Shows
Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHealing Through Handbags: Chelli Look’s Journey of Creativity and Loss | Emily Blumenthal & Chelli LookChelli Look’s story is as inspiring as it is emotional. A self-taught designer since high school, she began making handbags after her sister challenged her to “figure it out yourself.” What started as a creative outlet became a livelihood—and later, a lifeline through unimaginable personal loss.In this moving episode, Chelli opens up about losing her best friend and business partner in a tragic accident, and how creating bags became her meditative way to process grief. Her journey, captured in the documentary Dawn Dusk, shows the power of creativity as both healing and self-discovery.💡 Key...2025-07-2930 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Walmart Fabric to a Multi-Million Dollar Brand: Jessy Dover’s Bold Blueprint | Emily Blumenthal & Jessy DoverWhen Jessy Dover sewed her own hot pink prom dress from Walmart fabric, she had no idea it would spark the vision for Dagne Dover—now one of the most functional (and stylish) handbag brands on the market.In this episode, Jessy shares her journey from Parsons to co-founding a powerhouse trio with Melissa Mash and Deepa Gandhi. From winning a Coach design competition with zero handbag experience to building a company culture where feedback actually works, Jesse proves that scrappy beats perfect—and color is anything but soft.💡 Key TakeawaysSolve real problems first—t...2025-07-2248 min
The Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalTrump’s Base Fractures Over Epstein Files and Foreign Policy ShiftsJudge Andrew Napolitano and journalist Max Blumenthal dissect growing dissent within Trump’s "America First" base amid the administration’s refusal to release Epstein files—shifting from denial to conspiracy claims. Blumenthal, reporting from a GOP meeting, reveals lawmakers dodging the issue while Israeli interference in U.S. politics escalates over Epstein’s alleged Mossad ties. Meanwhile, Trump’s foreign policy reversals—arming Ukraine, attacking Iran, and deferring to Netanyahu—alienate core supporters. The discussion spans GOP infighting, Israeli threats to U.S. commentators, and Iran’s strategic dilemmas. Blumenthal argues Trump’s broken promises expose his vulnerability to neocon and Israeli...2025-07-1723 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsWhat Really Makes an It Bag in 2026? Beth Goldstein Breaks It Down 🎒📊| Emily Blumenthal & Beth GoldsteinThink you know what defines an “It Bag”? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Beth Goldstein, Executive Director of Footwear & Accessories at Circana, joins Emily Blumenthal to unpack how social media has transformed the handbag market—and why a $299 Trader Joe’s tote can now claim the title.From viral hits to lasting brands, Beth explains how today’s fragmented market is shifting power away from legacy labels and toward innovative independents. With names like Coach, Veronica Beard, and Clare V evolving fast, the space is more competitive—and more unpredictable—than ever.💡 Key Takeaways2025-07-1535 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal: Netanyahu's real agenda with TrumpMax Blumenthal discusses the real agenda behind Netanyahu's fourth trip to the US this year, the fallout from Israel's unprovoked assault on Iran, including Iran's break with the IAEA, and the IAEA's scandalous relationship with the US and Israel. He also covers the Trump administration's announcement that it will take no action on the Jeffrey Epstein files, effectively burying the case.2025-07-1128 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom One Bag to a Global Brand: Rebecca Minkoff on Building Fashion That Lasts 👜🌍| Emily Blumenthal & Rebecca MinkoffWhat does it take to turn one handbag into a worldwide fashion brand? In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Emily Blumenthal sits down with the iconic Rebecca Minkoff to unpack the journey from her first design to building an empire that changed the handbag industry forever.It all started with the Morning After Bag—a now-legendary design born from a chance encounter with actress Jenna Elfman and fueled by early internet buzz. From there, Rebecca’s brand exploded, capturing the spirit of modern femininity and defining what it meant to build fashion with both form and function.2025-07-0839 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal: Trump’s Machiavellian Strike on Iran and Israeli DisinformationIn a recent episode of The Sanchez Effect on RT, Max Blumenthal analyzes Trump’s airstrike on Iran as a calculated move, suggesting the president may ultimately seek a peacemaker role. Blumenthal highlights ties between Trump’s administration and Israel, arguing that the U.S. president is influenced by Israeli disinformation. He explores the complex dynamics of the U.S.