Best CAFA Podcasts (2024)

1
Get Inspired! In Defence of Runway Shows: Vanja Vasic, founder of Fashion Art Toronto 38:24

6M ago38:24

38:24

Vanja Vasic founded Fashion Art Toronto (intentionally called FAT) in 2005 making it the longest running fashion event in Toronto (Canada's largest city). In this episode Vanja and Donna discuss: Vanja's history and how her artistic, rebellious parents helped shape her creative spirit the tie between fashion and art the "naughty" origins of Fashion…

1
Icons: John Fluevog, George Clinton & Dame Zandra Rhodes 29:36

6M ago29:36

29:36

John Fluevog has been designing shoes since the 1970s. His unmistakeable footwear has graced not just runway shows around the world, but have been worn by countless celebrities including Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. George Clinton, known as Parliament known as Funkadelic, came to prominence in the 60s, revolutionized R&B music in the 70s and con…

1
Breaking Down Web3 and Other Technologies with David Cash, founder Cash Labs 49:04

6M ago49:04

49:04

David Cash, founder of Cash Labs, has been identified by Vogue Magazine as the leading force in bringing web3 to market. David, the 2023 CAFA Innovation Award winner, is the founder of Metaverse Fashion Week and has worked with dozens of global brands from Farfetch to Estée Lauder to Verizon to the NBA. In this episode David and host Donna Bishop d…

1
Yes. You Need To Be A Thought Leader. Here's How. 50:10

6M ago50:10

50:10

As the founder and CEO of Talk Boutique, Andrea Sampson has been training individuals in delivering engaging talks, compelling stories, dynamic presentations and building active communities based on developing thought leadership. Listen to Andrea and Donna Bishop discuss: The dual value of being a thought leader Why fashion is ripe for new thought …

1
Show Me The Money: Venture Capital and Outside Financing with Investor Qasim Mohammad 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

Qasim Mohammad is an investor who currently works out of Wittington Venture. His expertise is deeply rooted in consumer brands. In this episode Qasim and Donna discuss: Outside investing 101 - what is venture capital and other financing options What are the goals of the VC/ investor How to build you network for potential investing What makes a grea…

1
Essential Legal Advice: IP Protection, Contracts and more 38:14

7M ago38:14

38:14

Branding/ fashion lawyer and trademark agent Ashlee Froese breaks down so many myths around the relationship and importance between entrepreneurship (and not just fashion designers), legals, trademarks, IP and more. In this episode you will hear Ashlee Froese and Donna Bishop discuss: What it means to be a fashion lawyer and the eco system of the i…

1
Essential Tips For Identifying and Managing Burnout, Fear and More 31:07

7M ago31:07

31:07

Lara Koretsky is a leadership and business coach pulls back the curtain how she supports her clients to achieve professional success and satisfaction, as well as personal expansion and growth. In this episode Lara talks with host Donna Bishop about: the essential connection between aligning personal values and professional goals ditching your "Itty…

1
Business Grant Financing: Navigating The Process, Tools and Tips 37:23

7M ago37:23

37:23

Grant financing can be the perfect cash injection to take a business to the next level. In this episode grant consultant Weiyi Chang unpacks the process, shares expectations and offers advice on how to determine if grant financing is right for your business and setting you up for success. Weiyi Chang and host Donna Bishop discuss: Debunking fashion…

1
BEST OF FASHIONTALKS with the Oscar Nominated Luis Sequeira 34:16

8M ago34:16

34:16

The Oscar nominated Costume Designer Luis Sequeira got his start in fashion. In this final BEST OF episode Luis and assistant Costume Designer Ann Steel joined Donna Bishop for a live recording of FashionTalks during Toronto Fashion Week. In this episode you will hear Luis and Ann talk about: Their fashion background The process of working with Aca…

1
BEST OF FASHIONTALKS with Evan Biddell 44:04

8M ago44:04

44:04

Evan Biddell has been designing clothes since his teens. Before he became a viral sensation with The Playsuit, he talked with Donna Bishop in an early FashionTalks episode. In this episode you will hear Evan talk candidly about: His upbringing in the Canadian Prairies Being on, and winning, the first Project Runway Canada His commitment to sustaina…

