’s conversation about AI: if the tools are everywhere, what truly shapes the outcome? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

The Fashion Translator begins with a look at why this space was created and how AI is shaping the future of fashion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

A quick introduction to The Fashion Translator — a podcast exploring how ideas, innovation, and AI are shaping the future of fashion. Join us as we connect visionaries, brands through conversations that bridge creativity, collaboration, and technology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com