-Iran-Israel relationship and the political pressures shaping Trump’s decisions.2025-07-0246 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsWhat It Really Takes to Launch a Handbag Brand in 2024 💼👜| Emily Blumenthal & Nancy FormanThink launching a handbag brand is as easy as designing a pretty product? Think again. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we’re joined by industry expert Nancy Forman, whose decades of experience—from Bloomingdale’s to Accessory Think Tank—have made her a trusted voice in fashion strategy, manufacturing, and merchandising.Nancy doesn’t sugarcoat it. Today’s market demands much more than a great idea—it requires a plan, a factory, and a deep understanding of your customer before you even produce your first bag. From hidden development costs to managing trade show expectations, her insights are a...2025-07-0137 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal discusses why Israel's war against Iran isn't over, w/Glenn DiesenMax Blumenthal discusses why Israel's war against Iran isn't over, w/Glenn Diesen2025-06-2926 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Kerri Quigley Built a Fashion Empire—One Kid at a Time 🧵✨| Emily Blumenthal & Kerri QuigleyWhat happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for teaching? For Kerri Quigley, it led to The Fashion Class—a sewing and design school that’s igniting creativity and confidence in the next generation of makers.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Kerri shares her incredible journey from launching an underwear line at 17 to building a thriving educational business with studios across Manhattan—and now, nationwide franchises. From early manufacturing mishaps to teaching five-year-olds how to make their own skirts, her story is all about resilience, reinvention, and empowering young creatives through fashion.💡 Key Takeaways...2025-06-2438 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal discusses the war on Iran with the Community Church of BostonMax Blumenthal discusses the Israeli war on Iran and the likelihood of US military intervention with the Community Church of Boston.Watch on YouTube2025-06-201h 15Handbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsInside Clare V.: How a DIY Laptop Case Sparked a Handbag Empire 🧵👜 | Emily Blumenthal & Clare VivierIn this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we dive into the story of Clare Vivier, the founder behind the effortlessly cool handbag brand Clare V.—a name synonymous with California style and functional fashion. What began as a side hustle crafting chic laptop cases has grown into a nationwide brand with 14 retail locations and a cult following.Clare shares how her business was born out of necessity in the early 2000s, when stylish laptop carriers were nowhere to be found. Sewing late into the night, she created pieces for herself and friends, eventually pivoting from tech accessories to ve...2025-06-1739 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal: Israel is arming Ukrainian Nazis while IAEA paved the way for Israel's war on IranJournalist Max Blumenthal exposes Israel’s covert arms supply to Ukraine, critiques the IAEA’s alleged bias toward Israel, and analyzes escalating U.S.-Iran tensions—including leaked nuclear documents and Netanyahu’s push for war.Watch on YouTubeTheGrayzone.com2025-06-1629 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal: The Five Eyes Blind Trump Exposing MI6’s Ukraine Proxy War and Palantir’s Dark Role in Gaza and Global SurveillanceIn this explosive interview on *Judging Freedom*, journalist Max Blumenthal dissects the West’s role in escalating global conflicts, from British-backed drone attacks sabotaging Ukraine-Russia peace talks to Israel’s AI-driven genocide in Gaza. He exposes Palantir’s deep ties to the U.S. government and its complicity in surveillance and warfare, while condemning figures like Lindsey Graham for endorsing violence against activists like Greta Thunberg. Blumenthal also reveals how Trump’s diplomacy is being undermined by neocons and intelligence agencies. A chilling analysis of power, technology, and imperialism, this conversation is a must-watch for understanding the hidden forces shaping...2025-06-1129 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsHow Monica Botkier Turned a Side Hustle into a Handbag Legend 🔥👜| Emily Blumenthal & Monica BotkierBefore every influencer had a brand and every bag had a waitlist, there was the Botkier Trigger Bag—an iconic design that redefined what it meant to blend fashion