You Have To Wear Something
by Nicole Briggs
You can't go naked right? Nicole Briggs explores those wardrobe decisions we make everyday and educates, empowers and entertains culturally through fashion history, business and style trends. Nicole is a creative bridge builder with a mission to elevate marginalized voices and individuals.Visit Nicole's store!: https://shopjiyu.com/Or say something nice!: [email protected]
Episodes
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A Totally Different Feeling, Black Beauty at NYFW
It's a 90-degree heat wave in L.A., and Nicole is still turning up the volume on everything we moved past too quickly after NYFW. We start with a little history on Ophelia DeVore, the trailblazing model who was staging runway shows in Bryant Park decades before Fashion Week had tents. Then we…
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Black Love Beautiful: The Wedding Looks We Deserve
Nicole is calling it the era of the ugly wedding dress is officially over, and Black love is leading the charge. In this episode she breaks down the most stunning Black bridal moments of the past year: Temi Otedola's three-ceremony, four-country fashion triumph, Jordyn Woods' Danielle Frankel...
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Wear the Legacy: From Zendaya's Press Run to Alabama's Quilting Mothers
Nicole is still rooting for everyone Black and she's not apologizing for it. In this episode she breaks down why the Law Roach and Zendaya era is a gift to everyone, the intentional genius of the Willi Smith Spider-Man homage, and why that Schiaparelli moment had no business hitting that hard.…
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The Dressed Body: A Late But Worthwhile Take on the 2026 Met Gala
Yes, it's late, but the looks that actually stay with you deserve more than a hot take. Nicole breaks down the 2026 Met Gala's "Fashion Is Art" theme with her signature unhurried eye: from Lauren Wasser's gold prosthetics to Anok Yai's Black Madonna moment, the sea of belly buttons, Paloma...
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Hands That Heal: Ilka Perkins and the People's Pottery Project
Ilka Perkins was arrested at 15, sentenced to 15-to-life, and spent nearly 28 years incarcerated before her release in 2019, the same year she co-founded People's Pottery Project. PPP became a full abolitionist ceramics studio in Historic Filipinotown, L.A. employing formerly incarcerated women,...
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Existence is Resistance: Sadie Woods on Art, Sound & Cultural Memory
Nicole Briggs returns after a 6-month hiatus with multidisciplinary artist Sadie Woods for a powerful conversation on art, sound, public space, & cultural memory. From global residencies and vinyl releases to public monuments & food politics, Sadie shares how creativity, lineage, & resistance...
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Dark-Skinned and Center Stage: A Cultural Shift
In this episode of You Have to Wear Something, we dive into how Black creativity thrives even in America’s most turbulent times. From Motown in the civil rights era to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour and Kendrick Lamar’s intentional casting choices, Black artists continue to reclaim the spaces and...
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Good Genes, Great Lies & The Black Americana They Don’t Teach You
In this episode of You Have to Wear Something, we unpack the bittersweet closure of beloved Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé, and what it reveals about the barriers Black women entrepreneurs still face. Then, we get into Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad and its tone-deaf “great genes” message…
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Fore! The Culture: Founder John Nichols keeps Golf Inclusive with Brand "12 on Mondays"
On this episode of You Have to Wear Something, Nicole sits down with John Nichols—aka LaJethroJenkins—host of the long-running Jenkins & Jonez podcast and founder of 12 on Mondays, a brand reclaiming space for Black golfers through culture, community, and unapologetic style. From his St. Louis...
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From Pucci to Pincushions: Christine Lindebak on Stitching a Stylish, Sustainable Life
This week, Nicole chats with Christine Lindebak, the creative force behind Sewing and the City. From falling in love with sewing at age six to working the front of house at iconic fashion houses like Pucci, Christine shares her journey of pivoting from high fashion to handmade. Tune in as she…
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Wear That Sheer Dress—It Might Be the Only Power You’ve Got Left
Nicole dives into Cannes' controversial fashion bans, the power of resisting through style, and why Black women are still fighting for space—in fashion, politics, and the workplace. From Meghan Markle’s joyful defiance to the BET Awards' "Black Tie, Black Designed" statement, this episode unpacks...
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Black People Never Have To Get Over The Met: The Impact
Host Nicole reflects on the 2025 Met Gala as a powerful celebration of Black culture, creativity, and history. She critiques the exclusion of key Black voices, calls out performative allyship, and highlights symbolic fashion moments from stars like Taraji P. Henson and Jeremy Pope. Despite…
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Tariffs, Tulle & Truth-Telling
Nicole breaks down why your clothes cost more (hint: tariffs), why the Met Gala still matters, and how fashion is always political — especially when it’s Black. 👗 Fashion history, cultural truth bombs, and a PSA to support small biz (including her shop JIYU — yes, it’s on sale). Tap in. Dress…
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Danee Decodes: Meghan Hate & Spades—What’s Really Going On?
