Flying Solo Fashion

YAYOI - Skincare Innovation

What does it take to transform a deep cultural heritage into a global luxury brand? In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, we sit down with Tomoko, founder of Yayoi, a Japanese luxury beauty brand inspired by craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics. After building an international career across Japan, Paris, and New York—Tomoko took the leap into entrepreneurship to bring the artistry of Japanese skincare to a global audience. She shares how she built a luxury brand with virtually no advertising budget, the challenges of introducing Japanese beauty to international markets, and how partnerships with prestigious hotels helped establish credibility and demand. We also explore the importance of brand identity, product storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creating products that resonate across continents. Whether you're launching a fashion label, beauty brand, or creative business, this conversation is packed with insights on building a distinctive brand, navigating global expansion, and staying true to your vision while growing internationally. Tune in to hear how Yayoi is redefining Japanese luxury for a new generation of consumers.

Fernando Torquatto - What does beauty really do in fashion imagery?

In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, Fernando Torquatto – one of the most recognized beauty artists in the industry – shares how makeup shapes visual storytelling and defines the final image. From cinematic references to on-set decisions, this conversation breaks down what actually builds strong fashion visuals today. What we talk about: – why beauty defines the emotional impact of an image – how real collaboration between makeup, styling, and photography works – building a personal aesthetic through cinema, history, and experience – what actually makes a beauty artist professional today – how visibility and recognition affect a creative career Key ideas from Fernando: – makeup directs how the image is perceived – strong results come from respecting roles on set – references matter – from film to cultural context – your style is built over time, not copied – visibility can change the trajectory of your work This episode was recorded as part of the Flying Solo Fashion Awards - a nonprofit initiative recognizing the full creative team behind fashion imagery, from photographers and stylists to models, makeup artists, and set designers. https://www.designer.flyingsolo.nyc/awards [https://www.designer.flyingsolo.nyc/awards] Instagram Fernando Torquatto https://www.instagram.com/eufernandotorquatto?igsh=MWM5dmhmMjhjdHE0cA== [https://www.instagram.com/eufernandotorquatto?igsh=MWM5dmhmMjhjdHE0cA==] Instagram Flying Solo https://www.instagram.com/flyingsolonyc?igsh=MTNhemRweDl3aWk0OA== [https://www.instagram.com/flyingsolonyc?igsh=MTNhemRweDl3aWk0OA==]

Sophie Ellis Bextor - Creativity Doesn't Happen in Isolation

Award-winning singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins the conversation to share how she balances motherhood, music, and creativity—revealing that passion, support, and joy are at the core of it all. She reflects on her love for fashion as a form of transformation, her appreciation for emerging designers and their fearless creativity, and the importance of long-term collaborations behind the scenes. From her iconic lockdown “kitchen disco” performances to her highly visual artistic process, Sophie offers an honest and inspiring perspective on staying playful, intuitive, and authentic. She also shares thoughtful insights on the value of recognizing creative teams—aligning with the mission of the Flying Solo Awards to spotlight both emerging talent and the often unseen contributors shaping the industry.

Fashion Talks with Stuart Trevor – founder of AllSaints. What does it mean to create fashion today?

What does it mean to create fashion today? In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, Stuart Trevor – founder of AllSaints – talks about how the rules of the industry have changed. From building and selling a global brand to launching his new label in 2023, his focus has shifted toward one core idea: working with what already exists. In this conversation, we cover: – why overproduction defines today’s fashion industry – how circular models are changing the way brands operate – the reality of waste across both fast fashion and luxury – repairing, relabeling, and rebuilding garments instead of producing new ones – working with deadstock, unsold inventory, and returned pieces – the challenges of sourcing and scaling this model – why creativity today is about limitation, not excess Stuart also shares how he mentors emerging sustainable brands and builds community through workshops focused on repair and customization. “The point is no longer access to the best materials. The point is what you create with what’s already there.” The conversation reflects a broader shift in fashion – where value is no longer defined by production, but by transformation. The Flying Solo Fashion Awards is a nonprofit, mission-driven initiative focused on recognizing the full creative team behind fashion imagery.

Fashion Talks with Matt Licari & Eddy Scudo — What Makes an Editorial Image Work

What actually makes a fashion image work – and why so many don’t? In this episode of Fashion Talks, New York–based photographer Matt Licari and hair artist Eddy Scudo break down how editorial images are created, evaluated, and often fall apart. They talk about the realities of working on unpaid editorials, where the only thing you take away is the image itself – and why that makes every decision on set matter. The conversation covers: – how ideas turn into editorials (even from the simplest starting point) – why strong images don’t depend on budget – the role of the full team behind every shot – how lack of clarity affects the result – why assistants and structure are essential for creativity – what actually makes an image stand out – how professionals review and select work They also share practical insight from years of experience on set – from managing creative energy to capturing the exact moment that makes an image work. Flying Solo Fashion Talks is a series of conversations with industry professionals who shape how fashion is created and seen.