and function. In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Monica Botkier joins us to share the real story behind one of the most game-changing handbag brands of the early 2000s—and how she’s evolving her vision for a new generation.Monica didn’t set out to be a handbag designer. From sneaking into NYFW as a fearless teenager to photographing high-profile editorials, her path was anything but linear. But her...2025-06-1059 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal: AI, Arms, and Apartheid: How Tech Fuels Israel’s Gaza GenocideIn an interview on “Palestine Talks” by TRT World, Max Blumenthal dissects Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza, exposing Western complicity and the profit-driven motives behind arms and tech industries. He reveals how Europe’s belated condemnations stem from fear of refugee crises, not moral reckoning, and details Israel’s use of AI and military tactics to perpetuate atrocities. Blumenthal also examines the growing pariah status of Israel globally and the societal fractures within its borders.Watch on Telegram TheGrayzone.com2025-06-0826 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsInside NY Now: Why Wholesale Still Matters for Independent Designers 👜🛍️| Emily Blumenthal & Matthew MathiasenIn an era dominated by DTC, what role do trade shows still play in building a fashion brand?In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, we sit down with Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY Now, to unpack why wholesale isn’t just relevant—it’s essential for emerging accessory brands looking for long-term growth, especially now with The “It Bag x NY NOW” new program.With over 100 years of history, NY Now has evolved from a traditional gift show to a curated marketplace where boutiques and innovative designers connect. Matthew explains how specialty retailers are becoming b...2025-06-0342 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Street Interviews to Red Carpets: How @TheeFashionMix Became Fashion's Digital Insider 🎤👠| Emily Blumenthal & Michaela “Ms. Mix” Cacho-NegreteWhat does it really take to go from fashion fan to front-row reporter in today’s content-saturated world?Michaela Mix Caccia Negrete—better known as Ms. Mix of The Fashion Mix—proves that bold moves and relentless hustle still open doors. After being rejected from nearly 70 NYFW shows, she didn’t turn around—she turned up. With a mic in hand and street-style savvy, she interviewed celebs like Addison Rae and carved out her space in fashion media one video at a time. 🎧 Listen now.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Michaela gets candid about: 📱 Buildi...2025-05-2729 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Ghost Designer to Brand Builder: How Karen Cardoso Created Bolsa Nova 👜🇮🇹 | Emily Blumenthal & Karen CardosoWhat happens when you walk away from decades of designing for other people—and finally bet on yourself?Karen Cardoso spent 30 years behind the scenes designing handbags for household names like Jessica Simpson and Franco Sarto. But when tariffs upended her production plans, she didn’t fold—she pivoted. That moment sparked the creation of Bolsa Nova and introduced her to the magic of Italian wash leather: soft, slouchy, and totally irresistible.In this episode of Handbag Designer 101, Karen shares: ✨ What it’s really like launching your own brand after years in corporate 🇮🇹 How discovering...2025-05-2027 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsLuxury with a Past Life: How Evey Amery Built a Global Pre-Loved Handbag Empire ♻️👜 | Emily Blumenthal and Evey AmeryStep into the booming world of pre-loved designer handbags with Evey Amery, founder of EveysPreLoved, the London-based luxury consignment business redefining what “sustainable fashion” really means. 💼✨From Chanel and Hermès to Fendi and beyond, Evey brings transparency, trust, and TV-presenter polish to a market where condition and authenticity are everything. What started as a side hustle while hosting on QVC has grown into a beloved resale brand with a global following. 🌍📦💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Transparency Wins: Why showing signs of wear builds more trust than trying to hide them. 