Nicole Hosts VFX Pro Danee Chesney for a Deep Dive on Meghan Hate, Black Women’s Rest, and the Unspoken Rules of Spades
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Big Mad About Meghan!
Nicole has covered the cultural influence of Meghan Markle, now Sussex, for years. In this episode, she critiques the perceived controversy around Meghan's new lifestyle show on Netflix "With Love, Meghan" from unexplained hate to allegations of copying Pamela Anderson's show. One thing's for…
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Meet Traci Pollard, Brooklyn-based Interior Designer
Meet Traci Pollard, Brooklyn-based designer with over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, known for her bold, minimal, and colorful surface designs that blend hand-drawn and painted elements. Her creative journey began in Argentina as a stay-at-home mom seeking artistic...
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DEI-Yes, Trump-No, Bootcut Jeans-Maybe?
Nicole catches up on fashion topics of the year from Trump's tariffs and overall government takeover to DEI and Black History Month, to Kendrick's flared Celine jeans. The year is off to a bumpy start for diversity in fashion.
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What Happened Before 2025 Caught on Fire, Literally…
Nicole dives into L.A.'s state of emergency, unpacks fashion's role in the climate crisis, shares sustainable style tips, and celebrates the standout looks of 2024. 🌍✨ Wildfire Relief Efforts HERE
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From Self-Taught to Self-Made: Meet L.A. Designer Ciara Chyanne
Nicole sits down with self-taught L.A.-based designer Ciara Chyanne to discuss her inspiring journey—from selling her creations in the yard at Tuskegee University to showcasing her talent on Making the Cut. Guided by her faith, Ciara shares her vision for evolving into a global lifestyle brand.
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Mixing It Up!: Meet Sonia Smith-Kang, Founder of Mixed-Up Clothing
Nicole interviews Sonia Smith-Kang, founder of Mixed-Up Clothing, about her journey from nurse to fashion disruptor. Inspired by her multicultural family, Sonia created a brand that celebrates diversity and showcases vibrant global cultures through children’s clothing. Keep up with Sonia and…
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From The Met Gala Theme to Anna Delvey, Let's Catch-up!
Nicole shares fashion news she is excited about from a Lewis Hamilton Dior Collab to the 2025 Met Gala Theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style". With inclusivity leading the charge, these exciting activations are ones to watch!"
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Aquarian Vibes: From Diddy to Kamala, Meet Daneé Chesney
Two Aquarian Queens, Daneé Chesney and Nicole, dive into pop culture, VFX magic, and the zeitgeist with unfiltered banter. Nothing’s off-limits when these Black lady powerhouses get talking! Book suggestions: Miss Me With That by Rachel Lindsay & Thanks Obama by David Litt
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Freakoffs Are Bad For Business
Nicole shares her perspective on the media obsession with Diddy's indictment and arrest and what he meant culturally for music and fashion. There seems to be a connection between men in power and sexual harassment or abuse, no matter the industry.
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(Almost) Everything You Know About L.A. is Wrong
Nicole reflects on her 14 years in L.A. and why she has no regrets while debunking common myths and complaints about the City of Angels and why you have to be self-aware before moving to the creative professional capital.
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From Silk Press to Sartorial Blue Kamala Gives Political Fashion New Meaning
Nicole shares her thoughts on the now energized presidential campaign, Kamala's political style and the significance of red and blue.
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A Moment of Black American Pride?: Kamala x Paris Olympics
Nicole shares her fashion thoughts on this year's Olympics kits and the importance of expanding opportunities. Kamala is on fire and that's a good thing.
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The WNBA Tunnel is the Runway that Matters
NIcole shares her thoughts on the intersectionality and rise of fashion and sports for women particularly in the WNBA.
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Be Who You Are, For Your Pride🌈
Nicole discusses the benefits of gay friendship, the air of freedom in June with Pride and Juneteenth and why homophobia is antiquated af.
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Meet Matt Moses, Founder of Mansfield Outpost
Nicole interviews Mansfield Outpost founder Matt Moses about the journey that led to the creation of his brand and the challenges he has in an evolving industry. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation about storytelling marketing, activations and how to approach micro-niche collaborations such as…
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Study The Beyonce Effect
Nicole shares thoughts on Cowboy Carter II and the Beyonce marketing blitz of the last few months.
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Gagged All Month: Black History Worthy Lewks
Nicole takes a look back at the 2024 Black History Month and the Black style and biz moments that kept our attention.
