• A CHIC AFFAIRA Chic Affair: where philanthropy and fashion come together for the childrenI have a box.

Inside are birthday cards and all kinds of notes collected over my life. My parents write letters that I hold. Cousins, friends, colleagues, each note has a purpose. Each feels like a blessing, or a wish, a little piece of paper that physically holds an emotion and a memory.

I don’t read them often, but I know what’s inside and it feels like a constant hug. I call it my box of love.

Erica Gerard Di Bona “wrote a book about snail mail” because it gave her confidence and connection.

Hearing her speak at the Kimpton Everly Hotel on May 20, her story resonated with me, and my box of love.

Erica’s book, A Letter Is Better: The Art of Thank You, shares stories about letters that sat in people’s purses for years, notes that made people feel seen and gave them hope.

Listening to Erica, you realize this isn’t really about mail.

It’s about people. A thoughtful note can make someone feel appreciated.

How do you create a meaningful note? Erica kindly shared her three-step framework: Me. You. Us.

1. Me. What did this experience mean to me?

2. You. What do I appreciate about you?

3. Us. What happens next? How do we stay connected?

That’s it.

On my end, I wanted to test Erica’s theory because sending letters can feel awkward.

So I asked my shoulder doctor: “How would you feel if you received a note saying ‘thank you for helping me raise my arm again.’

Without hesitation, he said: “I would love that.”

I asked my dermatologist a similar question to test the theory:

“How would you feel about receiving a handwritten note saying ‘thank you for helping me feel better in my own skin’?” She too said, I would love that.

Not because doctors expect thank-you notes. It's because people like being appreciated.

And that’s really what this entire conversation was about. Learning how to tell another person: You matter.

Inspired by Erica’s words and book, I’ve been thinking about how to overcome the barriers of letter writing to make this an easy process.

A 5-Step Plan:

1. Buy Fun Stamps

From Betty White to Ralph Lauren

USPS.com —>link

2. Stock up on Cards & Envelopes (Fancy cards from @GiftedLA or Blank)

Have a few already stamped and ready to go.

3. Use a Framework

Use Erica’s framework (see above) or scroll through her book for more. Page 73 has a template that inspired me to create a kid-friendly version for my daughters who are heading to summer camp. It says,

Feel free to borrow it.

4. Create a Letter Station

Keep it together: cards, envelopes, stamps, and a pen.

🖊️ I love this Sharpie, no - smudge, perfectly smooth pen.

5. Start Your Own Box of Love

Don’t let the notes you receive disappear into a drawer.

“Sending a little bit of love in an envelope
can make a big difference.” - Erica Gerard Di Bona

One Final Thought

Bravo to Erica for teaching us how to create connection through words.

When I wrote Looking Good: A Fashion Startup Playbook and The Ten Commandments to Being a Sales Rockstar, (available on amazon, here) I discovered that sharing tools that help others succeed brought meaning to my own work.

Your turn. Who could use a note from you today?

📖 A Letter Is Better: The Art of Thank You by Erica Gerard Di Bona

📍 Kimpton Everly Hotel, Hollywood

📅 May 20, 2026

📬 Let the letters commence. Me. You. Us.

🖊️ Go send love. Perfect handwriting not required.

###

Continue Exploring

Books

• Looking Good: A Fashion Startup Playbook & Ten Commandments to Being a Sales Rockstar

Masterclass, Tools. & Video Innovation

• How to Create a Sustainable Line & Sell Like Crazy

• Create Video Content in 140 languages (Ambassador demo: coming soon)

Features

• Commencement. Graduation marks the end. Or is it the beginning? 🚀

• A CHIC AFFAIR https://youasyouare.substack.com/p/a-look-inside-afternoon-with-eve

• Viva LA: The Art of Branding Los Angeles with Andre Miripolsky

• Denim Trends 2026

Collaborate & Work With Me

Brand Strategy • Storytelling • Business Development • Partnerships • Consumer Behavior

Commencement is an interesting word for graduation, if you stop to think about it.

A graduation ceremony celebrates the end: years of work, projects, late-night snacks, deadlines and breakthroughs. All part of becoming. Becoming the next version of yourself.

When you click that final submit button, you may feel your whole body shake, like I did. You’ve crossed over. That moment finally arrives. All you want to do is throw your hat in the air and feel it.

We did it. I did it! We're done.

Freedom. 🎓

So why do we gather to celebrate the end and call it “commencement,” a word that literally means beginning?

I have a hunch that’s the whole philosophy behind it. Commencement marks not the ending, but the welcoming of whatever is next. That was the feeling at LIM College of Fashion and Lifestyle.

May 17 was a perfectly sunny day in New York. The sun glowed over Lincoln Center as more than 300 students received their degrees.

Including me. Yes, I got my Master’s degree. In fact, it became real when I saw my name in the book.

What mattered in that room wasn’t presentations anymore. It was the shared feeling of possibility. The ceremony was filled with encouragement and hope, and these three thoughts that were shared are still lingering on my mind:

1. “The future is still a rough draft.”

2. “You don’t always need a plan, but you do need a goal.”

3. “Welcome to whatever is next.”

My goal in pursuing a Master’s degree was intentional and clear. I wanted expansion. To become a bigger thinker. A better builder. And, to evolve into a stronger leader for all within my wingspan.

To get there, you have to invest in yourself. It expanded how I approach ideas and create value, moving from intuition to structure and frameworks.

I can’t believe I caught Dean Nancy Miller blowing kisses to her students on video, see it above! I met my former podcast co-host, the remarkably talented Professor Terance “T.” Coffee, in person. Friends came. Even Barkley 🐶. My parents too, who trekked over the Triboro for a day of good vibes.

Those moments mattered just as much as the diploma.

I'll be returning to LIM as a professor this fall, which feels especially meaningful. It's a full-circle moment, now connected to the school as both professor and graduate.

Thank you, LIM College, for the rough draft, the blueprints, and a community fueled with creativity.

Eighteen months ago, this was my goal. Now, the degree is complete.

Congratulations to every graduate out there. Be proud of yourself. 🎓

Who deserves a shoutout? What did that moment feel like for you? Drop it below. 👇

📚 LIM College of Fashion & Lifestyle

🎓 Lincoln Center, NYC

📅 May 17, 2026

🚀 Let’s commence. Welcome to whatever is next.

Subscribe now

###

Continue Exploring

Books

• Looking Good: A Fashion Startup Playbook & Ten Commandments to Being a Sales Rockstar

Masterclass, Tools. & Video Innovation

• How to Create a Sustainable Line & Sell Like Crazy

• Create Video Content in 140 languages (Ambassador demo: coming soon)

Features

• Viva LA: The Art of Branding Los Angeles with Andre Miripolsky

• Denim Trends 2026

Collaborate & Work With Me

Brand Strategy • Storytelling • Business Development • Partnerships • Consumer Behavior

Leave a comment

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###

Fundraising is better with friends and the afternoon reflected exactly that. Guests mingled while sipping champagne on the plaza, shopping vendors including trendy clothing from Malibu Road to casual looks from Jackeez & Nicolz, and Del Posso Jewelry.

A standout runway show was presented by GUESS, with looks from the latest California inspired collection and Marciano styles. In a room fueled with glamour, model Amanda Fields (@therunwayqueen) roared down the runway in cheetah print.

Also modeling and turning heads on the fashion stage were members of the League’s fashion auxiliary, the Mannequins, including Dahlia Fox, Galina Sobolev, Helena Econn, Jan Daley, Donna Econn, and Deniz Olgac. The fashion show was produced by Jenny Leeser, GUESS store manager in Beverly Hills.

Actor and face of Valentino Mexico, Edu Maruri, stepped away from filming a Netflix series to emcee the event with charm. Guests bid on curated luxury experiences during the silent auction, including experiences at ONEHOPE Winery and Sunnylands, both in Palm Springs, and Rancho La Puerta in Mexico. GUESS also provided gift bags.

The event honored Diane Deshong as the Eve Awardee, who opened her heart and tirelessly dedicated her time to helping change the face of poverty in Los Angeles. Deshong is also recognized as a contributor to the Annenberg Trust and the ARCS Foundation.

Nearly 250 guests attended the event, produced by co-chairs Rebecca Albano-Trail of the Mannequins Auxiliary and June Bilgore of College Alumni Auxiliary.

Representing the League’s fashion and philanthropic community and helping bring the day to life were Ian Brooks, Daniella Platt, Miranda Butler, Patti Rowy, Jolin Crofts, and many more.

Since 1955 as part of this benefit event, awards have been presented to extraordinary women from Los Angeles in recognition of their philanthropic and civic contributions.

All proceeds from the luncheon directly benefit the League’s College Scholarship program and other League services.

To join the movement and support the League’s mission, visit www.assistanceleaguela.org or contact Info@assistanceleaguela.org. At the end of the day, it’s all for the children.

Hi friends. Let’s take a look at what was shown in denim at the Preface trade show in Los Angeles. I caught the presentation from the industry denim experts, Here/After and the Denim Dudes, as well as walked the innovative trade show floor in search of novelty.

What stood out? These 3 themes were throughout.

1. Gold-dust legacy denim pieces

2. Taste

3. Community.

Together, these theme point to how denim and the industry around it are evolving.

🎥 Watch the video below.

1. Gold-Dust Energy: The Denim Trends for 2026

From the Denim Dudes and Here/After session, the “gold dust” denim for 2026 conveyed an energy of self-expression, from more-is-more to personalization. Looks included,

• All over print, Paisley to Animals

• Vintage

• Jewelry jeans

• A reimagined trucker

• Sheen and shine fabrics

• Full-body denim outfit statements

You could be asking right now: Is the 2008 skinny jean back? Maybe it’s less about the silhouette itself and more about a mom-daughter crossover moment, where daughters start wearing their mom’s old jeans from the closet again.

2. Taste vs. AI

The second idea that kept coming up in conversation: In a world of slop and denim that feels like anything goes, what is the ultimate differentiator?

What sets something apart from others? That comes down to Taste.

In an age of AI, and what many describe as a world of “slop,” personal taste matters. Perhaps, everything works in denim today. But you have to own it.

3. Community: The Industry Behind the Fabric

The final takeaway from Preface is something that people outside the industry don’t always see. Fashion is deeply collaborative. On the trade show floor we saw innovations from mills like Naia and ISKO. Naia fibers go on the inside of denim to keep a pair of jeans soft, while iSKO is one of the most beautiful Turkish denim mills and has been going strong for years.

In fact, iSKO was one of my first denim clients when I started at Apparel News, at the same time as Erin Barajas, founder of the Here/After denim event. Events like Preface bring designers, mills, and innovators together to share stories and advance. I’ve been attending since her very first show, and it just keeps getting better.

To sum it up, 3 Things to Watch for in Denim:

From Gold Dust denim trends such as sheen and shine to nostalgia, whatever your approach to denim is, be sure to own it as Taste is what will make you stand out in the AI age of anything goes. And lastly, your community. Innovation lives at the intersection of creators and action takers.

A Note from Me

I work with creators on the rise and purpose-driven brands to decode what makes people tick and shop, helping you tell your story and sell like crazy.

I love building brands and community through connection. If you’re launching, growing, or refining a brand, feel free to reach out for a consultation. You can also find me teaching at LIM College.

Let’s connect: www.daniella.today, @lookinggoodyaya or grab my book about how to start a fashion collection and sell like crazy, Looking Good on Amazon.

Inside Preface Tradeshow in downtown Los Angeles, 3 themes caught my attention.

1. fabric innovation

2. circularity shaping what’s next in apparel

3. upcycling with Glam.

I have been following this show since Betsy first launched 8 years ago and it always advances the industry.

On the trade show floor are new fabric technologies for brands, and surrounding these racks and booths are industry experts and mills, collaborating on how to advance their collections and be smarter in development.

What stood is how circularity is no longer theoretical. It is being built directly into fiber development, sourcing conversations, and real production decisions. The industry is moving from talk to real application.

That big denim tree in the middle? That’s part of an upcycling project called Re: Assembly where student designers completed for the most glamourous denim upcycled looks.

Pretty cool, right? Upcycling here wasn’t crafty, it was elevated, structured, intentional, and yes, glamorous. It proves that sustainability and desirability can coexist.

I love all of this and if you do as well, come along.

Rooms like Preface matter because clothing isn’t just apparel, it has thought, expression, and energy and collectively, we evolve. Trade rooms like this are where smarter brands are born quietly, before they hit retail, before they hit Instagram. These are the early signals of where fashion is heading.

Who was there? To name a few: NAIA, Golden Sew, Able, iSKO, and more. Denim Dudes and Here/After shared a denim presentation of what to expect for denim in 2026. That story is coming next. Visit PrefaceShow.com to register and join the movement.

—

I’m Daniella Platt, consumer behavior expert who decodes what makes people tick and shop. I represent creators on the rise and purpose-driven brands tell their story and sell like crazy. Visit www.daniella.today to grab my book, take my courses at LIM College of Fashion & Lifestyle, or schedule a 15 minute free consultation. DM me below or at www.instagram.com/lookinggoodyaya.

Hi Creators,

I was sitting in a café and overheard a group chatting about packs, SKUs, and ATS. I smiled. Would most people just hear gibberish?

This is the language of a brand business.

Fashion isn’t just about what we wear. From our phone cases to the carpets in our homes, fashion and our surroundings reflect how we feel, who we are, and how we connect.

The purpose of this series is to guide you as you create your next modern brand to solve problems, evoke emotion, and make decisions rooted in human-centered design.

Human-centered design asks what people truly want so you create more than a product; you create a movement. Ideas work when they solve a real problem.

A colleague of mine, the designer behind Everlane’s Barrel Pant, once said:

Today, does it feel like we’re in a “buy-now” world of Amazon, where products are endless, but meaning feels scarce? That’s not what you want for your brand, right?

Knowledge is your Superpower💫 You, As You Are

Come along as we hit the streets to see how trends come to life, peek behind the seams into factories, showrooms, and trade-show floors, and explore innovation at retail, through the lens of Los Angeles, from Melrose to Downtown.

🎥 To begin, feel the pulse of The Grove, where Edikted and ALO lure communities to stay and play. This video captures the energy (created for my LIM College of Fashion students). Click here

❤️3C’s. The Heartbeat of a Brand

Is the heartbeat of a brand the product or the story? The ones that rise lead with a heartbeat for the 3C’s: Creativity, Connection, and Courage.

Creativity is more than innovation. You see white space in the market, an opportunity to offer joy or create a piece that’s relatable. You may just be uncovering the next big thing.

Connection brings emotion through your product. Design with your community’s feelings in mind because style is communication and a way to connect.

Courage carries you through discomfort. Stay focused on the problem you’re solving and the idea that matters. The Uncomfy Zone is often where greatness happens.

👚 A Story: A Teenager, A Mom, & A Sweatshirt that Changed Her Life

“It’s expensive,” her mom told me. 

It was a Wildfox sweatshirt.  Her daughter was desperate to have it.  
But, she finally agreed, calling the sweatshirt an investment.  

What happened next? 

Like a tulip blooming, her daughter’s shyness began to lift, and her personality radiated confidence.

What felt like a mom-splurge awakened confidence for a teenager during the emotionally tricky teenage years.

Little things: A Sweatshirt  =  Big impact: Confidence and Connection. 

Sweatshirts could be the international language of love.

 Lead with the heartbeat.

🧵 Are You A Fashion Industry Insider? Become One.

A creator’s determination to make an impact is their heartbeat. Having the knowledge to make the best decisions will become your superpower. Here are a few tools to guide you.

• 🪞 Business of Fashion for real world perspective

  

• 📰 ApparelNews.net/events my home for 10+ years (where I celebrated birthdays, deadlines, and two pregnancies!). Their Apparel Industry Calendar is tops.
  

  

• TheSourcingJournal.com for B2B technology, logistics, and material innovation, all the mechanics of a supply chain.
  

  

• 🪩 Fashion Mannuscript and Mann About Town, a global business of fashion and lifestyle magazine sharing voices of the industry, including my byline

• 🎧PODCASTS Vogue’s The Run-Through brings the over-the-top to life while the Glossy’s Beauty and Fashion delivers usable business analysis

  

  

💼 You have your idea. Now what?

1. Find your A-team. Explore full-service production made in the USA through Lefty Production Co. or reach out to a consultants in the industry such as www.lafashionconsulting.com.
   

2. Connect with me, You, As You Are, for brand representation, strategy, event production, scaling, and storytelling.
   
   Grab Looking Good: A Fashion Startup Playbook and Be A Sales Rockstar here.
   
   Dig into the masterclass, How to Build A Sustainable Brand, here.

   

3. Color Forecast. Examine 2027/28 Color Forecast from Coloro × WGSN

   

Building a brand is so much more than ideas. Your knowledge is your superpower.

✨ Join me next week for How to Tell Your Origin Stories.