🔹 Circular Luxury: How the resale boom is reshaping b...2025-05-1327 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal speaks about Zionist influence on US politicsMax Blumenthal speaks about Zionist influence on US politics at The Sobh Media Festival in Tehran, IranAudio from the Sobh Media Festival panel, The Influence of the Israeli Lobby on Western Political Institutions, with Max Blumenthal, Alastair Crooke, Mick Wallace and Clare Daly.Open on Substack2025-05-081h 36The Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalJudge Napolitano: The New McCarthyism Escalates w/ Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal discusses a US senator’s call for the fbi to investigate code pink on specious grounds, the inflammatory US tour of Israeli fascist Itamar Ben Gvir, and Trump’s failing negotiating strategy in Ukraine.2025-05-0832 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsReimagining Leather: How Gen Phoenix is Transforming Waste into the Future of Luxury 🧪♻️| Emily Blumenthal and Elyse WinerJoin Elyse Winer of Gen Phoenix as she reveals the groundbreaking technology turning discarded leather waste into high-performance recycled materials used by Coach, Dr. Martens, and more. 🌍👜Since 2007, Gen Phoenix has diverted over 10,000 tons of leather from landfills using a patented process that creates sustainable leather with 80% less carbon—without sacrificing durability, feel, or style. 💥💼💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Beyond the Green Premium: Why performance and price—not just sustainability—are key to changing the industry. 🔹 Next-Gen Materials: How GenPhoenix is reshaping what “luxury” means to younger, eco-conscious consumers. 🔹 Fashion Meets Circularity: Discover their bold mission to create fully recycl...2025-05-0632 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsMaking Luxury Bags in America with GiGi New York’s Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Tom Glazer and Alexia NelsonJoin Tom Glazer and Alexia Nelson, the leadership behind Graphic Image and GiGi New York, as they reveal how they transformed a specialized bookbinding company into a thriving luxury handbag brand—all while proudly keeping production 100% American. 🇺🇸💼With smart pivots during the 2009 recession and a bold embrace of modern retail strategies like drop-shipping, Tom and Alexia share how they built a resilient brand that blends old-world craftsmanship with new-age flexibility. 📈👜💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Pivoting Under Pressure: How GiGi New York turned crisis into major opportunity during the recession. 🔹 Owning Production: Why in-house manufacturing gives them an edge in drop-shippi...2025-04-2939 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsElyce Arons from Crafting Kate Spade to Launching Frances Valentine | Emily Blumenthal & Elyce Arons✨ A re-release of one of our favorite episodes! Step into the heart of New York’s fashion legacy with Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, as she shares the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic handbag brands of all time. 👜💫 From rural Kansas roots to building a global fashion empire alongside her best friend, the late Katie Brosnahan (aka Kate Spade), this episode is a love letter to friendship, creativity, and fearless entrepreneurship.🎨 Elyce brings us behind the seams—where construction paper mockups, vintage flea market treasures, and unwavering vision laid the foundation for...2025-04-2247 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Ziplocs to Luxury: The Hudson Bleeker Journey | Emily Blumenthal & Eram SiddiquiWhat started with plastic grocery bags and Ziplocs sparked a travel accessory empire. Eram Siddiqui turned personal frustration into the polished, fashion-forward brand Hudson+Bleecker—now carried by Nordstrom, Revolve, and QVC. Her journey from sewing with her mom to sourcing manufacturers in China is a testament to grit, adaptability, and style-first problem solving.Takeaway Points1. Persistence Meets Purpose: Eram’s story shows how trial, error, and handmade beginnings can lead to premium retail partnerships.2. Pause to Pivot: Learn how a pandemic-driven business break turned into a breakthrough team expansion and strategic clarity.3. Form + Func...2025-04-1534 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsFrom Saks to Startups: Marketing That Sells with Ernest Moore🎯🛍️ | Emily Blumenthal & Ernest MooreStep into the world of fashion marketing with Ernest Moore, of Moore Marketing & PR, a seasoned pro who’s worked with top PR agencies and retail giants like Macy’s and Saks. In this must-hear episode, Ernest unpacks the biggest marketing mistakes emerging designers make—and how to get real results without wasting time or money. 💸✨With honest advice and real-world stories, Ernest challenges designers to think smart, embrace feedback, and build relationships that actually move the needle. If you’re serious about growing your brand, don’t miss this one. 