Circle of Influence

We Are All Connected: From inclusivity to virtual living- the future of fashion will be shaped by our relationships. While there is no playbook for today’s uncertainties or blueprint to navigate un-chartered systems of change – guided by unity and by taking care of each other – together we can design stronger futures. When we are connected, we are adaptable and resilient. By applying circularity and innovation, we can valuably evolve and transform, making positive social and environmental impact as one. Hosts:    Julie Gilhart, President of Tomorrow Projects and Chief Development Officer of Tomorrow Ltd., on behalf of The RealRealSara Kozlowski, VP of Education + Sustainability Initiatives of CFDAGuests:CaSandra Diggs, President of CFDA CaSandra Diggs is President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a group of over 400 American womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. A native New Yorker, she has merged her CUNY education in law and political science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with accounting from the Baruch Zicklin School of Business to oversee CFDA’s multifunctional operations, including but not limited to finance and administrative roles. Under Diggs’ leadership, the CFDA has experienced unprecedented expansion with the successful relocation of its corporate headquarters to NOHO NYC, and acquisition of the Fashion Calendar – the official schedule of New York fashion shows and events. She has also helped launch many successful programs, including the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund to support emerging designers and IMPACT to provide employment opportunities to BIPOC creatives and professionals in the fashion industry. As part of the executive team working directly with CFDA Chairman Tom Ford and the Board of Directors, Diggs is a highly valued contributor to the organization's strategic planning.James Rogers, Director of Sustainability at The RealRealAs The RealReal's Director of Sustainability, James Rogers leads the company's sustainability initiatives, including carbon and packaging reduction efforts, influencing industry partners, driving adoption of the circular economy and managing The RealReal's proprietary sustainability calculator.James has deep corporate and nonprofit sustainability experience, specifically in building value-driven circular economy models, driving product innovation and implementing long-term projects that move the apparel industry towards a more sustainable future. Prior to joining The RealReal, James spent nearly a decade developing, leading and executing sustainability strategy for The North Face as its Director of Sustainability.  While at The North Face, he drove environmental responsibility initiatives spanning product creation, climate change agenda and environmental impact of owned facilities and supply chain partners.Sanjeev Bahl, Founder and Chief Executive of SaitexBorn in India in 1963, entrepreneur Sanjeev Bahl has ventured into businesses across diverse industries and focuses including apparel manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology – earning a reputation for himself as a forward-thinking trailblazer, set on finding solutions to the world’s biggest inefficiencies and problems.His apparel venture is called SAITEX – a state of the art system of fabric production ,apparel development, innovation, and manufacturing in Vietnam. The facilities and systems are all built on environmental impact reduction technologies, with a core philosophy of creating positive social impact. His IT venture – SAI Digital, is spread over five countries and builds software solutions in the Ecommerce & Digital space.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neZ8SfdT93s

Digging deeper into the minds of seasoned industry leaders who have successfully championed and fostered sustainability within the fashion industry, this episode will go straight to the source to uncover how the groundwork for sustainable practices can be formed to produce long-term results. From obstacles encountered to solutions found, follow the journeys of three advocates who are committed to bringing sustainability with them into 2021 and beyond.Host:Julie Gilhart, President of Tomorrow Projects and Chief Development Officer of Tomorrow Ltd., on behalf of The RealRealGuests:Mara Hoffman, President and Creative Director of Mara HoffmanMara Hoffman founded her label in 2000 after graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York City. As President and Creative Director of her privately owned company, Hoffman hopes to foster mindful consumption habits and encourages consumers to reevaluate the relationship society has with clothing. The brand’s approach centers on sustainable materials, processes, and production in order to improve and extend each garment’s life. Hoffman commits to presenting collections devoted to color, each inspired by and in celebration of women. Headquartered in New York, she is an active member of the CFDA and serves on the boards of artisan-focused nonprofit Nest, community organization Glam4Good, and youth empowerment charity ArtStart. In 2017, Hoffman was awarded the 2017 Positive Impact Award for Brand Leadership in Advancing Sustainability. