PODCAST · arts
Through The Back Door
by Claire Vastola
Hey, it's Claire! We’re so excited to kick off Season 2 of Through the Back Door. We have some amazing guests lined up, plus a whole new series focusing on fashion and tech innovation. We're also diving into episodes about mindset and how to navigate this industry.I’m passionate about helping others learn from those who’ve paved the way so they can carve their own path. Whether through social media, fashion, or art, we all have the ability to create something big when we align vision with strategy.This season will give you insights into the inner workings of fashion, personal growth, and r
Episodes
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i am SO OVER second hand designer.
In this solo episode Claire gets honest about something a lot of people in fashion are thinking; secondhand designer isn’t always the better choice anymore. From overpriced resale finds to pieces that fall apart after a few wears, Claire breaks down how secondhand has shifted from a “fashion…
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25.Inside Runway Styling: Mo Johnson on Andrew Curwen and Fashion Week Backstage
In this episode of Through the Back Door, I sit down with stylist Mo Johnson, a creative force working behind the scenes on runway collections and brand projects. Mo shares what it actually takes to bring a runway show together. From early fittings and concept development to the fast paced energy...
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Things are changing around here
In this episode, I’m talking through a rebrand—both creatively and mentally. I share why I’m shifting some episodes away from video and back into audio, and how that change feels more aligned with where Girl Into Fashion is heading. I also reflect on this past New York Fashion Week and why it…
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23.Details: Andrew Curwen’s Nocturnal Conditions AW26 Collection Part 1
In the Details: Andrew Curwen’s AW26 Collection In this episode, we get an up-close look at Andrew Curwen’s collection beyond the runway and into the details that often go unnoticed. We talk construction, garment engineering, and the small decisions that quietly define great design: from…
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22.Advice From a Single Mom of Two Living in Manhattan
This episode is a little unhinged in the best way. Claire sits down with Laura Stemmer (single mom of two, Manhattan-based, nightlife/bar owner energy, fashion background, zero fear) for a conversation that starts with chihuahuas being… chihuahuas… and ends with actual life advice that hits way...
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21. CONSISTENCY IS THE JOB
CONSISTENCY IS THE JOB BUILDING A FASHION CAREER WITHOUT A ROADMAP In this solo episode of Through the Back Door, I talk about what consistency actually looks like when you’re building a non-traditional fashion career. After a week of being sick, exhausted, and close to skipping this recording...
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20. Showing Up Before You’re Invited
In the first-ever solo episode of Through the Back Door, we talk ambition — what it really looks like, why it gets labeled as “cringe,” and why it’s the real engine behind success in the fashion industry. We are celebrating episode number 20! I reflect on my week in New York fashion, from…
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19:Navigating Nonlinear Careers with Jessie Collier
In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Jessie Collier, founder of Working Women Agency, to talk about personal branding, mindset shifts, and embracing nonlinear career paths in the creative world. Jessie shares how she turned confusion around traditional career advice…
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18.Riley Woodell on Paris Fashion Week + Modeling in 2025
this episode, Claire sits down once again with model Riley Woodell to talk about what it really takes to build a career in fashion in 2025. Riley is one of those rare people we get to watch evolve in real time — blending modeling, social media, and genuine support for emerging designers in a way...
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17. Nimay Ndolo on Fashion, Politics & Creating in 2025
On this episode of Through the Back Door, I sit down with Nimay Ndolo — content creator, influencer, and all-around creative force — for a conversation that goes everywhere: fashion, social media, politics, spirituality, and even a little woo-woo. ✨ Nimay shares her unique perspective as a…
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16: How Retail Pharmacy Became NYC’s Coolest Indie Fashion Store in NYC with Sopiha Boli
What if one of the coolest fashion stores in NYC was built by walking up to strangers on the street and asking, “Where’d you get that fit?” In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Sophia Boli, founder of Retail Pharmacy — a cult-favorite boutique in the Lower East Side...
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15: Fashion Commentary Without the Industry Filter — with Nikesh @notsoquietluxury
If you’re into fashion on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve come across @notsoquietluxury either it is the content, accent or the topics. I always find myself coming back for Nikesh’s pov becuase he isnt always pointing out the obvious—the kind of stuff you don’t see from a lot of other…
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14:Data Meets Fashion: The Style Analytics Journey
I spoke with Molly Rooyakkers (@style.analytics) about how trends can sometimes feel huge online—but don’t always show up in real life. We got into the nuance of interpreting digital trend cycles and how sometimes what looks like a viral trend is really just a curated moment that doesn’t break...
