Story + Rain Talks

Our goal is to bring you the stories of artists who inspire. Episode 110 featuring pioneering fashion icon Norma Kamali is perhaps the pinnacle of this, and literally chock full of advice. The designer and innovator-in so many categories-shares an intimate account of her story, from the very beginning, including the moment when she brought the miniskirt to the masses, here. From her clothing of course, including her famous sleeping bag coat (and the story behind it), to her supremely pure skincare collection, her olive oil, her furniture collection, her I Am Invincible book, and more; we dissect it all. Norma tells the story about how she came to invent athleisure, she really did, and talks about her beloved and bestselling Diana dress, a wedding attire favorite, with three iterations since its debut, that Norma, herself, has recently re-fallen in love with. We discuss the specific story behind her journey to wellness circa 9/11, and how she was an early adopter and innovator in that space. During this conversation, you’ll be in the front row at an intimate discussion with the groundbreaking and one-of-a-kind designer who will leave a truly huge legacy in fashion and in design. Get inspired as you hear her explain her point of view on being who you are, naturally. Hear her share her point of view and the details of her lifestyle when it comes to self-care and aging, a point of view she feels is important to impart on the younger generation. On that topic, Norma talks about what she shares with and why she’s inspired by Gen Z. Norma explains why she’s also inspired by technology, talks becoming and then shedding being a “possession freak,” and how she learned to make space for new ideas. We are beyond thrilled and honored to add to Story + Rain Talks this incredible and important firsthand story from a game-changing artist who, for decades to come, will have an enormous influence on design and on future artists of all kinds. What else can be said except that after listening, we assure you, you’ll want to take a page from her book and from her I-Am-Invincible attitude. Shop the podcast here:

• Norma Kamali 
• NormaLife's Skinline Kit
• I Am Invincible by Norma Kamali
• Norma Kamali Diana Dress
• Norma Kamali Sleeping Bag Coat
• AnnenMayKantereit
• Platform Crocs

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New York native Joey Wölffer has years of impressive entrepreneurship under her belt. Pun intended, as the Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner of Hamptons-based Wölffer Estate Vineyard also runs a fashion business, developed an early background in fashion, and has a particular affinity and eye for accessories. Carrying on the innovative legacy of her father, Joey and her brother Marc took over Wölffer in early 2013, and on episode 109 of the podcast, Joey shares intimate details about her father, her family, and the many roots that were planted and that have brought her to her multifaceted work today. We talk about her European upbringing and the choices her parents made to raise her outside of New York City, the Hamptons then and now, and her treasured time in London sparked by the need to get away from a “horrible” boyfriend, of course. We get into all the details behind the brand’s iconic Summer in a Bottle Rosé and its success, and why rosé has exploded as our cultural drink of choice. We discuss the various businesses under the Wölffer umbrella, and Wölffer’s famously appealing and authentic branding and design that Joey is responsible for. We talk all about core values, working with and as family, her non-corporate approach to business, and how staying in one’s lane produces the right results. Listen in for a volley back and forth: it’s wine-fashion, fashion-wine…as we discuss Joey’s career path between the two and why she chooses to stay busy for inspiration, how one facet of her life inspires another, Joey noting that she’s the most successful when she’s doing the most. We talk to the tastemaker about all her favorite things, what inspires her, how she gets the big ideas, what she’s wearing now and how her style has evolved, and being inspired by Morocco. We talk Wölffer merch, the origins of Styleliner---her before-its-time fashion pop-up, and her experience as a brick and mortar retailer. It’s an exhilarating talk that includes what Joey’s learned most about the intersection of creativity and business over the last ten years, and so much more,  including her Obsixed list of current obsessions that you can discover and shop, along with more, here:

• Wölffer
• Summer in a Bottle Côtes de Provence Rosé 2021
• Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé 2021
• Wölffer merch
• Shop Joey Wölffer
• Wölffer Wine Stand events
• Designer Johanna Ortiz

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Veteran designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra are cutting edge and tradition, all at once. Organically emerging on the fashion scene by making clothing for their stylist friends, it was in 2004 when they sent their first handmade photocopied lookbook---shot on a broken mannequin in their apartment---to Vogue’s offices. From Costello Tagliapietra to JCRT, on episode 108 we trace the evolution and path of this designer duo, whom Andre Leon Talley once called “the last great dressmakers”. From elevating jersey to perfecting plaid; from a very first project for Nine Inch Nails to launching JCRT home, Jeffrey and Robert have designed through the last few decades, expertly attesting to all its ebbs and flows, and sharing their longtime fashion insider stories here on the podcast. We discuss the influence of music on their work and what makes for a strong brand, including the advice they were once given by Anna Wintour. We go back to the beginning, to how they met, and we talk about the influence of social media on their business today. They share what’s exciting about the mix in the way people are currently choosing to dress and they share valuable insights on creative partnerships. We discuss the basis for their latest brand and the JCRT customer, their workspace, their home space, fashion shows, designing by theme and designing by color, moodboards, their greatest strengths, their biggest learnings, and more— including one of the best lists of current obsessions we’ve seen. Jeffrey and Robert are some of our favorite people, and favorite visionaries. Discover more and shop:

• JCRT.com
• Hemi-Sync meditations
• Mind Hacking Happiness by Sean Webb 
• Elden Ring

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It’s been a big year for Jesse James Keitel. Starring as one of the leads in the Peacock reboot of Queer as Folk is a dream job for the actor, who is also a writer. Shortly after the series’ debut, there came Jesse’s appearance on an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds---another dream job moment for the artist...all on the heels of two seasons on the ABC David E. Kelley hit, Big Sky, where her character, Jerrie Kennedy, quickly became a fan favorite for what she describes as Kennedy’s ‘realness;’ realness that Keitel had a heavy hand in shaping, and that she worked hard to bring to the screen. On episode 107, Jesse talks about the influence Big Sky’s Jerrie Kennedy has had on friends, fans, and on network television, where she broke ground as ABC’s first openly transgender series regular on primetime television. An advocate in moving the needle for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, here, Jesse discusses the lack of queer actors being cast in straight roles, and how she’s looking forward to playing characters that have nothing to do with her gender and sexuality in the future. We discuss the roots of her creativity, how she found an outlet for it after college, and her very first roles---including her standout performance as intern Tam, on Darren Starr’s Younger. Jesse explains how and why community is a source of inspiration, and talks about the sense of community she experienced on Queer as Folk. We talk all things Queer as Folk, of course, we get into detail about her character Ruthie, and we discuss everything from the series’ topics and themes, to costumes and location. Jesse shares her acting process, what’s ahead, what she’s looking for creatively in her work, and what she’s writing. Becoming an adult, finding her flow, her Obsixed list of current obsessions, and more…a multilayered conversation with one of our very favorite actors, with so many exciting things ahead.Discover more and shop Jesse's Obsixed list: 

• Queer as Folk
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
• Big Sky
• Roller Derby roller skates 
• Anine Bing workout clothes
• Her hammock
• Maison Margiela Tabi boots

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Actor, activist, and Story + Rain cover star Freida Pinto, known for acclaimed films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Trishna, returns to the screen this summer in the delightful Mr. Malcolm’s List, a movie that shakes up what we’ve come to know as the period genre in film. The new mother is fiercely focused when it comes to her work, and in episode 106, Freida explains how and why her production company, Freebird Films, seeks out projects that allow her to tell stories that “angle towards hope”---they’re about to make some big moves. Listen in as Freida discusses the stories she believes are lacking on the screen, how she prepares for a role, her desire to step far out of herself for them, and her preference to remain on the go, on any given project. You’ll hear intimate stories about the many prolific directors she’s worked with like Ron Howard, Danny Boyle, Terrence Malick, and Woody Allen---as well as what it's like working with first-time director, actor Kristen Scott Thomas, on My Mother’s Wedding, which she is currently shooting, co-starring Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller---one of the most fun casts she’s ever been a part of. Freida talks about her most taxing roles, shares stories from set and the valued relationships she’s created there, including a surprisingly sweet story about Sir Anthony Hopkins. We talk motherhood, her work with postpartum plan and brand, Anya, and what it’s like to be part of a creative couple. We get into details about Mr. Malcolm’s List, her latest film, out on July 1st. We cover everything from its modern and inclusive international vibe, to the notion of having a checklist when looking for a partner, and how and when she’s created one for herself. We go back to the beginning: her school days, her modeling days (and why she disliked it), and all things her very first film and smash hit, 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire. Inspiration, living internationally, how series and film have converged, and more. Off the mic, we talked to Freida about what tops her Obsixed list of current obsessions that you can discover and shop here along with Freida's films and projects:

• Freebird Films
• Guerilla
• Trishna
• You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger
• Slumdog Millionaire
• Artipoppe baby carriers
• Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair cream
• Anya Recovery Tonic
• Frēda Salvador Brooke rain resistant boots
• Frēda Salvador Libby D'orsay sneakers
• Makemake Organic, Colored Organic, and PEHR organic baby clothes
• Yoga blocks and

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Beth Hutchens of FoundRae has been an entrepreneur her entire adult life. The ritual of collection and the importance of quality seen in the fine jewelry and home décor brand was what she grew up with in her Quaker home, rich with stories and heritage that Beth says “feels alive and present” in her everyday life today. It all started when she and her Cynthia Rowley friend and co-worker, Rebecca Taylor, began making clothes. Rebecca wanted to start her own line, and Beth wanted to create clothes to wear out on the town in New York City’s nightclub scene. It was in 1996 when the pair were propelled to join forces to co-found what would become the wildly popular contemporary collection, Rebecca Taylor, where Beth was CEO until she followed a whisper to return more closely to her creative roots. The FoundRae collection was born in 2015, and has gone on to win CFDA and GEM awards, and develop a loyal fan and customer following, due in part to its incredibly distinct, stand-out brand identity in a sea of many, and its covet-worthy pieces that beg to be collected and layered. On episode 105, Beth shares her family’s fascinating artistic story and how it’s influenced her as a maker. We discuss her creative life in New York before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and business, helping to establish the Rebecca Taylor brand and build the FoundRae brand. She shares what she’s learned about working with creatives, how to hire, how to be best at branding, the details of her own creative process, the art of collaging, how she thinks about design, and the marked differences between the fashion and jewelry industries. We talk about FoundRae’s one-of-a-kind flagship store and store experience, and the brand’s customer. We discuss the impact that attention to detail can create, copycatting and intellectual property, being a jack of trades and more. Shop the podcast:

• FoundRae.com 
• Synchronicity by Carl Jung

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Writer and Producer Jenni Konner grew up in California in a family who is “in the business”, but has made and continues to make her mark on television by writing and producing the most modernistic material that speaks to our times. The one-time partner of Lena Dunham is known for her slice-of-life stories, wit and knowledge of people, ability to identify personality types, and crafting characters across generations. Creating culture-influencing television with Girls, Konner continues to do something special with Freeform’s Single Drunk Female, a fresh take on the rocky road to sobriety, one that is peppered with humor and filled with captivating characters---this time in suburban Boston--- that pop off the screen. On episode 104, Jenni traces her childhood, college years, and career path. We get a peek into her working relationships with her most creative collaborators---such as Dunham, Judd Apatow, Adam Driver, and producer Ilene Landress. We dissect the Girls experience and what came after, including her writing and directing HBO limited series, Camping. She tells us why former restaurant employees make the best crew members, talks intimately about the habits of writers, her affinity for working with actors, the importance of and continued lack of diverse stories, bringing back hard comedy, and how having a singular voice makes for a great writer. We talk what’s next, including her upcoming project, Hulu’s Immigrant starring Kumail Nanjiani, written and co-executive produced by Pam + Tommy creator, Robert Siegel. Jenni describes the vibe at Jenni Konner Productions, her editing process, and her expert opinion on creative partnerships. We get her take on today’s television, on Gen Z, on how she chooses what to work on, and why she isn’t a micromanager. Listen in for a lot of reminiscing about pop culture, about Lennyletter, and the times when there were temps. We get into a slew of her favorite things from her go-to cookbook author, workout, and glasses, to the hilarious (love-hate relationship with) her Oura ring, all that you can discover and shop here:

• Freeform's Single Drunk Female
• HBO's Girls
• Caddis Miklos reading glasses
• Mille clothing
• Carla Lalli Music's cookbook That Sounds So Good: 100 Real-Life Recipes for Every Day of the Week
• Carla Lalli Music's cookbook Where Cooking Begins: Uncomplicated Recipes to Make You a Great Cook
• Tracy Anderson workouts
• Irene Neuwirth jewelry 

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Known for her use of mixed color and artful custom prints, designer Tanya Taylor’s namesake collection was one of the first high fashion labels to introduce size inclusivity back in 2017. On episode 103, the Canada native and Parsons grad recalls the influence of her parents on her sense of dress and on her inimitable skill for creating bold clothes that allow the wearer to effortlessly style themselves---- in the most individual of ways. Masterful use of color and international influences were some of the elements of each parent’s look, and it’s no wonder Tanya honed her own creative eye and sources of inspiration during her time at Central Saint Martins in London, a city she admires for its “eccentricity of culture”. On the podcast Tanya discusses working for Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, how the fashion industry is one of the few places one can use both sides of the brain---both in business and in design---and her love of each. We also talk about her love of creative problem-solving, the line’s best-selling items and core silhouette, Tanya’s perspective on how her clothes can and should be accessorized, and her strong belief that what one wears can greatly affect mood. We break down how fans of her clothes like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift can interpret her pieces in totally different ways, how Aidy Bryant inspired her line’s expansion, and the story behind the first time Michelle Obama wore her clothes---and the fourteen or so times since. We discuss Tanya Taylor’s brand collabs, exciting latest categories, and her very first retail store. We talk her distinct vision for color and color palette, and everything from her ambitious achievement of a first fashion show at MoMa to what she’s learned most in 10 years of being founder and CEO. A Story + Rain favorite designer, Tanya shares much more, including her #Obsixed list of current lifestyle obsessions that you can discover and shop here:

• TanyaTaylor.com
• Tanya Taylor children's collection
• Tanya Taylor swim collection
• Tanya Taylor Blaire Dress
• The Rice Wash skin-softening cleanser by Tatcha
• Santal 26 classic candle by Le Labo
• Sandals by Hereu
• Earrings by Monica Sordo

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

On episode 102 of the podcast, we sit down with two super star Gen Z digital creators and TikTokers, Amelie Zilber and Blake Gray----who also happen to be a couple. Each blew up on the platform during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when, well, content truly was King. Recently appearing together in Ralph Lauren’s Romance fragrance campaign, the opposites-attract pair are poised for big things. Known for creating content around current events and “making the news more palatable”, Amelie talks about her longtime interest in politics, now her passion, one that innocently stemmed from competing with her brother during family dinner table talk. Blake’s candid and lighthearted approach to posting and his fun-loving attitude have not only brought him millions of devoted followers, it's prompted him to take the plunge into acting, and on the podcast Blake gets real about becoming vulnerable for his new pursuit. It’s a fascinating discussion about the current climate in social media with two of its key players. We talk loving fans and toxic followers, what they appreciate about one another as content creators, the social media content that never fails to catch each’s eyes, why TikTok is the most popular platform right now, and the ways in which their creativity can be stifled, or whether they always feel completely free. We discuss when it’s time to detox from social media, if it’s even possible, and the kind of fame they’ve achieved: in three words. Amelie shares her feelings on being targeted for being both smart and beautiful, and Blake talks authenticity. We discuss the inherent comparison effect and the fine line of being authentic and being planned when posting on platforms. We get into fashion and fashion shows, Blake and Amelie’s many brand collaborations, and we get specific about what these iconic and established companies both want and appreciate about them. We wrap with an answer to the big question: what Gen Z loves the most in pop culture and what Gen Z is striving for in life, but not before we get the story behind their first date, how they met, Amelie’s obsessions with chocolate chip cookies, Dior, and more.

• Find Amelie Zilber on TikTok + Instagram
• Find Blake Gray on TikTok + Instagram

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Raised in the Bronx, Nigeria, and Louisiana, chef Kwame Onwuachi grew up surrounded by cooking. During episode 101, Kwame talks about how that exposure changed the course of his life, and ultimately saved him. Many people know Kwame as one-time contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, season 13 California, and as a current judge on the award-winning cooking competition show that’s inspired many copycats, and has made the culinary life mainstream. Kwame documented his riveting journey to food innovator and one-to-watch chef in his memoir paired with recipes, Notes from a Young Black Chef, which we discuss in great detail here. His multi-layered path, peppered with inspiring and difficult moments alike, is set to be turned into a feature film by A24, and Kwame shares the inside scoop on all of it. The James Beard Award-winning chef discusses the duality of his life experiences, the push and pull aspect of his personality, his time as a drug dealer, and the pivotal moment involving Barack Obama and a hangover that shifted his focus to cooking. We talk about being an enigma, needing to get big-time creative as a cook on a ship, his entry into the Culinary Institute of America, some of his jarring experiences of racism, the many things that have contributed to his success, the many nuances that mark his cuisine, and his powerful choice to look at potential experiences as having the best possible outcomes. At one point a wardrobe stylist for Top Chef, Tamara talks to Kwame about exactly why he treasures his unique Top Chef  family and experience. Listen in to hear the amazing story of Kwame Onwuachi, a picture of a modern entrepreneur and visionary---one who opened five restaurants before the age of thirty. You'll hear about his relationship with his creativity, prioritizing his work over his personal life, what fame is like, his longtime love of style and how it’s evolved, his My America book of recipes that will allow fans and readers to taste his life story, his intimate vision for his next restaurant venture, and his Obsixed list of current obsessions that include some insider food favorites and a nail polish collection you might have seen him rocking on TC the other day, all that you can discover and shop here:

• Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir
• My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef: A Cookbook
• ORLY Breathable x KWAME nail polish in 'Eggplant' 
• ORLY Breathable x KWAME nail polish in 'Chef's Kiss'
• ORLY Breathable x KWAME nail polish in 'Sauté' 
• Orion Turtle Chips
• Guided meditations from Deepak Chopra

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com