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Meet Chris Pyrate, Unconditional Artist
Nicole interviews multitalented, D.C. based artist Chris Pyrate. Inspired by cartoons and animation, Chris's natural born talent has led him, often accidentally, to fashion design, creating murals, creative direction and kismet projects such as storytelling with Lupe Fiasco. Learn what's next for...
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Keffiyeh Controversy: What to Know Before Wearing this Scarf
Nicole does a deep dive on the keffiyeh controversy and explains how the scarf went from being just a scarf to a symbol for Palestinians.
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Sounds About White: Why Creative Directors are Always White Men
Nicole delivers a mini rant about the lack of diversity when appointing creative directors of major fashion houses.
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How Are Shopping Events Created? Meet Come Up L.A. Founder Ferriss Mason and Learn How!
It seems like in L.A. there is always a new shopping market especially for the Black community. Nicole does a deep dive with Ferriss Mason, Founder of Come Up L.A. on what it takes to pull off a successful, mission-aligned market event for the Black community and the challenges that come with....
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How Battle of Versailles became Victory for Black Models
The Battle of Versailles event and competition of 1973 started Paris fashion week and put American designers and Black models on the map forever. Watch the documentary by Fritz Mitchell.
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From Quiet Luxury to Bey's Metallics, Thoughts on NYFW '23
Nicole shares some thoughts on NYFW 2023 nostalgic themes and trends such as quiet luxury and Beyonce worthy metallics.
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Latasha Ford Shares the Journey to Red Carpet Journalism for a Black Woman
Nicole interviews Latasha Ford a red carpet journalist for Penske Media covering her non-linear journey from radio, to healthcare to a dream realized through manifestation for over a decade. This Chicago native and Black woman never gave up on a vision many would have allowed to wither while...
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The Illusion of Inclusion & The Supreme Court Ruling
Nicole gives her two cents on the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action with a rant, focusing on the fashion industry.
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Summer 23 Trends That Matter
Nicole checks in real quick to discuss the summer 2023 trends she actually likes.
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Edward Enninful & Pharrell Should Not Be Unicorns
Nicole discusses Edward Enninful stepping down from UK Vogue and the LVMH appointment of Pharrell Williams.
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A.I. Models, Welcome to the Future of Blackface
Nicole shares her thoughts on the speedy development of A.I. and the creation of Black and Brown models by white creators and why A.I. cannot solve our inclusivity problem.
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Why Succession Dragged That Burberry Bag
Nicole catches up with her audience over latest trends and unpacks quiet luxury and that damn Burberry bag from Succession.
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When The Best, Law Roach, Says Bye! There's a Why...
Nicole offers perspective on Law Roach quitting celebrity styling after building an incredible career from his humble days as a vintage dealer and what would make him quit after years of hard work and sacrifice.
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Black Men Belong in Luxury: Meet MADE FOR ALL Founders Brandon Winslow & Danny Burke
There is a fine line between premium and luxury athleisure. Nicole chats with Black founders Brandon and Danny to discuss their Made For All clothing brand's journey and why it can take 7 years to develop a true luxury product.
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Yes RiRi! No, to Big Red Boots...
Nicole catches up with latest in fashion with musings on Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance and Vogue cover and their meaning and why subversive fashion a la Big Red Boots are reserved for the rich.
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Mexico was Stylish! +The Lasting Influence of Frida…
Touched down from Mexico Nicole shares her thoughts on Mexican style and the lasting legacy and influence of Frida Kahlo…plus Lewis Hamilton and Mielle organics drama!
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From Bey to Cardi to Megan, Jolleson! is the Multi-hyphenate To Watch
Jolleson is a born creative, destined to create, design, style, draw and costume the most important people in pop culture from Ari Lennox, Cardi B, Beyonce, Megan thee Stallion, SZA, Christina Aguilera, Chloe x Halle and the list will continue to grow. He share is manifested story and rise after...
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Too Late to Decolonize Sneaker Culture? Nope!
Sneaker collecting is here to stay BUT in a $13 billion market the originators of the culture Black and brown folks are left out, as per usual. What can be done?
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Def Not Talking About Ye! & What We Wore So Far 2022…
Nicole does her best to not talk about Ye and what the year in fashion 2022 looked like so far…
About this show
You can't go naked right? Nicole Briggs explores those wardrobe decisions we make everyday and educates, empowers and entertains culturally through fashion history, business and style trends. Nicole is a creative bridge builder with a mission to elevate marginalized voices and individuals.Visit Nicole's store!: https://shopjiyu.com/Or say something nice!: [email protected]
Hosted by
Nicole Briggs