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13: The Unhinged Fashion Girl With Rebecca-Jo @youthin.asia
In this episode, Claire talks with Rebecca-Jo about her journey through the fashion world—from modeling in Asia to becoming a content creator known for her bold, unfiltered take on style. Rebecca shares how she broke into modeling in the early aughts, a completely different world from today. She...
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12: The Fashion Archives with Amelie Stanescu
In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Amelie Stanescu, the voice behind The Fashion Archives, for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about fashion, identity, and finding your place in a shifting industry. Amelie shares her journey from Romania to Berlin and even...
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11: Fashion Tech Series: All Things Fashion Tech with Mary Korlin-Downs
In this episode: Mary Korlin-Downs — product designer, creative director, and founder of All Things Fashion Tech — shares her journey into the world of fashion tech, her inspirations, and her vision for the future. We dive into the intersection of fashion and technology, emerging career paths…
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10: @notanotherhannah- A photographer turned makeup artists, exploring new mediums.
In this engaging conversation, Hanna and Claire explore the intersection of makeup artistry and photography, discussing Hanna's journey from a photographer to a beauty influencer. They delve into the impact of social media, the evolution of trends in the beauty industry, and the role of AI in...
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9: Dopl World with Designer Selena Norman World Building In Fashion
In this episode, Claire chats with Selena Norman to dive deep into the unconventional paths that lead to success in the fashion world. They emphasize the importance of creativity, community, and self-discovery, as Selena shares her journey from industrial design to jewelry making with her brand,...
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8: Riley Hundley Woodell Modeling in NYC, authenticity and always be kind.
SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Riley shares her journey from North Carolina to New York City, detailing her experiences in the modeling industry, the importance of networking, and the evolving role of social media in fashion. She discusses her participation in various fashion weeks, the...
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7: Made by Mena- Talks NYFW, Sustainability, Ai, and the state of fashion.
SummaryIn this conversation, Claire and Chris Mena discuss the intricacies of the fashion industry, focusing on Mena's recent Urban Camo show. They explore the challenges and successes of fashion shows, the importance of hair and makeup, and the role of AI in design. Sustainability is highlighted...
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6: Helena Eisenhart Talks Sustainability and Owning a Fashion Brand in NYC
Today we’re getting into the world of sustainable fashion with New York City-based designer Helena Eisenhart. They’ve been running their own brand since 2015, blending creativity with ethical practices to craft standout collections. In this episode, Helena shares their journey from college to...
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5: Carlos Reyes of Renacio: From OMG Fashion to New York Fashion Week
SummaryCarlos Reyes from Renacio discusses their experience as a designer preparing for New York Fashion Week and the challenges of living outside of New York while showing in the event. They talk about their journey in the fashion industry, their design aesthetic inspired by painter Remedios…
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3: Veronica Campos - Navigating the Modeling World and Advocating for Plus-Size Models
In this episode of "Through the Back Door," we sit down with Veronica Campos, a New York City-based model, to talk about her journey and career. Veronica shares how she got started in modeling, what it's like to be a full-time model in New York, and how to navigate the complexities of modeling...
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2: Camryn McClain- the emerging designer behind Renee New York
🎙️✨ Excited to share highlights from our latest Through the back door podcast episode featuring @itscamywamy the amazing designer behind @reneenewyork! We chat about her love for fashion, inspired by her family’s sense of style, and how it led her to this exciting career.We also catch up on what...
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4: Caroline Zimbalist- Breaking Boundaries with Fashion and Art"
A new episode of @throughthebackdoorpodcast with the talented designer and artist, Caroline Zimbalist ! 🌟 We talk about her incredible journey from her early days to now, how she showed in fashion week, CFDA application process, having her art in museums, and dressing celebs for major events and...
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1: Dureshehwar- Designer post school, bts on working for Prabal Gurung.
We are excited to launch our first podcast episode with our guest, Dureshehwar! We met during our time at FIT, and she’s been on an incredible journey ever since. Currently working as an Assistant Designer for Prabal Gurung, a true master in the world of couture runways.Behind-the-scenes…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hey, it's Claire! We’re so excited to kick off Season 2 of Through the Back Door. We have some amazing guests lined up, plus a whole new series focusing on fashion and tech innovation. We're also diving into episodes about mindset and how to navigate this industry.I’m passionate about helping others learn from those who’ve paved the way so they can carve their own path. Whether through social media, fashion, or art, we all have the ability to create something big when we align vision with strategy.This season will give you insights into the inner workings of fashion, personal growth, and r
HOSTED BY
Claire Vastola
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