🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Sophia Pervez, Founder of Formanova, to explore what it actually takes to build AI tools that can operate within the precision demands of the jewelry industry.

While generative AI has rapidly expanded across fashion and content creation, jewelry exposes a critical limitation: accuracy. From gemstone color to millimeter-scale proportions, even minor discrepancies can lead to customer dissatisfaction, returns, and loss of brand trust.

From building in a category where detail is non-negotiable to rethinking how AI integrates into creative workflows, Sophia shares a grounded perspective on what responsible AI implementation really looks like — beyond hype and surface-level outputs.

We explore: • Why most generative AI tools fail in jewelry • The role of pixel-to-pixel validation in preserving product accuracy • The impact of CAD-to-image workflows on production and demand testing • Why AI should remain a supplement, not a replacement to creative direction

In jewelry, where visual precision shapes customer confidence, the opportunity is not just better generation — but stronger systems for accuracy, decision-making, and trust.

For those who want to explore this in practice: ✨ 10 free credits on Formanova.ai ✨ 💍 Use code: CLAIRE10 💍

Guest: 👤 Sophia Pervez 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiepervez/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiapervez/

Brand: 🌐https://formanova.ai/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formanova_ai/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raresense_ai/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rare-sense-inc/

Don’t just watch — test it. Use code CLAIRE10 to get your free credits on Formanova.ai.

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/

#AIInBusiness #ProductDevelopment #JewelryTech #ProductAccuracy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, I spoke with Aleksandra Sivokoneva, Creative Director of Mana Fashion, about building a functional fashion ecosystem in Miami — through infrastructure, access, and community.

Most fashion conversations focus on visibility, branding, and product. But none of that sustains without the systems behind it. In emerging markets like Miami, the real challenge isn’t creativity — it’s the absence of structured support: sourcing, space, and industry connection.

From real estate-driven development to B2B services and local sourcing access, this conversation breaks down what it actually takes to build an environment where designers don’t just launch — but stay and grow.

We explore:• Why community is the operational foundation of a fashion ecosystem• How physical spaces and real estate directly impact industry growth• The importance of local sourcing access — and what changes when it exists• How emerging brands integrate into structured systems instead of building in isolation• Why Miami is positioning itself as a strategic bridge between North and Latin America

Fashion ecosystems aren’t built through visibility — but through infrastructure, systems, and the ability to operationalize creativity at scale.

Guest:

👤 Aleksandra Sivokoneva🔗 Instagram: @joa_diary🔗 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-sivokoneva-4608a971

Brand:

🌐 www.manafashion.com🔗 Instagram: @manafashionservices

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys speaks with Mitchella Gilbert, Founder of OYA Apparel, about designing clothing for real conditions — where performance is directly tied to environment, health, and function.

Most apparel is developed within controlled parameters, optimized for appearance or perceived performance. But for individuals operating in high-intensity environments — military, medical, or physically demanding roles — the reality is different. Constant exposure to heat, sweat, and friction creates conditions that most products are not built to withstand.

From moisture management systems to wear studies across military and high-performance environments, the conversation explores how apparel shifts from product to functional gear — designed to support the body under pressure.

We explore:• Why moisture — not movement — is the core issue in performance apparel• How fabrics and chemicals directly impact skin health over time• What military and real-world testing reveals about product performance• Why most apparel fails under real conditions• How systems and processes enable product scalability

Designing for real-world conditions reframes apparel from aesthetic product to operational tool — where performance, health, and system thinking intersect.

Guest:

👤 Mitchella Gilbert🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellagilbert/

Brand:

🌐https://wearoya.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearoya/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearoya/

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Darren Seigel, Chief Business Development Officer at TONA Activewear, to explore how performance apparel can support mental well-being, confidence, and community — without compromising on fit, function, or comfort.

Born from a deeply personal mission around mental health and suicide prevention, TONA set out to create what many brands never fully address: a truly high-performance legging that works for every body, stays supportive all day, and avoids harmful forever chemicals.

This conversation explores:• How mental health became the foundation of TONA’s brand strategy• Why compression, fit, and fabric integrity matter more than trends• The hidden impact of PFAS and why “chemical-free” isn’t optional anymore• What radical size inclusivity really means — and why most brands fall short• How community, performance, and purpose can coexist in modern activewear

If you’re interested in mission-driven brands, performance apparel innovation, or how fashion can actively support well-being, this episode is for you.

Guest:👤 Darren Seigel🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darren_seigel/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-seigel/

Brand:🌐 https://tonaactive.com/en-ca🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonaactive/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tona-activewear/

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Brita Jackson, Founder of Arquette Agency, to explore the unseen work behind talent representation and long-term career development in the fashion industry.

From guiding models through demanding international careers to prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, Brita shares what responsible talent management actually looks like behind the scenes. The conversation explores leadership, discipline, reputation, and why integrity and gratitude remain foundational to Arquette’s mission.

We also look ahead — discussing how agencies can prepare for the next 20 years of the industry through innovation, ethical AI use, and emerging global markets, without losing the human core of the business.

This episode explores:• What holistic talent development really requires• The unseen responsibilities of managing global modeling careers• Why integrity, discipline, and reputation define longevity• Balancing innovation and ethical AI with human-centered values• Preparing agencies and talent for the future of fashion

If you’re interested in fashion leadership, talent development, or what truly sustains careers in this industry, this episode is for you.

