Story + Rain Talks

We’re marking our 100th episode with award-winning jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, whose incredible and inspiring story flies fabulously in the face of old-school fashion standards. A favorite of everyone from celebrities to fashion editors and many, many in between, it’s fitting that our milestone launch pairs with Bittar, whose career and collection longevity are undeniable. During the episode, the Brooklyn-bred, forward-thinking, storytelling artist talks about being a mere child when he became an entrepreneur and street vendor on the streets of New York City. We talk about his early journey to sobriety, and how his intellectual, history-professor parents influence his lifestyle today and his approach to design. We talk about New York culture through the decades including the club scene, where Alexis was early-influenced. We talk about being self-taught, ethics in business, fiercely foregoing unspoken fashion industry rules and norms, and what was scary about selling off his name and namesake brand. We ask the question we’d been dying to ask him: whether he’d had a look at the line during that time. We of course talk about Alexis’s exciting return to and relaunch of his brand, what he’s brought to his store experience, and what he’s added to his collection: handbags. We dive into a discussion about legendary stores like Artwear and Takashimaya, and Bergdorf, Dawn Mello, and the fascinating way in which he was discovered. The jewelry designer who makes his indelible mark discusses when he launched his first ready-to-wear collection, with Burberry, the creative collaborator he’s most impressed by, and the surprisingly simple setting he needs to get to work. Alexis reflects on his five years off, life with kids, how their home is their teacher, and more.  A true fashion maker and tastemaker across three epic decades, Alexis Bittar is one of our very favorite artists we've had the pleasure and thrill to work with closely. We wrap with his current favorites, including catching the details of his morning routine, his daily uniform, what he’s watching and where he’s traveling--- and his collection, that you can discover and shop here:

1. alexisbittar.com

2. Our favorite handbag from Alexis Bittar

3. Carhart pants

5. Vintage Nikes from Stadium

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

In the words of Laverne Cox and during this part two episode of Story + Rain Talks, more tea was spilled than she thought she’d ever share in public. The conversation continues with more candid conversation and our Story + Rain cover star “being herself all over this podcast”. Laverne has done a lot of work on herself, and you’ll hear all about it and feel it here, too. Get ready to get inspired, and speaking of inspiration, we talk about what gets her into an inspired place---music is huge. We break down the award winning star’s major magazine moments, her acting process, and how she studies actors. You’ll hear her thoughts on the influence of her Orange Is The New Black co-star, Kate Mulgrew, and on fellow actor Nicole Kidman’s recent Oscar nominated performance. She shares what she does to tune out the fame when she needs to, to create balance. You’ll hear more about her activism and on a personal level, what she looks for in a partner. Laverne talks about worthiness being a birthright, and how she shows up in relationships without something to prove. Having just hosted the E! Oscars red carpet and getting ready to host it for Grammys, Laverne discusses her collaboration with the network and what she’s come to learn about how to tackle her thrilling and tough role as red carpet representative. We talk her intellectual side. We of course talk all about being Inventing Anna’s Kacey Duke, meeting her, and what she calls their “organic overlap”. Laverne shares her own take on how people are conned, and what the much loved series invites people to think about. You’ll hear all about Shonda Rhimes and Shondaland, the women who have believed in her along the way, and bringing 200 percent: Laverne is someone who works to deliver. We ask the question about what we haven’t addressed yet in terms of trans representation in the media, and what she would like to see more of. We talk about her desire to have fun and what’s next---including something in music, being obsessed with letting things go, being done with living in survival mode, and her current favorite things and aspects of her lifestyle, some of which you can discover here:

1. Laverne's favorite French opera singers Mado Robin, Renée Doria, + Mady Mesplé 
2. Showtime's Billions 
3. HBO's The Sex Lives Of College Girls
4. The Laverne Cox Show podcast 