🎧💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Marketing vs. PR: Paid visibility vs...2025-04-0839 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsEvolve or Perish: Retail Insights with Bernadette Giacomazzo 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Bernadette GiacomazzoWhat happens when brands fail to adapt? Journalist Bernadette Giacomazzo breaks it down, sharing why evolution is essential for survival in today’s retail landscape. From Blockbuster vs. Netflix to the rise of secondhand shopping and upcycling, this episode dives into the shifts shaping fashion and retail. 🌿📈💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Adapt to Survive: Why evolving with consumer behavior is non-negotiable. 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: The shift from fast fashion to long-lasting value. 🔹 Retail Anthropology: How store layouts and shopping patterns drive sales.Whether you're a designer or a retailer, this conversation offers game-changing strategies for staying relevant...2025-04-0135 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max BlumenthalMax Blumenthal on MOATsOn MOATs with George Galloway, Max Blumenthal discusses 'Signalgate' and exposes US war crimes in Yemen2025-03-2921 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsMastering Venture Capital with Rachel Johnson 💼✨| Emily Blumenthal & Rachel JohnsonStep behind the scenes of venture capital funding with Rachel Johnson, co-founder of J&O Law Firm and founder of Ami Health. With a decade of experience guiding high-growth companies, Rachel shares her dual insights as an attorney and founder, offering invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating the world of funding. 📈💡💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Is Venture Funding Right for You? Not every business needs VC backing—know your path. 🔹 Go All In: Why full commitment and massive growth potential are essential for VC success. 🔹 Scaling Smart: Avoid common pitfalls like rapid, unstructured hiring post-funding.From board dynamics...2025-03-2525 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsBranding, Storytelling & Handbag Success with Idalia Salsamendi 👜✨ | Emily Blumenthal & Idalia SalsamendiStep into the world of fashion, strategy & storytelling with industry powerhouse Idalia Salsamendi! From PR to fashion leadership, Idalia shares the must-know fundamentals of branding, competition, and consumer demands—especially in sustainability. 🌿✨💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Brand Identity Matters: Understanding your niche & standing out.🔹 Creativity Meets Business: Turning handbag dreams into reality.🔹 Sustainability’s Role: Why conscious fashion is the future.This episode is packed with game-changing advice for aspiring designers looking to build, grow & sustain a fashion brand. Don’t miss it! 🎧🎧 Tune in now! #HandbagDesigner101 #IdaliaSalsamendi #FashionStrategy #BrandBuilding #SustainableFashionOur Guest: Idalia Salsamend...2025-03-1829 minThe Grayzone podcast with Max Blumenthal'It was inevitable that Alawites would take up arms, HTS was slaughtering them' – Max Blumenthal on RTMax Blumenthal tells RT that legacy media shows little interest in the reality of the brutal violence against minorities in Syria by the ruling military junta.2025-03-1209 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry Icons40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Frank LaMendolaStep into the world of timeless design & craftsmanship with legendary handbag designer Frank LaMendola! With over four decades in the industry, Frank shares insights on fashion’s cyclical nature and today’s shift toward understated luxury & quality. 🔄✨Frank also reveals plans for his new handbag brand, built on quality craftsmanship that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or handbag lover—this episode is a must-listen! 🎧💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Sustainability’s Impact: How eco-conscious choices shape handbag design.🔹 Balancing Trends & Timelessness: The art of introducing new designs while honoring classics.🔹 Resourcefulness in Fashion: Na...2025-03-1129 minHandbag Designer 101: The Stories Behind Handbag Designers, Brands, and Industry IconsNavigating Global Fashion: Oleg Chebotarev’s Creative Journey from Russia to China | Oleg Chebotarev & Emily BlumenthalJoin us as we sit down with Oleg Chebotarev, the visionary Creative Director of Jump From Paper, who shares his unconventional journey through the fashion world. From post-communist Russia to the bustling creative hubs of China, Oleg’s path is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and the intersection of culture and design.Oleg’s career began with dual passions—international relations and fashion—leading to a bold move to China during the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, drawing surprising parallels between Russia and China, and the lessons...2025-03-0429 min