Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! Today I'm breaking down the latest fashion headlines and giving my take on New York Fashion Week. From Jaden Smith being named the first men's creative director for Christian Louboutin and the conversation of whether celebrities deserve these roles or should stick to being brand ambassadors, to SZA stepping into creative direction with Vans, KBB by Kahlana's launch at Target in the middle of their DEI fallout, Chloe Malle stepping in as Vogue's new editor while Vogue Runway moves behind a paywall, and DSW's attempt to rebrand in a struggling retail climate. I'm also talking about what it really means for influencers to become editors, and why I had to make the decision not to attend NYFW this season.

Key Moments:

• Jaden Smith's appointment at Louboutin and if celebrity creative directors are truly qualified

• SZA taking on creative direction at Vans

• KBB by Kahlana's Target launch and the conflict of supporting Black designers through problematic retailers

• Chloe Malle as Vogue's new editor and the shift toward quarterly issues

• Vogue Runway moving behind a paywall and the backlash around access to fashion coverage

• DSW's rebrand with new stores, logo, and in-store customization in a collapsing retail climate

• The ongoing debate of influencers becoming editors and whether they are actually doing the work

• Why I chose not to attend New York Fashion Week this season and what that says about fashion's accessibility

Next Week Sneak Peek:
I'll be diving into Project Runway plus a roundup of the latest fashion news.

Stay Connected:

• Apply for The Black Fashion Media Equity Program: advisormag.co/the-black-fashion-media-equity-program

• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@akbrownstl

• Grab the Intro Into Fashion PR Workbook: akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook

• Be a guest on the show: akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest

• Become a 2025 client or mentee: akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications

• Follow me on Instagram: @akbrownstl

• Website: www.akbrownstl.com

• Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

In this episode, I'm talking about what it's like to be overqualified, underpaid, and overlooked in the fashion industry—while still expected to show up, deliver, and thrive. I'm sharing the reality of trying to build a career when the opportunities and pay don't match the work, the pressure of navigating social media trends that don't fit my brand, and the constant push to make it all work.

Then, I'm giving you my fashion editor POV on why your pitches aren't landing. From missing editorial deadlines to ignoring submission guidelines, I'm breaking down the exact mistakes I see and what you can do to actually get featured.

Key Moments:

• The emotional and financial toll of being overqualified but underpaid in fashion

• Why I won't chase social media content that doesn't serve my brand

• What editors really look for when reviewing pitches

• How editorial calendars impact your chances of getting featured

• Why entitlement and generic pitches get you ignored in fashion media

Next Week Sneak Peek:
Next episode, I'm recapping Project Runway and covering the latest fashion headlines

🔗 Stay Connected:

• Apply for The Black Fashion Media Equity Program: https://advisormag.co/the-black-fashion-media-equity-program/

• Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl

• Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/

• Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/

• Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/

• Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl

• Website: www.akbrownstl.com

• Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

Welcome back to The Haute Guide!

This week, I'm breaking down my 2025 guide to pitching yourself in fashion—whether you want press features, brand deals, or speaking opportunities. I'm giving you the exact tools you need, where to find the right contacts, and how to approach editors, brands, and event organizers so your pitch actually gets noticed.

I'm also weighing in on Ami Colé's brand closure and what it says about the state of Black-owned beauty brands, plus the growing use of AI models in campaigns—and why it's both an ethical and industry game-changer.

Key Moments:

• The real reason Ami Colé closing matters for Black fashion entrepreneurs

• How AI models could change fashion marketing (and not always for the better)

• The must-have assets every fashion creative needs before pitching

• Where to find direct opportunities with editors and brands

• Cold pitching tips that work in 2025

🔗 Stay Connected:

• Apply for The Black Fashion Media Equity Program: https://advisormag.co/the-black-fashion-media-equity-program/

• Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl

• Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/

• Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/

• Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/

• Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl

• Website: www.akbrownstl.com

• Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co