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Hoffman now lives in Brooklyn with her husband, artist Javier Piñon, and their son Joaquin.Claire Bergkamp, Chief Operating Officer at Textile ExchangeClaire Bergkamp is the Chief Operating Officer at Textile Exchange. Previous to joining Textile Exchange she held the position of Worldwide Sustainability and Innovation Director for over eight years at Stella McCartney, leading the global environmental, human rights and innovation strategy for the brand. During her time at the brand she built a qualified, high-functioning sustainability department and team, a purposeful strategy and ambitious project portfolio. Claire is a purpose driven leader and a systems thinker who delivers measurable results. She is passionate about identifying and accelerating solutions and believes that textile supply chains and raw materials systems must be radically transformed at scale. Claire serves in advisory and leadership positions for a wide range of collaborative initiatives. Notably, she is currently serving on the steering committee for the UNFCCC’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, where she is the co-chair for the Raw Materials Working Group. She also serves on the steering committee for the British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion, is a senior advisor to the Stella McCartney board and CEO and is a trustee and board director for the Stella McCartney Foundation.Spencer Phipps, Founder and Creative Director of PHIPPS INTERNATIONALPHIPPS INTERNATIONAL was started in 2017 by Spencer Phipps. Born and raised in San Francisco, he studied at Parsons School of Design in New York City graduating in 2008 with a nomination as “designer of the year” for his final year collection - an initial exploration of sustainable fashion. He started his career at Marc Jacobs as part of the menswear design team and after, relocated to Antwerp to work with Dries Van Noten as the first American menswear designer. He is currently based in Paris.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFHviK5tIjQ

Saddled with the burden of fixing the environment that previous generations ignored, millennials are heeding the call of the IPCC and leading the charge on sustainability - setting a strong example for Gen-Z. Savvier with social media than previous generations and more politically engaged/disruptive than their parents, they are solidly exhausted with bureaucracy and becoming leaders in their own right. So what gives?Host: Julie Gilhart, President of Tomorrow Projects and Chief Development Officer of Tomorrow Ltd., on behalf of The RealRealGuests:Hillary Taymour, Founder of Collina StradaCollina Strada isn’t just a fashion label, it's also a platform for social issues and awareness. Created by Hillary Taymour, her main concern is staying true to her craft, and staying on course to becoming a fully sustainable and radically transparent brand in the near future.Based and manufactured in New York, the brand’s cult status core pieces transcend trends. Taymour’s designs are imbued with a fearlessly fluid attitude, re-inventing classics and unexpected details. Collina Strada embodies humor and youth. The brand DNA is now firmly cemented in the ability to look inward, even when we’re loud and expressive on the outside. Season after season, Collina Strada’s goal remains the same: to encourage self-reflection through clothing. How can you be the best version of yourself today?Becca McCharen-Tran, Founder of ChromatBecca McCharen-Tran is the founder and creative director of the future-forward bodywear label Chromat. With a degree from the UVA School of Architecture, McCharen-Tran fuses a technical background with a focus on the body to create designs for boundary-breaking women like Beyoncé, Madonna and Nicki Minaj. A Forbes "30 Under 30" pick for "People Who Are Reinventing the World," McCharen-Tran speaks about the fraught impact that fashion had on her own upbringing -- motivating her to reshape the industry into a more inclusive and accessible space. Each Chromat collection explores the intersection of architecture, fashion and technology, producing garments that augment and enhance the body’s performance through innovative design and cutting-edge technical fabrics. Chromat is designed in New York City and Miami by a diverse team of creative collaborators ranging from artists to scientists to choreographers.Priya Ahluwalia, Founder of AhluwaliaAhluwalia was founded by London-born Priya Ahluwalia in 2018, after graduating from the MA Menswear course at The University of Westminster. In 2020, Ahluwalia became one of the eight brands to win the LVMH Prize, was named as a part of Matches Fashion’s Innovators programme and listed as one of the Forbes 30 under 30 on the European Arts and Culture list. Through her design ethos, Priya combines elements from her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots to explore the potential of vintage and deadstock clothing by giving existing textiles and traditional techniques a new life. SS21 marks Ahluwalia’s fifth collection, having already shown at Paris Fashion Week in collaboration with Adidas (AW19) and through standalone presentations at London Fashion Week Men’s (SS20 & AW20). Priya has published two books – Sweet Lassi & Jalebi – which capture the visual narratives of her world through a mix of photographs and personal stories. Ahluwalia is currently stocked with Browns, Matches, Ssense, LN-CC, and more.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKPp3PSxsg