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

In this two-part cover story podcast, actor, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox opens up big time about all aspects of her life and work, in this very special interview. Here you'll get the depths and scope of Laverne’s story, because Laverne does not hold back. You’ll learn that being entirely herself is important to the multi-talented star who sang, danced, and performed for as long as she can remember. Being of service is what makes her tick too, and here on episode 98 we talk about how both have shaped the course of her extraordinary life. We talk about Laverne’s earlier years, pre-celebrity and as a student, performer, and creative living in New York City---including a favorite funny moment with the one and only Grace Jones at Manhattan’s famed Coffee Shop, where Laverne worked for ten years. We get into her connection to New York’s club scene, her stint at Lucky Cheng’s, and being influenced by the dance culture of the 80’s and performance art. Laverne talks about the beginning of her hustle and the moment when friends and family told her, in 2008, not to accept the opportunity to be a cast member on the first season of reality series, I Want To Work For Diddy. She explains how being assaulted the day before her interview for it would lead to a leap of faith that caused her to use the moment to effect change.There was the epic postcard mailing that would open up some key doors, and on the topic of opening doors, Laverne discusses how Candis Cayne, the first openly trans woman to appear as a series regular, influenced the trajectory of her career. We discuss being a trailblazer and a barrier breaker, and Laverne’s dedication to activism and how today’s media climate has impacted it. We talk all about her documentary work, including Netlfix’s Disclosure, and how she’s grown by being behind the camera. We discuss her transition, dating and dating advice, and Laverne calls out one particularly terrible dating app date in a Look At Me Now moment. We also talk her music video moments, with John Legend and with Taylor Swift, and begin the conversation about Laverne’s pivotal role as Orange Is The New Black’s Sophia, including a poignant moment when she shares the details of her complicated, treasured, and unique relationship with her twin brother. This and much more, with more to come next week in episode 99, Part 2.

Inventing Anna
Disclosure
Orange Is the New Black
Free CeCe
Doubt on Youtube
I Want To Work For Diddy Season 1
Laverne's favorite French opera singers Mado Robin, Renée Doria, + Mady Mesplé 

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

This week we sat down with Harry Josh, one of the very top hairdressers and hair professionals in the industry today. Working in both runway fashion and hair since the early 90’s, Harry’s career shifted straight into the spotlight after an editor discovered he was responsible for the enviable locks of multiple models’ hair, and Harry’s particularly famous for Giselle’s sun-kissed waves. Off duty, Harry found himself doing the hair of the models he was friends with at his apartment, and on the podcast Harry explains how he was able to be at his most creative under those simple circumstances. He revolutionized the business nine years ago with his line of Harry Josh Pro Tools and an in-a-class-by-itself hair dryer that changed it all. Harry talks about his recent dedication to pouring time into developing the line, set off by the COVID-19 pandemic, when the red carpet and editorial work he’s highly sought after for had dwindled. You’ll be inspired by Harry discussing personal and professional integrity and growth, the importance of treating all people with kindness ----and how it comes back to him, and how it can come back to you--- tenfold, in what he calls his “habituated way of thinking”. We talk what he’s learned most as an entrepreneur and his advice for those starting out. We discuss Harry’s popular Instagram account; a place where he mixes glamorous fashion photos with posts that are sweet nuggets of spiritual growth. We discuss the double-edged sword that is social media, and how his approach to it evolves and has evolved. We talk muses and sources of inspiration, meditation, spending time in the kitchen, what hair he’s loving now, and we love all the stories you'll hear about the earlier days in fashion, and when he worked closely with people like Marc Jacobs. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Hilary Swank, Rose Byrne, Kate Bosworth, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford, Irina Shayk, everyone from kings and queens to Nascar drivers, musicians, politicians, supermodels, and celebrities of all kinds, have had their heads touched by Harry Josh. Here, in episode 97, we share his riveting story. Discover and shop more Harry Josh including his #obsixed list of current obsessions here:

1. Harry Josh Pro Tools
2. Follow @harryjosh on Instagram
3. AMZchef Slow Juicer
4. Ninja blender
5. Le Creuset cast iron dutch oven
6. Cinnamon Projects 2 AM incense
7. Sage smudge stick
8. Inventing Anna on Netflix

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

Widely known for her fashion illustrations, Dallas Shaw has been a leading creative in the design and lifestyle industry for over fifteen years. A busy, working artist, Dallas works on projects that range from illustration work and abstract art, to creative direction and branding, to pop-up venues and interiors. Her list of clients is enviable, and many are long standing: a testament to the relationships she’s created by being thoughtful about what she calls her “yeses and no’s”. On episode 96 we talk about getting started at DKNY, and her collaborations with Dior, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie, Estee Lauder, Coach, Chanel, Target, Sotheby’s, and many others. With experience working with St Regis and Four Seasons hotels, these days, working on spaces has Dallas currently planted in Delaware, the state to which she moved for her former husband’s job, and where she’s launched a popular pop-up bar called Blitzen, and where she’s currently working on a coffee shop. Lately, she’s been focusing on her abstract art, and treasures a recent residency in Bermuda. On the podcast we talk about how she has a chance to re-do things with her second book on the horizon, her early days at and deep ties to Disney, being an accidental influencer, trying to find her next me, hotel rooms as the ultimate workspace, and how she creates a traditional palette before creating her art--which then becomes a personal touch she gifts to clients. We discuss how Dallas has discovered the importance of ritualizing her work, and what she does in practice of it. You’ll hear about the distinctiveness of her designs, her approach to color, what she’s learned most about being a working artist in several disciplines, and so much more. Dallas shares the favorite products and tools she uses to create her art and designs, and we tapped her for her #obsixed list of influencer obsessions that you can discover and shop here:

• Follow @dallasshaw on Instagram
• The Way She Wears It: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Revealing Your Personal Style
• Arteza metallic watercolors
• Blackwing pencils 
• Dior journal
• Everything from Sunday Forever
• Golden Goose sneakers with pink metallic laces
• Tailored Union socks 
• Rainbow sage bundle with dried flowers
• Ulla Johnson white dresses
• Dried florals from Afloral 
• Peach English shrub rose plant

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

Netflix’s Inventing Anna, Scandal, The West Wing and ER, to name a few: costume designer Lyn Paolo has been instrumental in creating the kind of fashion in pop culture that resonates with the masses. On episode 95 we dissect Lyn’s diverse and fashion-forward costumes for Inventing Anna. A real-life story with an incredibly recent timeline, we discuss Lyn’s first time ever, social media based research for the nine episode series. Lyn shares many behind-the-scenes details of her longtime collaborations with Shonda Rhimes and John Wells, as well as with Kerry Washington. We discuss the why behind the increasing intersection of fashion and costume, discuss decades in fashion, and get into how she achieved distinct looks for popular series like Pacific Northwest-based Maid, and the midwestern style of Little Fires Everywhere. We go back to the beginning of her career, when she first landed in Los Angeles, when she won two Emmys in a row, and when she learned and honed her craft dressing the massive cast of America’s favorite hospital drama, ER. We talk about the kind of costume work that truly makes a mark, style in the fields of law and politics, of which she is an expert, and the secret behind why Lyn Paolo lawyers have such covet-worthy style. A treasured discussion with one of the greats, we talk about her sources of inspiration, the costumes she’s admired over the years, being in the UK for the highly anticipated Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte, dressing stars like Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Alicia Vikander, Uma Thurman, and Emma Thompson, and more. We wrap with six of her must haves that you can discover and shop here:

• Lynpaolo.com 
• ER
• The West Wing
• Scandal
• Burnt
• Little Fires Everywhere
• Maid
• Inventing Anna
• Aura smart digital picture frame
• Bandolier leather crossbody iPhone wallet
• Amazon Halo Band
• DevaCurl cream
• Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream
• Tom Ford Black Orchid Perfume

