Second year English student, Amber Allen shares her views on the topical industy-orientated podcast Unstyled.
Enjoyed anywhere, podcasts are being more and more listened to as a millennial way of engaging in popular culture; whether it’s on the way to uni, during a relaxing bath or a long car journey they provide an unmeasured sense of escapism. If you’ve ever searched for a programme to listen to you know there is a dauntingly large number of series out there, covering almost any topic imaginable from true life crime (Serial, My Favourite Murder) to awkward familial discoveries (My Dad Wrote a Porno). There are a number of great podcasts with a focus on style and the fashion industry.
One of my personal favourites is UnStyled, a weekly podcast hosted by Christine Barberich, founder and co-editor of the women’s lifestyle platform Refinery 29. I would highly recommend downloading this particular podcast, it features a high calibre of guests and focuses on topical conversation. Each episode sees Barberich interview a different woman from the sphere of fashion and creative arts whist paying particular attention to how style and the clothes we wear can influence our behaviour. UnStyled could be considered the Desert Island Disks for millennials with a fashion twist. The weekly guests are highly influential women who are pioneers in their field and have ranged from models’ Alexa Chung and Ashley Graham, to Man Booker prize nominated author of A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara. Unlike any others, this fashion podcast ‘explores the funny, inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking tales of life, work, and love—as told through the things that we wear’, as described on its webpage
Each episode of UnStyled certainly fulfils its tagline. Barberich’s interview style is warm and inviting, she asks delving questions and allows her esteemed guests to lead the flow of conversation which often results in interesting and sometimes shocking stories, as well as detailing their journey to becoming a successful figure in popular culture. Frequently, guests offer guidance to listeners on how to feel comfortable and confident in their own style and discovering new ways to be empowered through clothing. The podcast also engages in broader current industry debate. In her interview, Amy Sall speaks poignantly on how to avoid cultural appropriation in fashion and Tess Holiday offers advice on self-acceptance as she recalls her experience as a plus sized model.
A particularly fascinating episode featured New York womenswear designer Norma Kamali whose career has spanned almost five decades. Kamali, who introduced the ubiquitous shoulder pad into popular women’s fashion in the 1980s, gives her compelling thoughts on the objectification of women. Based on her own experience of changing careers, she also gives valuable advice on having the confidence to pursuit something you truly enjoy; even if it is not considered conventional. Each episode goes beyond goes beyond talk of clothing and addresses universal female insecurities and how they can be overcome. This makes UnStyled a motivating programme that promotes female empowerment and a platform for discussing significant issues in the fashion industry today.
Next time you have a spare moment, plug yourself in and be inspired by established women in the creative arts industry.
Listen to UnStyled for free on ITunes
Featured Image: Aiony Haust / Unsplash
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