Planetary Healing, New Fashion Paradigms, Value Systems + Quantum Leaps.. Is the new normal Mindfulness? From challenge to opportunity = Regeneration + Transformation.In this episode, we’ll talk with global climate, circularity and policy experts on what matters most - when mapping a future that is creatively resilient, truly transformative and collaborative. Underlining bright spots for Hope, we’ll explore how applying a quadruple bottom line thinking mindset {People, Planet, Purpose, before Profits} can be a compass for navigating industry mobilization, and for identifying opportunities for accelerated momentum - towards goal of building a new tomorrow together - a fashion ecosystem embedded with climate justice, social equity, and sustainable innovation. Host:Sara Kozlowski, VP of Education + Sustainability Initiatives of CFDAGuests:Francois Souchet, Make Fashion Circular Lead at the Ellen MacArthur FoundationFrancois joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2016 to work with its Strategic Partners such as Google and H&M, to help drive circular economy innovation. In 2018, following the launch of the report ‘A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future’, he moved to lead Make Fashion Circular, shaping the programme to be a truly disruptive force within the industry.Having studied in Paris and Melbourne and working internationally, he now find myself based in the UK leading a team dedicated to redesigning the fashion industry, based on circular economy principles. This new approach ensures that clothes are used more, are made to be made again and are made from safe, recycled and renewable materials.Kerry Bannigan, Founder of Conscious Fashion CampaignKerry Bannigan is a social entrepreneur and advocate pioneering conscious fashion and media initiatives to drive transformative change. Bannigan spearheads global business, government, and industry impact partnerships to action the creative sectors for global good as key shapers for regenerating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economies. Bannigan is the founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, an initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships that co-creates high-visibility global fashion event partnerships to advance the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The campaign was established in 2019 to inspire innovative ideas, connect industry leaders, enable new partnerships, and enact sustainable change. Bannigan is a founding member of the SDG Media Zone in partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the PVBLIC Foundation. Since 2016, the SDG Media Zone has been one of the main features of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week as a prominent platform for progress and action bringing together UN Member States, advocates, world leaders and media.Lucie Brigham, Chief of Office of United Nations Office for PartnershipsLucie is the Chief of Office of the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP). In her role, Lucie helps co-create partnerships for the UN system to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She connects companies, non-profits and foundations with relevant partners within the United Nations system and highlights innovative solutions that drive the Decade of Action to Deliver the SDGs by 2030. Since its launch, Lucie has worked with the non-profit Conscious Fashion Campaign (CFC) to enable and inspire partnerships with the fashion and textile industry in the Decade of Action. Most recently in December 2020, the CFC and UNOP launched the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network as part of the Partnerships for SDGs platform of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Lucie has over 20 years of experience in international development and the foreign service. Prior to joining UNOP, Lucie worked on advocacy and prevention of modern-day slavery at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Lucie has a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, from the University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic. She has two young children, who provide her with endless motivation to help make the world more just, equal and sustainable for everyone, everywhere.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLSKL0kJsxE

Race and the intersection of sustainability: While much of fashion is coursecorrecting and reworking its production praxis and textiles for a more sustainable future, we haven’t as of yet tackled the issue of race and environmentalism. All too often the most vulnerable communities to the fallout of pollution are those of color. Like all of society, the issue of environmentalism is stratified along racial lines and in order to create a brighter future for all, we must expand the dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion with this sphere.Host:Marjon Carlos, Guest EditorGuests:Abrima Erwiah, Co-Founder and Director of Studio One Eighty Nine, and Founder of Fashion Our FutureAbrima Erwiah (based between Accra and New York), with actress and activist Rosario Dawson, is the co-founder of Studio One Eighty Nine, an artisan produced fashion lifestyle brand and social enterprise that has recently won the prestigious CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative for Sustainability. The brand is made in Africa and produces African and African-inspired content and clothing. Studio 189 works with artisanal communities that specialize in various traditional craftsmanship techniques including natural plant based dye indigo, hand-batik, kente weaving and more. Studio 189 focuses on empowerment, creating jobs and supporting education and skills training. Erwiah is also the founder of Fashion Our Future. She also teaches an undergraduate BFA course called “Systems & Society” at Parsons School of Design at the New School. She was an advisor to the United Nations International Trade Center Ethical Fashion Initiative and as the Global Associate Communications and Marketing Director and Worldwide Social Media Director at Bottega Veneta (Kering Group). Race and the intersection of sustainability: While much of fashion is course correcting and reworking its production praxis and textiles for a more sustainable future, we haven’t as of yet tackled the issue of race and environmentalism. All too often the most vulnerable communities to the fallout of pollution are those of color. Like all of society, the issue of environmentalism is stratified along racial lines and in order to create a brighter