1
BEST OF FASHIONTALKS with Mina Gerges and Finding Your Authentic Self 37:53

8M ago37:53

37:53

Mina Gerges is known for his fearless self expression, ground breaking modelling gigs and plus size and LGTBQ2S+ advocacy. In this episode you will hear Mina share: His Egyptian heritage and how it has shaped him How he started creating the videos he became known for His journey to discovering his authentic self What is means to him to be a plus si…

1
BEST OF FASHIONTALKS with Catherine Addai on Making Your Side Hustle Your Full Time 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

Making your side hustle your full time gig is one of the most common goals any entrepreneur has. Catherine Addai knows what it means to HUSTLE! In this episode you will hear: Catherine talk about what her days looked like working her side hustle, her full time job and living her life What supports and lessons she learned as a side hustle designer t…

1
BEST OF FASHIONTALKS with Jeanne Beker on 25 Years of FashionTelevision 38:34

9M ago38:34

38:34

Jeanne Beker is a fashion icon and Canadian treasure. As the host of the ground breaking FashionTelevision Jeanne brought new fans to fashion, opened a portal to the otherwise unseen magic of runways shows and witnessed the entire fashion industry respond to new media. In this episode you will hear Jeanne share stories about: how she became the hos…

1
Teaser for FashionTalks For Industry 0:57

9M ago0:57

0:57

That's a wrap on season 4! But don't worry - FashionTalks isn't going anywhere. We will return in September with a special series, FashionTalks for Industry. Host Donna Bishop will interview experts in legals, grant writing, thought leadership, financing, marketing, managing burnout and more. A host of topics to support you and your business whethe…

1
David Bowie, Adaptive Fashion & Putting People First Design with Izzy Camilleri 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

Izzy Camilleri is a big deal. As one of Canada's most celebrated fashion designers she has dressed A list celebrities from David Bowie to Meryl Streep. In 2005 her world and career changed when a woman living with paralysis asked Izzy to design some custom clothing that would work with her power wheelchair. This entry into adaptive clothing pivoted…

1
The Photoshoot That Changed Her Life, Fashion & Manifestation with Lori Simeunovic 41:05

9M ago41:05

41:05

Fashion intersects with some surprising places! Case in point, tarot reader Lori Simeunovic has a ton of experience harnessing and acknowledging the power of adornment as it pertains to empowerment, manifestation and more. In this episode Lori and Donna discuss: The photoshoot that had a profound impact on Lori's life and career How fashion plays i…

1
The Continued Evolution of Fashionable Creator Lisa Corbo 34:22

10M ago34:22

34:22

Lisa Corbo has been around the fashion block. She has been a textile designer, fashion designer, interior designer, buyer, retail entrepreneur, stylist and most recently has added digital creator to her incredible career. Lisa has so much to share and a ton of amazing stories, experiences and insights. In this episode Lisa talks about: Her vast and…

1
Bringing Indigenous Fashion into the Mainstream with Sage Paul, Executive & Artistic Director of Indigenous Fashion Arts 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

Sage Paul is a designer, artist, creator and the executive & artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Arts, an organization committed to exploring the deep connections between mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice through presentation for broad audiences and industries. In this episode you will hear Sage and Donna talk about: S…

1
Designing in the Dark: Being Black in Fashion with Designer George Sully 58:29

10M ago58:29

58:29

George Sully has been designing for over 20 years. Yet despite that history he, and other designers, have been designing in the dark for years. George is candid, clear and passionate while sharing his story and the future of designing. In this episode you will hear: George discuss how he was shut out of the fashion industry and what the impact of d…

1
Beyond Meghan Markle: Designer Nina Kharey on Her New Venture Folds 34:22

10M ago34:22

34:22

Nina Kharey rose to acclaim when Meghan Markle wore a design from her label Nonie. Now she is dedicated to designing for an industry that has seen little to no innovation in over 50 years: Scrubs. In this episode you will hear: Nina sharing what drew her to putting her attention on front line medical workers The incredible, innovative, unique techn…