Guest:👤 Brita Jackson🌐 https://www.arquetteagency.com/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arquetteagency/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britajackson/

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and innovation can support fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Kevin Massar, co-founder and CEO of The Field Dream — a design-led soccer culture brand helping clubs build their identity through uniforms, fanwear, and community-first experiences.

From his transition out of global corporate roles into a startup, to the realities of building grit, systems, and authentic growth — Kevin shares what it really takes to build a brand that serves people and the game.

This conversation dives into:• How design shapes club identity and belonging• Why U.S. youth soccer became “pay-to-play” — and what’s missing• What it looks like to build a community hub beyond product• The real startup challenges: resources, logistics, tariffs, and momentum• Growing through events, partnerships, and organic relationships (not just ads)• Where automation and AI can actually help a small brand right now

If you care about club culture, youth sports, brand-building through design, or building a business with real community gravity — this episode is for you.

Guest:👤 Kevin Massar🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmassar/

🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefielddream/

Brand:🏷️ The Field Dream🌐 Website: https://thefielddream.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-field-dream/🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefielddream

✨ Connect with Claire Lys - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lys-bastien-wald/ to explore how AI and innovation can elevate fashion brands, or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Elma Madzar, Founder of Fashion My Way, to explore how technology-enabled customization is reshaping the fashion industry — from the fitting room experience to on-demand production and data-driven design.

Drawing on over 20 years of retail experience, Elma explains why the future of personalization lies in intentional design, not infinite options. She shares how brands can use modular systems, real-time data, and consumer insights to help women feel seen and confident — while improving conversion, reducing returns and waste, and building smarter supply chains.

This conversation explores:• Why personalization at scale is the next evolution of fashion• The limits of traditional sizing and fitting rooms• How tech-enabled customization reduces waste and inefficiency• Using consumer data to improve design and forecasting• Balancing brand vision with meaningful customer experiences

If you’re interested in fashion innovation, retail strategy, or the future of consumer-centric design, this episode is for you.

Guest:👤 Elma Madzar🌐 www.fashionmyway.com🔗 Instagram: @elmamadzar_🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmamadzar/

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and innovation can elevate fashion businesses — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if most product errors weren’t design problems — but communication failures?

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Laura Zwanziger, Founder of Fit For Everybody, to unpack why apparel development breaks down long before production — and how clearer systems can dramatically reduce waste, cost, and confusion.

From tech packs and sizing inconsistencies to factory–designer misalignment, Laura shares how her background as a designer and supply-chain strategist led her to build a platform focused on precision, translation, and fewer sampling rounds.

This conversation explores:

• Why most sampling errors stem from miscommunication, not creativity

• How small structural gaps create compounding waste

• The hidden cost of Excel-based tech packs

• What factories actually need from designers

• How guardrails and clarity free up creative time

• Why better systems outperform more iterations

If you’re building, scaling, or producing apparel — this episode offers a grounded look at how clarity becomes leverage.

Guest:

👤 Laura Zwanziger

🔗 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

Company:

🌐 https://www.fitforeverybody.com

🔗 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how structured systems and AI can support long-term fashion growth, or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What does it take to build a children’s brand that parents genuinely connect with — beyond trends and mass-market sameness?

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Dinah Chapman, Founder of Little Trouble, to unpack how a deeply personal idea turned into a fast-growing kidswear brand rooted in creativity, community, and design integrity.

From navigating early motherhood and corporate burnout to designing alternative boyswear that actually reflects modern parents, Dinah shares the realities of building an e-commerce brand from the ground up — including product development, customer connection, and the invisible work behind growth.

This conversation explores:

• Designing kidswear without default stereotypes

• Translating adult fashion trends into childrenswear

• Building a loyal community through authenticity and access

• The realities of running a founder-led e-commerce brand

• Growth, wholesale expansion, and long-term brand vision

If you’re interested in brand building, creative direction, or what it truly takes to scale a values-driven fashion business, this episode is for you.

Guest:

👤 Dinah Chapman

🔗 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

Brand:

🌐 https://www.littletrouble.com

🔗 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI, systems, and innovation can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com

What if clothing wasn’t designed around speed — but around connection, care, and longevity?

🎙️ In this episode of The Fashion Translator, Claire Lys sits down with Megan Krajco, apparel designer and former Design Director at PAKA, to explore what it truly means to design apparel from source to story.

From time spent with Peruvian weaving communities to material-first design decisions, Megan shares how PAKA approaches creation through relationships — not trends — and why slowing down the process is essential to making garments that last.

This conversation dives into:

• Designing in direct relationship with weaving communities in Peru

• Why material choice and construction define longevity• Moving away from trend-driven design toward cultural continuity

• The role of collaboration inside brands and across suppliers• How structure and process protect creative space• Why clothing carries memory, meaning, and soul over time

If you’re interested in thoughtful design, responsible production, and the human systems behind what we wear, this episode offers a grounded perspective on building apparel with integrity.

Guest:

👤 Megan Krajco

🔗 LinkedIn

Brand:

🌐 https://www.pakaapparel.com

🔗 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

✨ Connect with Claire Lys to explore how AI and intelligent systems can support fashion brands — or to be featured on The Fashion Translator.

🎥 Intro video by Rana Unity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clairelysbastienwald.substack.com