The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
This week, tennis superstar Serena Williams announced her imminent retirement as part of a cover story with American Vogue. Known in fashion circles for her on-court style, which included catsuits and denim skirts and a collaboration with late designer Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, Williams will have more time to focus on as her burgeoning business empire, including her fashion label S by Serena and a venture fund, Serena Ventures.
This week on The BoF Podcast, we revisit Williams’ 2019 conversation with BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed about how the mental toughness she has built on the court has prepared her for life as an entrepreneur.
“It’s really important for things not to come super easy for you, and to kind of accept that challenge, embrace it and then just roll with it,” said Williams.
BoF meets four designers from Raisefashion’s brand fellowship programme without formal fashion training, to learn the challenges they have faced in starting a brand and how the non-profit is supporting their venture.
Four designers from Raisefashion’s brand fellowship programme share how the non-profit has enabled the creatives to take their business from strength to strength, and better navigate on-going market challenges today.
Executive director and founding board member, Felita Harris discusses the non-profit’s brand fellowship programme — an 8-week masterclass for 8 BIPOC designers, conducted by experienced industry advisors and senior executives.
The brand, which harnessed the power of its bestselling Cookie bag and tastemaker customer base to become one of New York’s most promising emerging brands, wants to grow buzz at home and abroad.