1
What it Takes to Make It with designer Hilary MacMillan 35:40

10M ago35:40

35:40

Hilary MacMillan has been at the helm of her namesake label for 10 years! She is no stranger to all the facets of entrepreneurship. We talk about all the things the weigh on the mind of business owners: Leadership Pivoting Scaling Sustainability Trusting you gut And she shares what she really wants Canadians to know about our fashion industry (her …

1
Father, Unexpected Fashion Designer & Trans Advocate Jamie Alexander, founder of Rubies 47:34

11M ago47:34

47:34

Jamie Alexander got thrown into the fashion industry when his daughter Ruby wanted to wear a bikini like her friends. Something that was fun and girlie with tween/ teen vibes. Ruby, who is trans, wanted something that made her feel like herself. When Jamie and his wife looked for options for their daughter, there was nothing that fit what they, and…

1
Making An Impact in the Beauty Industry with Jenn Harper, Founder & CEO of Cheekbone Beauty 40:07

11M ago40:07

40:07

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is making a serious impact. Not just because her sustainable beauty brand is now available in Sephora (Canada) and JC Penny (USA). Not just because she is creating an example for other Indigenous people of what is possible; to see and feel their value. Not just because of how she has overcome genera…

1
Hormones & Heels: Designer Dr Liza Egbogah on What Happens When We Wear Shoes 42:06

11M ago42:06

42:06

If you love and hate your heels you are not alone (and you are not imagining it). Dr Liza Egbogah is not just acclaimed shoe designer, she is also a Chiropractic Doctor and manual osteopath. Dr Liza discusses with Donna Bishop: What happens to our body when our feet are comprised (it may surprise you!) Her unexpected road to fashion designer How he…

1
How To Live A Fulfilled Life with Full Time Physician & Full Time Fashion Designer Seda Rafilovich 29:35

11M ago29:35

29:35

Do you ever feel like you have 2 passions, or even 2 conflicting desires, inside you? Seda Rafilovich does and she has maintained both of them, medicine and fashion, throughout her entire life. She is full of life advice and inspiration on how to live a fulfilled life. In this episode we talk about: How she has always honoured her love and pursuit …

1
AI, Fashion and the Hype Cycle with Amanda Cosco of Electric Runway 37:36

12M ago37:36

37:36

It all started with a cyborg named Neil. You can not deny that fashion and technology are forever intertwined. Electric Runway founder, journalist Amanda Costco unpacks the good, the bad and the grey in between discussing this relationship. Where are we in the hype cycle? What is going to stick and what is just passing amusement? What are the globa…

1
Identity, Culture, Confidence: Raj Girn, Founder of Anokhi Life, on Fusing Indian and Western Fashion 42:52

12M ago42:52

42:52

This episode is JAM PACKED. Raj Girn, founder of Anokhi Life, is a is a multi-award winning media & events entrepreneur, brand strategist, marketing consultant, confidence coach, #1 best-selling author, and entertainment personality. She is widely recognized as an expert in niche branding, media, marketing, and public relations, having worked with …

1
Wear Whatever the F*ck You Want with Naomi Shapiro of Rock n Karma 36:12

12M ago36:12

36:12

Naomi Shapiro of long standing brand Rock n Karma is breaking down over 25 years of fashion success; from street vending as a teenager to kiosks in major malls to store fronts in some of Toronto's coolest neighbourhoods. Naomi is a force of knowledge and experience. Here energy is infectious as is her positive outlook on life, as well as fashion. I…

1
Trailer Season 4 - We Are Back! 0:41

1y ago0:41

0:41

FashionTalks is back! Starting April 26 join host Donna Bishop for weekly conversations with designers, entrepreneurs and creatives on thinking and moving through the world through the lens of fashion. Follow FashionTalks - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/ Follow Host Donna Bishop - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/ Discover our Par…