future for all, we must expand the dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion with this sphere.Rachael Wang, New York Based Stylist and Creative ConsultantRachael Wang is a New York based stylist and creative consultant. She previously served as Fashion Market Director of Style.com and Fashion Director of Allure where she collaborated with some of the most influential talents in the industry. Her fashion direction can be seen in collaborations with brands like Bergdorf Goodman, Bottega Veneta, Levi's, Nike, Nordstrom and Saks and in her inspired editorials for Document Journal, Telegraph, Office, ELLE and international editions of Numero and Vogue. Rachael is an advocate for bringing sustainable and responsible practices into the high fashion space and in 2017 she founded Rachael Wang Studio where she continues to focus on bringing ethics and thoughtful representation to creative and fashion direction.Tracy Reese, Designer and Founder of Hope for FlowersTracy Reese is an American designer and design philosophy is rooted in a commitment to bringing out the beauty in women of all shapes, sizes and colors.  Tracy Reese launched her namesake fashion brand in 1998 in New York City and over the past twenty plus years, she has expanded to include three sub-brands (Plenty, Frock! And Black Label).A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America since 1990, Tracy Reese serves on its Board of Directors. Tracy also serves on the boards of NEST Artisan Guild and College for Creative Studies Fashion Accessories Design Program. Tracy recently moved her design studio to her hometown, Detroit, actively participating in plans to make Detroit a modern, sustainable garment production hub. Tracy is president of the board of ISAIC, the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, a Detroit based, industry shifting factory and Institute anchored in human-centric manufacturing. Tracy is also working to build an artisan studio in Detroit creating economic opportunities for women in under-served communities. In 2019, Tracy launched Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese, a responsibly designed and produced collection. Part of HFF’s mission is to create positive social impact by empowering women and young people through arts programming in public schools and collaboration with local artisans in Detroit.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-98E3o0PA

Wardrobe for the Future begins with the question, “What’s in the closet for the future of fashion?”From idea to invention, the intersections of fashion, technology, bespoke, and innovation have never been more promising. New methods of creation, storytelling and materials are leading the way to a fashion future that is circular, safe, regenerative, and beautiful. Centered on the unique ways that new brand models and design systems are transforming, there is no one size fits all approach. This session will feature the voices of fashion founders on what’s in store as we look forward to hopeful tomorrows.Host:Sara Kozlowski, VP of Education + Sustainability Initiatives of CFDAGuests:Giusy Bettoni, CEO and Founder of C.L.A.S.S. An expert in textile value chain, Giusy has superior technical knowledge within the raw material market sector, as well as precise marketing and communication skills.In 2007, Bettoni created C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle and Sustainable Synergy), her mission was to change the perception of “sustainable” fashion and create an international forum for textiles, fashion, lifestyle and home design. Her company C.L.A.S.S., has become a global resource for responsible material innovation, education, marketing and communication. Giusy and her team introduce a new way of design thinking that represents a shift in culture to empower businesses to be competitive and socially responsible.Bettoni takes a synergetic approach with designers, brands and international organizations to provide brand insight that includes smart fabrics and technological breakthroughs.Kristy Caylor, Co-Founder and CEO of For DaysPrior to For Days, Kristy Caylor co-founded Maiyet, a pioneering luxury brand that seamlessly integrated world class design with a transformative social philosophy. Caylor spent her early career growing businesses for Gap, Inc. including Banana Republic Petites, Banana Republic Japan, and was instrumental in leading Gap’s Product (RED) division. Caylor - a member of the CFDA - is a notable fashion veteran, having sat on the Lexus Fashion Initiative advisory board, worked with Cradle to Cradle’s Fashion + and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Textile Initiative. In 2014, the Voss Foundation recognized Caylor as the Woman Helping Women Honoree. In 2016, Caylor was appointed to the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Consumerism, and was invited to speak on the SXSW 2018 panel “Sustainability or Bust: The Future of Brands.”Jonathan Cohen, Co-Founder and Designer of Jonathan Cohen & Sarah Leff & Co-Founder and CEO of Jonathan CohenJonathan Cohen met business partner Sarah Leff while attending Parsons School of Design. Together, they formally launched Jonathan Cohen in 2011. After he received much recognition and encouragement from his peers and teachers for his senior thesis, he spent a year in California, where he continued to build upon his senior thesis. He came back to New York City, connected with Leff, and had his thesis photographed into a re-interpreted look book. Together, they selected a group of editors and stores and sent out their materials to gain market reaction. The Jonathan Cohen woman is a multi-dimensional woman who cannot be defined by a single quality….and those descriptors are constantly evolving. She’s a woman who values quality over quantity, values the craftsmanship that goes into creating her garments and when she spends money on a piece, she wants to make sure when she puts it on, she feels both unique and special. Jonathan Cohen placed runner-up in CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and went on to partake in the CFDA Lexus Sustainability Residency.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OillxE7mzRc

