What does it look like to build a fashion brand entirely on your own terms — and walk away from Saks and Nordstrom when the terms no longer make sense?

In this episode, Arthur sits down with Hadley Pollet, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the Hadley Pollet brand — a women's accessories and lifestyle label she launched in 2002, inspired by the aftermath of 9/11, and has grown for over two decades without compromising its core values.

Hadley brings a rare perspective: a founder who has sold through the biggest department stores in America, made the deliberate choice to exit them, and built a loyal customer base through community, craftsmanship, and emotional connection instead.

They discuss:

• Why she walked away from major retail partnerships — and why she doesn't regret it
• How she built a brand around empowering female artisans worldwide
• The shift from wholesale to direct-to-consumer and event-based marketing
• What authenticity actually means as a business strategy when private equity is buying everything around you
• The emotional intelligence behind brand-building that no spreadsheet can capture

About the Guest: Hadley Pollet is the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the Hadley Pollet brand. A RISD-trained designer, she has spent over 20 years building a mission-driven accessories and lifestyle brand that supports female artisans globally and refuses to follow trends for their own sake.

Guest: Abraham Maslavi, co-CEO of Jovani

Host: Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Director of Content, Corner of Fifth | (ex-WWD)

In this conversation Abraham and Arthur discusses the evolution of the Jovani brand, its diverse collections, and the importance of accessibility in luxury fashion.

He emphasizes the emotional connection with customers, the impact of technology and AI on fashion, and the commitment to sustainability.

Maslavi reflects on the personal nature of modern fashion and the future of Jovani as it continues to adapt and grow.takeaways

• Jovani has evolved from a mother of the bride brand to a diverse evening wear collection.
• The brand aims to make couture accessible to a wider audience.
• Emotional connections with customers are crucial for brand loyalty.
• Sustainability is a key focus, with many collections made from sustainable fabrics.
• AI is transforming the speed and efficiency of fashion design.
• Fashion has become more personal, allowing women to express their individuality.
• Retail partnerships are essential for brand visibility and growth.
• The brand's success is rooted in its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
• Inspiration for designs comes from global trends and cultural influences.
• The future of Jovani looks bright, with a focus on beauty and lifestyle.

Guest: Bruce Findlay, Managing Director at Landsec | (ex-Diesel, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger)

Host: Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Director of Content, Corner of Fifth | (ex-WWD)

This episode serves as a strategic masterclass for retail leaders navigating the "new normal." The conversation moves beyond the cliché of "retail is dying" and instead focuses on its scientific evolution. Findlay provides high-level insights into how Landsec (one of the UK's largest real estate entities) is repositioning physical spaces.

Key Strengths:

• The "Human" Element: Findlay’s point that "positive shopping experiences are often less memorable than negative ones" is a crucial takeaway for C-Suite leaders focusing on customer retention.

• Actionable Data: The shift from "accidental" retail to a data-driven, scientific approach is highlighted as the primary barrier between legacy brands and future-proof ones.

• Post-Pandemic Realism: The episode avoids toxic positivity, acknowledging the non-linear shopping journey and the necessary "death" of outdated department store models.

Strategy over Survival

Retail leadership is no longer just about managing inventory; it’s about mastering the intersection of technology and human-centric experience.

On today's episode of Street Talk we sat down with Jay Hakami, President & CEO at SKYPAD, to dive deep into what is actually moving the needle for enterprise retail in 2026.

Key takeaways for the C-Suite:

• Operational Agility: Why the "wait and see" approach to digital integration is the greatest risk to your margins.

• Data as a Currency: Moving beyond collection to actionable insights that drive store-level performance.

• The Experience Economy: How top-tier brands are redefining the physical storefront to serve a more demanding, tech-savvy consumer.

As we navigate a complex economic landscape, the question isn't whether to transform, but how fast you can execute.

Edward Hertzman discusses his journey from the textile industry to founding Athletech, a platform focused on the fitness and wellness industry.

He shares insights on the industry's evolution, the intersection of wellness with hospitality and beauty, and the launch of Hertzman Global Intelligence.

Hertzman emphasizes the need for a new approach in sourcing and retail, highlighting the ongoing disruptions and the importance of adapting to changing consumer expectations.

• Edward Hertzman transitioned from the textile industry to fitness and wellness.
• Athletech aims to fill a gap in the fitness media landscape.
• The fitness industry is multi-billion dollar and rapidly evolving.
• Events like the CEO summit at NASDAQ enhance credibility.
• Wellness is becoming integral to hospitality and travel.
• Beauty brands are increasingly positioning themselves as wellness companies.
• Hertzman Global Intelligence focuses on real-time industry insights.
• The traditional media model is changing in the sourcing sector.
• Sourcing and retail must adapt to ongoing disruptions.
• Future trends will see new players emerging in the market.

"Uncertainty is the new norm." From looming tariffs to escalating geopolitical tensions, the retail landscape is in a state of constant disruption.

In this episode of Street Talk, Arthur sits down with Marguerite Le Rolland, Global Insights Manager for Fashion at EuroMonitor International, to unpack the data behind these shifts.

We cover:

• The Tariff Effect: How supply chains are diversifying away from Asia to mitigate policy risks.

• The "Quiet" Phase of ESG: Why sustainability talk has quieted down in boardrooms (and why it’s still critical).

• Luxury’s Pivot: Why selling products is no longer enough, and why brands are rushing into hospitality and "lifestyle" experiences.

• New Pockets of Growth: The rise of the Middle East, India, and the untapped spending power of Gen Z and Boomers.

About the Guest: Marguerite Le Rolland oversees apparel and footwear research at EuroMonitor, a global leader in strategic market research.

Max Ma discusses the challenges faced in the retail business, particularly focusing on the slim profit margins and the impact of technology on business growth. He emphasizes the need for innovation and the right technological tools to improve margins and overall business performance.

And Arthur and Cass discuss this weeks headlines and Nike investing in innovation again.

Arthur Zaczkiewicz and Cass Spencer go over this week's retail headlines.

Then Arthur and Noa Gafni—faculty at NYU and Columbia University and business adviser to C-Suite—explore the evolving landscape of business, focusing on the importance of clarity in leadership, the redefinition of success, and the need for resilience in the face of disruptions.

They discuss the impact of AI on various industries, the dynamics of retail and consumer behavior, and the significance of understanding new forces shaping business today. Gafni emphasizes the necessity for C-suite executives to foster a culture of collaboration and alignment to navigate these challenges effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Business Clarity

01:07 Redefining Success in Business

02:40 Navigating Uncertainty and Resilience

04:21 The Impact of AI on Business

05:35 Balancing Investor Expectations and Innovation

06:51 Retail and Consumer Goods: A Dynamic Landscape

11:04 Challenges and Opportunities for New Businesses

14:49 Adapting to Future Consumer Trends

15:42 The New Five Forces in Business

17:34 Creating a Culture of Success in the C-Suite

18:46 Optimism in Business Redesign

In this episode of Street Talk, host Arthur Zaczkiewicz dives deep into the minds of Gen Z consumers.

He welcomes three students from Indiana University to discuss their retail habits, must-have brands, and the process behind their purchasing decisions. Plus, Co-Founder, Creative, Producer, and Podcast Host Side-kick Cass Spencer joins Arthur to break down the latest headlines.

In this episode of Street Talk, host Arthur Zaczkiewicz welcomes Sandi Mines, Vice President of Corporate Engagement at FDRA, President of FFANY, as well as President and Chair of the FFCF.

The topic? A footwear industry update. From innovation and technology to fashion finds and consumer preferences, Mines keys into all the latest news and trends.