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

Netflix’s Inventing Anna, Scandal, The West Wing and ER, to name a few: costume designer Lyn Paolo has been instrumental in creating the kind of fashion in pop culture that resonates with the masses. On episode 95 we dissect Lyn’s diverse and fashion-forward costumes for Inventing Anna. A real-life story with an incredibly recent timeline, we discuss Lyn’s first time ever, media based research for the nine episode series. Lyn shares many behind-the-scenes details of her longtime collaborations with Shonda Rhimes and John Wells, as well as with Kerry Washington. We discuss the why behind the increasing intersection of fashion and costume, discuss decades in fashion, and get into how she achieved distinct looks for popular series like Pacific Northwest-based Maid, and the midwestern style of Little Fires Everywhere. We go back to the beginning of her career, when she first landed in Los Angeles, when she won two Emmys in a row, and when she learned and honed her craft dressing the massive cast of America’s favorite hospital drama, ER. We talk about the kind of costume work that truly makes a mark, style in the fields of law and politics, of which she is an expert, and the secret behind why Lyn Paolo lawyers have such covet-worthy style. A treasured discussion with one of the greats, we talk about her sources of inspiration, the costumes she’s admired over the years, being in the UK for the highly anticipated Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte, dressing stars like Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Alicia Vikander, Uma Thurman, and Emma Thompson, and more. Discover more + Shop The Podcast

Lyn Paolo

Carver Luxe HD Smart Digital Picture Frame

Bandolier Side Slot Leather Crossbody

Halo Band

Devacurl Supercream Definer

Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream

Tom Ford Black Orchid Perfume

The Art of Tea company, founded by Steve Schwartz, is perfectly named. Integrity, purpose, and deep care are steeped into everything they create and do. Visit the world of Art of Tea on the brand’s website, and there it is---art in all the products, art in all the storytelling, art in all the details: art is all around you. Steve’s educational journey in Ayurveda led to travel, and travel led to tea. What came next was Steve’s next-level approach to tea sourcing, blending, and drinking. He stepped up what we’d long come to accept from the tea market, and made a huge mark on the industry. After five years of creating and teaching sold out blending programs for the World Tea Convention, the industry deemed Steve a Master Tea Blender. Here on episode 94, we talk to Steve about being ahead of his time. He shares how tea borrows from wine appreciation, the specific way in which he taught himself how to be an entrepreneur, surrounding himself with sages, life shifts, being an explorer, and his opinion about a “one silver bullet approach” to wellness. We discuss how travel has shaped his experience and perspective, his love of learning, and some of the most interesting people he’s met along the way. He talks building his brand, how he turned his once underground brand into a big business, his brand mission, the keys to hiring, and his team and how they operate ---all with a dose or two of some very valuable advice. Steve talks about the communication secret. We of course get specific about his brand’s unique selections, sourcing and procuring the pristine ingredients that Art of Tea is known for, the details behind tea blending, and the story behind his decision to finally add wellness teas to the Art of Tea collection. We get the scoop on how to best prepare and enjoy tea. You’ll hear about the brand’s amazing collabs with people and companies from Slack and Google, to Wolfgang Puck and Vera Wang, to Penninsula Hotels, LACMA, and Huntington Gardens. Get ready to learn a little something about a little something special, hear all about the brand making an impact on people's lives through tea. Prepare to be inspired. A long time world traveler, Steve shares six serious travel hacks that are brilliant, that you can discover and shop here, along with other Steve recommendations, and all things Art of Tea:

• Follow @ArtofTeaLA on Instagram
• Art of Tea Earl Grey Crème Tea
• Art of Tea Big Sur Tea 
• Art of Tea Blue Pineapple Tea
• Art of Tea Matcha Cocoa
• The Doctor from India documentary 
• Comrad compression socks
• Cole Haan backpack for traveling
• Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C in liquid form
• Rad Roller peanut massage tool

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

If you want to know anything there is to know about watches, turn to Adam Craniotes, Founder and President of RedBar Group. A one-time advertising executive + Macys copywriter, Adam’s lifelong passion---sparked at age 6 because of a Casio, his grandfather, and a local mall in upstate New York---led him to make a later-in-life career change. The result? The world’s, yes, world’s largest horological enthusiasts collective was born. Today, Red Bar boasts eighty chapters of watch lovers who span five continents; a testament to the power of positive connection that can be found on social media. And rid yourself of the notion that this is an elitist community. You may be fooled into simply and carelessly associating RedBar with watch labels like Rolex and Patek Phillipe. Sure, brands of the luxury ilk are certainly a distinct part of the mix and interest, but what RedBar crew members share and celebrate, above all else, is the size of their passion for timepieces: not the size of their wallets. On the podcast Adam tells the story behind the group’s launch and name, his role as editor at large for Revolution magazine, He fills us in on the industry's quartz crisis; gets into the notion of "being surrounded by time," creating a network, life as a freelance writer, being shut out of watch groups himself and not wanting anyone else to experience the same. Adam's credo is that watches should be fun. He explains how he sourced "getthisshitdoneness," and the importance of wanting to be where you’re wanted. We hear about RedBar’s very firm No Assholes policy, the brand’s give-back fund, and collab’ing to create RebBar timepieces. We finish up our discussion with an exclusive #Obsixed Watch List round up, where Adam outlines his 6 favorite watches to buy, including one by the brand that is expertly eradicating the distinction between what we have traditionally called a women's watch, and what we know to be a men's watch.

• Follow @craniotes on Instagram
• Follow @redbarcrew on Instagram
• RedBarGroup.com 
• Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
• Grand Seiko SBGA 413 Shunbun 
• Blancpain Quantième Phase de Lune
• Bremont Solo-34 LC 
• Cartier Tank Must
• Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

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

In the works for a while, this week with excitement we launch our debut men’s issue, and with the perfect cover subject, Justin Hartley. Millions of viewers have fallen in love with the actor and the character he’s played since 2016 on NBC’s This Is Us, in its final season. A season much anticipated---and at the same time, dreaded---by fans far and wide, simply because of its imminent end; fans who can’t get enough of the multigenerational family drama with complex and palpably human storylines that span decades.  We can’t tell you how great it’s been to get to know Justin on our cover shoot and in conversation. His passion for his work, the arts, and life, is contagious, and you’ll catch all of that here on episode 92 of Story + Rain Talks.  We loved hearing about Justin pre-This Is Us, about his views on acting, and his life as a former soap star. We talk all about being a part of iconic television, how he’ll choose what’s next, and his relationships with cast and crew, including director Ken Olin with whom he's also working on upcoming The Never Game, the series he’s producing, and where he gets to get physical as an action star. A departure from his current role, but one that fits him well. Not a stretch, right? And there’s more. We discuss comedy, playing a stripper, and working on the upcoming Netflix film, Senior Year, alongside Rebel Wilson and Alicia Silverstone. On the topic of directing, we go in depth with Justin about his technique as a director, and about directing upcoming episodes this season along with This Is Us co-stars Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia. We chat about the moment in his career when people started taking him seriously, and the time he wrote a 50 million dollar episode for Smallville. Justin explains how others inspire him, how he figured out how to grow as an actor, and the speech he listens to, to get going every single morning. We get personal. We talk about his love of love, his understanding of women, and the importance of friends and family. Of course we talk all things Kevin Pearson, and how This Is Us has impacted Justin’s friends and fans, alike. It’s a treat to hear Justin give his beloved character even more life by sharing the nuance and detail for how he views and has created him, along with what to expect from Kevin Pearson as the series comes to a close.  We can’t wait to see what’s next for this true talent. Listen to the entire conversation and discover more Justin Hartley and some of the things he loves, here:

• This Is Us
• Revel Spirits

Justin Hartley's #Obsixed Obsessions:

• Nespresso Vertuo

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