1
Archive Episode for the Festive Season: The Origins of Fashion Santa 28:06

1+ y ago28:06

28:06

From the FashionTalks vault comes a fantastic conversation with one of the nicest fellas ever. A compelling origins story is so inspiring and Paul Mason's story of how the international sensation, Fashion Santa, came to be is no exception. Paul is proof that you never know what is waiting for you around the corner. The road was full of ups and down…

1
To Fashion Via Football with Wuxly CEO James Yurichuk 46:44

1+ y ago46:44

46:44

It is not often you hear of someone being drafted as a linebacker for pro football and then pivoting into the fashion industry, but that is exactly what James Yurichuk, CEO of Wuxly has done. James and I have a fascinating conversation that moves between his suburb roots in Ontario, Canada to his love for brand campaigns to how his Brazilian girlfr…

1
The Future of Shopping with Lisa Kisber, co-founder ShopSquad 42:41

1+ y ago42:41

42:41

Shopping can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. We have all had experiences shopping that have been amazing, or hopefully we all have. Shopping is ever evolving and that has never been more true than right now. Lisa Kisber, co-founder of ShopSquad, shares her deep knowledge of retail and where we are headed with live, digital shopping. Lisa i…

1
A Fashion Insider Scoop with Vicky Milner, President of CAFA (Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards) 38:47

2y ago38:47

38:47

There is nothing like some behind the scenes intel. Am I right? Vicky has some amazing stories to share as we reminisce about CAFA galas through the years. Vicky Milner, President of CAFA, has her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry. CAFA (Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards) is Canada's national organization honouring, celebrating and supportin…

1
Truly Breaking All the Rules with Elate Cosmetics CEO/ Founder Melodie Reynolds 40:46

2y ago40:46

40:46

This one got surprisingly emotional! Melodie Reynolds is a beauty brand founder/ CEO who is breaking all the rules when it comes to makeup. Be it the marketing messages or packaging or ingredients or corporate culture Melodie is maintaining the empowering elements of adornment through beauty while breaking the traditional molds of the billion dolla…

1
Fashion & Claiming Your Power with HIV Activist & Model Myles Sexton 40:23

2y ago40:23

40:23

Myles Sexton is a force of nature. They are a Creative Director, HIV & Sobriety Activist, model, makeup artist, content creator and lover of all things fashion and travel. In this episode Myles talks openly about how fashion has been an integral part of their life, whether it be their roots on the east coast of Canada, their decision to come forwar…

1
Not Your Typical Fashion CEO with Ashley Freeborn of Smash + Tess 27:32

2y ago27:32

27:32

Smash + Tess is a community, a fashion brand and the dream of mother/ daughter team Ashley Freeborn and Teresa Freeborn. Hailed as starting the "Romper Revolution" Ashley's vision goes well beyond the freedom and comfort of the casual dressing that has taken the globe by storm since 2020. But what does being comfortable really mean? Have we shed a …

1
Is it Time to Ditch the Rules of the Wedding Dress with authors Michelle Bilodeau & Karen Cleveland 30:19

2y ago30:19

30:19

Michelle and Karen love weddings, but that doesn't mean they didn't see the point of reevaluating the traditions and tropes of the typical, heteronormative, western wedding. We dive into the bridal, white wedding dress and the crushing pressures that the billion dollar wedding industry can impose upon women as they celebrate their nuptials. As auth…

1
When You Love Fashion But Fashion Doesn't Love You Back, You Start A Brand: Mahrzad Lari 43:21

2y ago43:21

43:21

What do you do when getting dressed is traumatizing? If you are Mahrzad Lari you face it head on. As a plus sized man since his youth Mahrzad never felt he could express himself with clothing. Flash forward to 2021 and he is disrupting the menswear industry with his label Wide the Brand. A classic, chic line of modern basics for plus sized men. Mah…

1
Our Body, Our Subconscious & Fashion with Atarah Valentine 53:13

2y ago53:13

53:13

Is there a connection between our body and our subconscious mind? Atarah breaks down this powerful connection, shares his personal journey and love of fashion and how the clothes we choose can impact our belief system. So much to take in on this one! Follow Atarah and connect to book a session: https://www.instagram.com/atarahvalentine/ Follow host…