As NYFW shifts to a mostly virtual calendar and the global fashion system re-calibrates to a COVID-19 world alongside unprecedented societal, economic, cultural and economic shifts - brands are applying ingenuity, and new approaches to presentation. As reflection of brand identity - many designers are choosing to hybridize presentation, editorial, + commerce experiences through digital platforms, integrating a Phygital approach to retail - with sustainability, technology and innovation central to change.Host:Julie Gilhart, President of Tomorrow Projects and Chief Development Officer of Tomorrow Ltd., on behalf of The RealRealGuests:Victor Glemaud, Creative Director of Victor GlemaudHaitian-born designer Victor Glemaud launched his eponymous leisurewear collection of statement knitwear, designed for all people, genders, races, sizes and personalities, marrying comfort and style, in 2006. Victor Glemaud was a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and honored for his achievements by the Ambassador of Haiti to the United States. Raised in Queens, New York, Victor began his career as a design assistant to Patrick Robinson while studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After working as a publicist at KCD for Versace and Marc Jacobs, he returned to design in 2005, first as Womenswear Design Advisor and later as Studio Director at Paco Rabanne, followed by Style Director at Tommy Hilfiger, and over the years has consulted with several brands, including H&M for the Met Gala.The Victor Glemaud collection has been worn by celebrities and influencers including Ashley Graham, Dominique Jackson, Florence Pugh, Hailey Baldwin, Issa Rae, Laura Harrier, Margot Robbie, Michelle Williams, Iman and Selena Gomez, and has garnered press in many outlets from The New York Times to Vogue Italia.Victor Glemaud is currently sold at Glemaud.com, as well as ShopBop and Ssense.Jamie Pallot, Executive Producer at SensoriumJamie Pallot is executive producer at Sensorium, a cutting-edge experiential studio whose latest project is a series of virtual reality videos for the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Window Unveiling. He was formerly the founding editor of Style.com, where he won a National Magazine Award for General Excellence; executive director of digital at Vanity Fair; and a VR pioneer, producing installations shown at the Sundance, Venice, and Tribeca festivals.Beth Buccini, Founder and Owner of Kirna ZabeteBeth is the founder and owner of Kirna Zabête, a multi-brand women’s fashion store. She personally selects every item sold in each of the store's four outposts in Soho, New York; Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; East Hampton, New York; and Palm Beach, Florida; and e-commerce site kirnazabete.com, with the intention of inspiring every client who walks through the door. She has also collaborated with Target, Nine West, Gilt, and Birkenstock, to create special collections for the Kirna Zabête customer. Prior to launching Kirna Zabête in the fall of 1999, Beth worked as an Assistant Fashion Editor at Mirabella Magazine and a Fashion Editor at New York Magazine. She was born and raised in Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Art History and French Literature. She currently resides in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, with her husband and four children.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-foqt3D8Bc

In “A New Lens into the New Year”, we’ll talk with The RealReal’s CEO Julie Wainwright and the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s CEO, Steven Kolb on leading fashion by way of both mission and purpose. On why sustainability matters now more than ever and how brands big and small are making change. And lastly, how, from their viewfinders, 2021+ fashion moves forward. Hosts: Julie Gilhart, President of Tomorrow Projects and Chief Development Officer of Tomorrow Ltd., on behalf of The RealReal Sara Kozlowski, VP of Education + Sustainability Initiatives of CFDA Guests: Julie Wainwright, Founder and CEO of The RealReal Julie Wainwright is an e-commerce pioneer who founded The RealReal in 2011, bringing authenticated luxury consignment online. She has changed the way people buy and sell high-end luxury across all categories -- from men's and women's clothing to home and art to fine jewelry and watches. Julie took The RealReal public in 2019 having built a membership of millions and selling millions of items to date. In addition, Julie is pioneering sustainability in the luxury space by keeping items in circulation and partnering with brands, like Gucci, Stella McCartney and Burberry, to promote a circular future for fashion. She's one to push the fold on innovation and it's not gone unnoticed – she's been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the "Most Daring Entrepreneurs" and Fast Company as "Most Creative People" to name a couple. Steven Kolb, CEO of CFDA Steven Kolb is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He oversees all operations for the American fashion industry's group of 477 womenswear, menswear, accessories, and jewelry designers. Kolb works directly with CFDA Chairman Tom Ford and the Board of Directors comprised of America’s foremost designers. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University.Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6V0u2IUHEI