In this episode of The Right Hype, host Gavôn Owen and guest Ana Andjelic discuss the significant changes in the fashion industry, focusing on the appointment of new creative directors at major fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and Givenchy. They explore the impact of these changes on the industry, the balance between maintaining brand heritage and introducing modern creativity, and the broader cultural implications. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing financial success with cultural influence and innovation, as well as the role of universality and scarcity in luxury branding.
To see more of Ana Andjelic's work, check out her Substack
In this episode, Jenn Nguyen, co-founder of Lookbook AI, joins Gavon to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the fashion industry. They break down the impact of generative AI on fashion design, e-commerce, and digital modeling, and discuss how technology is reshaping creative direction, sustainability, and representation. Jenn shares firsthand insights on maintaining emotional depth and creative control in AI-generated fashion imagery, plus practical advice for designers, brands, and creatives looking to integrate AI into their fashion workflows.
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Zaira and Gavon met at Redscout, a boutique brand agency, after Zaira decided to pivot into brand strategy. Together, they reflect on their experiences guiding clients through transformational journeys, finding creativity, and the importance of self-promotion. They also touch on personal style, fashion trends, and the redefinition of luxury.
To connect with Zaira, you can find her at her new venture, Patio Bonito.
Chad Howell is a Context Planner at Translation and goes by Roscoe Marketing on Instagram. In this conversation, we discuss the finesse of navigating the NYC agency universe and the hard decisions we have to make about our careers. Chad also discusses his expertise in sports, a huge source of cultural inspiration, and the nature of social media, from personal branding to emerging subcultures.
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Gavôn Owen sits down with Phil Perkovic, the director of brand and partnerships at Shinola, to hear how we energized a sleepy watch brand with The J Dilla Watch Project. Phil shares insights into the creative process, the challenges of pitching the project, and the profound impact it has had on both the brand and the community.
Chapters:
Introduction to Phil Perkovic: 0:00 - 2:30
Phil's Early Life and Work Ethic: 2:31 - 8:45
Entrepreneurial Ventures: 8:46 - 15:20
Transition to Marketing and Strategy: 15:21 - 22:10
Joining Shinola: 22:11 - 30:00
The J Dilla Watch Project: 30:01 - 45:00
Influence and Authenticity: 45:01 - 52:00
Conclusion and Future Plans: 52:01 - End
Read our Substack: https://righthype.substack.com/
In this conversation, Zachary Mallard shares his journey from founding Empire Apothecary to becoming a leader in experiential marketing with Alchemia Projects.
As a serial entrepreneur with humble beginnings, Zachary understands how to find a gap in the market and make a point when a passion is calling.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring marketers in the experiential space on working with clients to create one-of-a-kind experiences for beloved fans.
In this episode, Gilah Elul, a brand builder and co-founder of Muri Lelu, a luxury cannabis beauty brand, discusses her journey in the beauty industry and her favorite products and rituals.
She also offers valuable advice for aspiring founders, emphasizing the need for unique perspectives and authentic engagement in today's entrepreneurial landscape.
Listeners will gain insights into building customer relationships, the challenges of staying intentional in a trend-driven market, and the importance of in-person brand building.
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This episode looks at the intersection of creativity and productivity, explores the challenges of overthinking, and stresses the importance of quality over quantity.
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References mentioned:
In this episode of The Right Hype podcast, host Gavon sits down with Prince Adams, a Brooklyn-based creative and founder of Nue Noir, a platform amplifying diverse voices in art, fashion, and culture. His experiences remind you that you have to hustle in New York to make your goals a reality. From his relentless determination and manifesting, his trajectory is a testament to how many black creators move up in the industry.
Influencer marketing has evolved from transactional to creator-led relationships. In this episode, Gavon discusses the evolution of influencer marketing into creator-led brands, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community. He identifies the characteristics of successful creators and provides practical tips and insights on how creators can gain control of and build their brand through content creation and community engagement.
Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing03:10 Understanding Creator-Led Brands06:04 Building Community and Authenticity07:06 Characteristics of Successful Creator Brands09:03 Creating Engaging Content11:28 The Journey of Brand Building
In this engaging conversation, Gavôn interviews Daniel Cherry (DC), an SVP at Adidas, diving into his background, career trajectory, and thoughts on how to be an effective leader. DC shares his opinions on storytelling principles shaping the creative landscape, as well as the role community plays when starting a creative endeavor. Whether you are an entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder, DC offers incredible insight into the indispensable skills to be successful.
The discussion also touches on the cultural impact of fashion designers, most notably Willy Chavarria, during Paris FW 2025 fashion week. They also touch on heavier topics, such as the need for economic empowerment within marginalized communities and the impact storytelling has on shaping identities and driving change.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Daniel Cherry and His Journey
05:11 The Importance of Community and Support
09:51 Navigating Corporate Culture and Opportunities
12:56 Strategies for Success in Corporate America
16:10 Frost: A Personal and Cultural Journey
21:44 The Power of Storytelling in Branding and Identity
23:45 The Power of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship
24:31 Creativity as a Response to Adversity
25:58 Building Community and Collaboration
26:56 The Importance of DEI in Corporate America
29:32 The Shift from Individualism to Community
31:01 Global Connections and Learning from Each Other
32:33 The Role of Free Education in Empowerment
34:38 Fashion as a Cultural Expression
40:17 Diversity and Culture at Adidas
42:01 Work Ethic and Indispensability
44:48 The Balance of Coolness and Value
Trends shape the world around us, but who decides what rises and what fades? In this episode, Gavon unpacks the framework of change in fashion and culture, breaking down the hierarchy of trends and the delicate balance between leading and following. Creativity and community are at the heart of the industry, but the true impact comes from knowing when to trust your instincts and when to ride the wave.
Gavôn discusses Target's recent decision to pull back on a few of its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He explores the implications of this decision on the brand's reputation and relationship with consumers, particularly marginalized communities. The discussion highlights the conflict hidden within 'woke' marketing, performative gestures of cultural activism, and the potential consequences of alienating passionate customer bases.
In part two of his interview, Nick Valenti discusses the importance of staying connected in the creative industry, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and immersion in various cultures.
He highlights trends in brand partnerships, particularly the convergence of heritage and new brands, and the significance of intentionality and purpose in branding.
Valenti also touches on the role of craftsmanship and quality in collaborations, advocating for a return to unique brand identities and the importance of consumer loyalty.
In part one of his interview, Nick Valenti, CEO and Head of Strategy at Mādin, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur. He gives his perspective on the role of a CEO, how he built a creative team, and working at the intersection of culture and branding, particularly in the context of F1.
Nick emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the significance of intentionality in design and strategy, the value of a strong team, and the need for brands to resonate with their audience. He also reflects on his leadership style and the growth of his team and concludes with advice on pushing boundaries and creating trends.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Announcements
01:17 Guest Introduction: Nick Valenti
02:56 Entrepreneurship and Key Trends for 2025
03:36 Introduction to Nick Valenti and His Background
06:15 The Importance of Storytelling in Strategy
08:45 Heritage and Brand Identity
11:48 The Role of a CEO and Company Culture
14:07 Hiring and Building a Talented Team
16:50 Creative Collaboration and Cultural Fit
19:14 Challenging Conventions in Branding
20:52 F1: Merging Entertainment and Lifestyle
23:51 Building Brand Identity with F1
26:52 The Quest for Unique Belonging
28:47 F1 and Vegas: A Sensory Experience
30:12 Building a Strong Team Culture
31:00 World Building in Brand Strategy
31:10 Advice for Future Creatives
Rebranding is not just about logos and colors; it's about storytelling. From wiping your social media clean to the rollout, every moment should build anticipation and excitement. It is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Gavon shares his 3-step process for a successful rebrand and his personal rebrand journey.
Chapters
00:00The Importance of Rebranding
03:29Steps to a Successful Rebrand
10:59Personal Journey and Vision Behind the Rebrand
Ana is a widely read columnist, public speaker, and the World's Most Influential CMOs by Forbes. She earned her Doctorate in Sociology and Masters in Media Studies, and she’s held the Chief Brand Office position at fashion brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, Banana Republic, and Esprit.
In this engaging conversation, Gavon interviews Ana Andjelic, a renowned strategy executive and author. She discusses her journey rising up in the ranks of the fashion industry. As a CBO, she stresses the importance of cultural influence and why a portfolio approach is the next evolution in creative career building.
Order her upcoming book Hitmakers!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ana Andjelic
02:59 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing
05:38 Cultural Influence in Brand Strategy
08:42 Ana's Journey in the Fashion Industry
11:48 The Role of a Chief Brand Officer
14:41 The Narrative and Aesthetic of Branding
17:30 Rebranding Success Stories
20:34 Balancing Creativity and Data
23:39 Sustainability in Fashion
29:25 Hierarchies and Power Dynamics in Fashion
35:20 Personal Style and Fashion Philosophy
38:25 Advice and Career Reflections
Jordan Lewis, a Houston native and founder of J. Alexandra Designs, talks about her journey into fashion. She emphasizes the challenges of building a brand while fast fashion grows unchecked, the importance of quality in design, and knowing one's 'why' in the fashion business.
Jordan's passion for fashion began at a young age, and she launched J. Alexandra Designs in 2019, focusing on quality pieces. Jordan shares her inspirations and the evolution of her brand and offers valuable advice for emerging designers. Gavon and Jordan also touch on her cultural influences, current fashion trends, and the significance of authenticity in the industry.
Follow her here!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jordan and Her Journey in Fashion 04:49 The Birth of J. Alexandra Designs 09:34 Inspiration and Evolution of Designs 14:34 Navigating the Fashion Industry and Market Needs 18:58 Advice for Aspiring Designers 24:08 Cultural Influences and Personal Style 28:47 Current Fashion Obsessions and Trends 33:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Fashion 38:39 Houston's Unique Fashion Scene 43:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Independent Designers
In this episode of the Right Hype podcast, Gavon interviews Sarai Thompson and discusses her career journey, from starting as a fashion reporter in Atlanta to rubbing elbows with the talented people at Harlem's Fashion Row in New York City. She shares her insights on the challenges of working in media, the importance of communication, building a network, and valuable life lessons from her family. Her story is filled with examples of pivots and perseverance that will inspire you.
Follow her personal page: https://www.instagram.com/thesaraiashari/
Follow her business page: https://www.instagram.com/luxeandchiccompany/
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
08:55Journey into Fashion and Media
10:08Experiences at Pop Sugar and Harlem's Fashion Row
13:31The Importance of Community and Networking
16:22Defining Culture and Its Evolution
19:17Fashion Trends and the Shift Post-Pandemic
22:16Quality Over Quantity in Fashion
25:08The Role of Gatekeeping in the Industry
28:04Fashion Week: Changes and Observations
31:15Advice and Life Lessons
In this episode of the Right Hype Podcast, Gavon Owen reflects on his recent transition into his 30s, discussing personal growth, resilience, and the lessons learned from his parents. He delves into the concept of culture, drawing insights from Marcus Collins' book, and explores the intersection of fashion and politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. Gavon also highlights notable moments from Fashion Month and shares his excitement for future projects and events.
Chapters
00:00Entering the 30 Club
04:34Shopping for Closet Staples and Assets
09:49The Right Hype Merch
12:17Exploring Culture and Identity
16:24Beyonce’s Brands
18:06Fashion Month Highlights
33:08Politics and Fashion Intersect
46:57Looking Forward: New Beginnings