1
Inspiration for 2022, Brand Story & Personal Mindset with Yossi Fisher 50:24

2y ago50:24

50:24

Yossi has not just worked in fashion, it is in his DNA coming from a family of tailors. From running his own retail business to transitioning his expertise and inspiration to consulting for international brands with a unique, holistic approach. Through out this conversation, Yossi and Donna discuss: - the important relationship between business and…

1
Has Digital Changed Makeup Artistry Forever with Celebrity Makeup Artist Grace Lee 41:16

2+ y ago41:16

41:16

Grace Lee has seen the beauty industry change a lot in her 26 years of experience. With strong opinions on the specific role of a fashion makeup artist, how social media is shaping the industry and her go-to products, Grace shares all this as well as behind the scenes stories from her days at fashion weeks around the world.…

1
It's About Far More than Bras & Underwear with Chantal Carter of Love and Nudes 47:41

2+ y ago47:41

47:41

It is About Far More than Bras & Underwear with Chantal Carter of Love and Nudes. In this episode Chantal Carter shares: * her inspirational and dramatic spark that planted the seed for Love and Nudes * what it means to be seen, and not be seen, in fashion * how she created her own opportunity * what it means to see other companies, larger companie…

1
Finding Belonging in Fashion with Meredith Shaw 37:29

2+ y ago37:29

37:29

Meredith Shaw is a leader of Canadian Fashion Authority, On-Air personality on CHUM FM and Style-Expert on The Social + The Marilyn Denis Show. Meredith inspires women of all sizes across the country through body positivity activism, modelling and style expertise. Donna and Meredith talk about: * Working in fashion as a curvy woman * The language o…

1
Trailer – New Season Coming Nov 10 1:27

2+ y ago1:27

1:27

FashionTalks is back! Donna Bishop returns with candid interviews with designers, stylists, artists, activists and leaders within the fashion industry. What we wear says something. Fashion literally talks. Join us beginning November 10 for conversations on the power and persuasion of fashion. Where to Find Us: * @fashiontalkspod * @thisisdonnab…

1
Fashion Designer Tanya Taylor 23:44

4y ago23:44

23:44

By FashionTalks

1
Netflix’s Next In Fashion’s Designer Charles Lu 45:11

4y ago45:11

45:11

By FashionTalks

1
From Side Hustle to Full Time with Kaela Kay founder Catherine Addai 35:20

4y ago35:20

35:20

Before COVID, Donna Bishop sat down with fashion designer Catherine Addai. She has an amazing story of turning her side hustle fashion brand, Kaela Kay, into an international sensation. From being featured on CNN to infusing her Ghanaian roots into her designs, Catherine shares her journey with humour and directness.…

1
Running a Purpose Driven Brand with founders of Zvelle and Repaint History 44:14

4y ago44:14

44:14

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with two powerful and passionate entrepreneurs who put purpose at the centre of their brand: Elle AyouZadeh, found of Zvelle, and Pegah Kargar, founder of Repaint History. Both business owners speak openly about starting their brands, how they infuse purpose through every aspect of their operations and the c…

1
Annie Horth: Stylist, Fashion and Creative Director 43:57

4y ago43:57

43:57

Before COVID, host Donna Bishop sat down with the incredible Annie Horth. Horth is responsible for numerous iconic looks worn by Céline Dion, including the white, Dior tuxedo Dion wore to the 1999 Oscars. The Québec native shares stories of working and collaborating with Céline (she was the first to wear couture during her concert tours), and what …

1
Designer Victoria Hayes: A Rising Star 35:18

4y ago35:18

35:18

Victoria Hayes has become a favourite designer of Lady Gaga, Andra Day, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande and many more. Hayes speaks openly about the struggles and joys of being an independent designer and candidly shares stories from her childhood in Canada through to life in NYC.By FashionTalks

Podcasts Worth a Listen

CAFA Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide