On one hand, consumers want to see the “real” in fashion sans Photoshopping. On the other, a new generation of AI models introduces a sense of perfection that no human can match. You’ll gain a sense of the strange set of circumstances causing the industry to currently embrace computer-generated pixel perfection at the same time customers are choosing to reject such things. And you’ll discover what’s needed if AI models are to be accepted by today’s fashion consumer.

In 1968, researchers came up with a model that became the standard for marketers to understand how consumers buy. In this interview, Brandon Roe and Michael Solomon, talk about the new model fashion brands need to follow if they want to sell more effectively. Learn the key factor making the old buying process model obsolete. Look into the way consumers, especially younger digital native consumers, actually buy. Also discover the opportunity for brands looking to increase profits generated per customer.

The whole world took notice in 2014, when Paul Mason, aka “Fashion Santa”, showed up in a Toronto mall. Massive international press ensured a great start for the brand, which five years later takes Paul across North America every Christmas season. Hear how this industry veteran developed his Fashion Santa character and the magic and risks of developing a brand around a well-known cultural figure. Paul also explains which markets accepted this new Santa and which ones did not.

Fashion Designer turned Trends Forecaster Melanie Plank has developed a keen insight on what’s about to be “hot” in the coming seasons. She specializes in the complicated area of fashion industry sustainability. You'll hear about the positive trends in the industry sustainability as well as the negative side of the “circular economy.” Melanie will also share the biggest problem with most “vegan alternative” fabrics and more.

Matt Tompkins, a researcher currently at Oxford, shows how the world of illusion can help us understand the consumer’s mind. You’ll hear how to use “choice blindness” to create artificial consumer demand for a product they very would not have chosen under normal conditions. Matt will share how our memory works and how it can trick us to believe events that didn’t happen. We’ll take a moment to analyze the (Payless Shoes) Palessi Hoax – the psychology behind selling a $40 shoe for $400.

Most women know the pain that comes from dancing all night in heels. This prompted the Leung twins to address the problem using space-age materials, designing a shoe that allows the wearer to be on their feet longer. They’ve offered shoes to clientele ranging from teens to near-centenarians, learning about great customer service in the process. Hear why women still wear heels today even though it’s so hard on the body and the unique process helping Hey Lady create shoes that stand above the competition.

When Meghan Markle wears a brand, sales tend to take off. That’s what happened for James Bartle, founder of Outland Denim. It’s an Australian firm that creates opportunities for at-risk women to learn a useful trade that makes them self-sufficient. In this interview, we talk about what happens when a global celebrity wears your product, the three hardest things when managing massive growth and why it’s not a good idea to boycott all brands that take advantage of their workers.

Nike, Under Armour and Ralph Lauren have benefited from Uncle Drew’s experience and insights over the years. As the first African American to hold various higher-ranking positions within the fashion world, he has a lot to share on diversity, authenticity and effective storytelling. Learn how Drew helped grow Nike from a $30M sportswear brand to a $500M cultural icon, and how to build true authenticity into your brand marketing. Plus, what it takes to build a winning brand in today’s competitive world.

Hermes understands that natural dyes work just as well as synthetic ones without damaging the environment. However, a lot of industry folk are skeptical about this belief, including Keith Recker when he was first approached about it during his time at Saks Fifth Avenue. But eventually, he saw the benefits… and it set him on a path to an ever-greater understanding of what will become an ever more important topic to the fashion business in the years ahead.

Cara David of YouGov, shares results from their most recent Affluent Perspective Global Study. We discuss why Americans don’t buy more luxury and a way to make your luxury brand stand above the competition. Cara explains why more luxury is now bought on Amazon and a 6-point solution to build loyalty in a market where 60% of global consumers admit they aren’t as loyal to their favorite brands as in the past. And we’ll look at the damage chronic discounting has done to the luxury space and how to fix it