Stay inspired,

You, As You Are by Daniella

📸 @lookinggoodyaya · 💼 LinkedIn – Daniella Platt · 📰 Subscribe

A new multicultural art installation was revealed today in Los Angeles, an incredible mural that captures the culture of Los Angeles. At 922 Vine, the home of Project Angel Food, Vargas created a visual portrait of four women who are the real faces, the vendors and people in the neighborhood. Once renown artist Robert Vargas signed the wall, it was officially his gift to the city.

Project Angel Food wanted art on the exterior that matched the beauty of what happens inside, and the result is a new cultural landmark designed by Vargas. Take a closer look to see the three story wall is massive, spanning 8,000 ft², and painted in the August heat.

Vargas shared, each stroke of this mural carries humanity, care, and gratitude. It is both a love letter to Los Angeles and a thank you to Project Angel Food for the work they do across the community. His art was an expression of to all to feel safe, seen, and embraced by the love of community.

Unifying a City Through Art

Neighbors watched the mural come to life. Project Angel Food is an organization that nourishes and supports those in need throughout Los Angeles County.

Tip: Don’t Block A Mother’s Pride

No one beamed brighter than Vargas’ mom. I discovered her in the front row only because I had accidentally stood in front of her, blocking her view. She let me know! Seeing her face glow with pride? That was priceless.

Check out the mural at 922 Vine in Los Angeles.

#projectangelfood #

Art unifies. It embodies Los Angeles, connects cultures, and celebrates service.

If you like art, fashion, and stories, subscribe!

Subscribe now

👉 Support artists who are shaping our city like Robert Vargas. Check out Viva LA, the Art of Branding Los Angeles with Andre Miripolsky here

Art isn’t just decoration, it’s fashion and self expression.

Daniella Platt | Branding, Storytelling, and Representation for brands on the rise. Schedule your 15 minute free appointment by replying.

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✨ Love Your Body: Where Strength is the True Style Statement
by Daniella Platt | You, As You Are

True style isn’t stitched in size—it’s woven in strength.

Since its founding in 2015, the Love Your Body (LYB) event has stood as more than just a fashion show. It’s a movement. A celebration of confidence, resilience, and real beauty, long before the word inclusivity became a hashtag.

This Los Angeles-based runway and wellness experience is a bold stage for women of all backgrounds—from trauma survivors to artists, entrepreneurs to advocates. It’s a space to be seen, to heal, and to shine unapologetically.

💬 “Love Your Body is about redefining beauty through purpose,” says founder Karen Michelle, who I recently sat down with to reflect on the LYB legacy.

From showcasing adaptive fashion to empowering women-owned brands, the event has always been more than clothes—it’s about community, courage, and owning your story.

Highlights from the Movement:

• ✨ Inclusive runway featuring models of all sizes, ages, and abilities

• 🎤 Wellness speakers, advocates, and changemakers

• 💕 Stories of healing through fashion and creative expression

• 🎨 Marketplace spotlighting purpose-driven businesses and artists

In an industry still catching up, LYB has long been leading with heart.

📸 Take a look back at this empowering celebration—and stay tuned for what’s next. The future of fashion isn’t about fitting in. It’s about standing strong, as you are.

—

🖤 You, As You Are is a love letter to confidence, creativity, and purpose-led style. Follow for more stories of bold women and the movements they lead.

👙 Top 5 Timeless Lessons From a Swimwear Brand Insider
by Daniella Platt | You, As You Are – Summer 2025

I spoke with designer Anna Kenney during the early months of the pandemic, in a world paused, but creativity didn’t stop. Her perspective on building a standout swimwear brand was refreshingly honest and deeply rooted in intention. Years later, her words still hold water.

Whether you're designing your first bikini line or dreaming up a lifestyle brand that celebrates women in every season, these insights are still your blueprint.

Let’s dive in. 🌊

1. Fit Is Queen
“A swimsuit needs to make women feel confident, comfortable, and sexy.”
Forever and always. Fit isn’t just important, it’s everything. The emotional connection starts at the seams.

2. Design by Hand, Not by Techpack
Kenney’s team begins every collection with hand-sketched designs and multiple fittings before production ever begins. In a world racing to market, her slow, intentional approach stands out—and it shows in the product.

3. Novelty Matters
Tie-dye. Color-blocking. American flag prints. These weren’t just trendy—they made collections retail hits.

In a saturated market, uniqueness outshines fast fashion sameness. Kenney proves creativity is still your best strategy.

4. Influencers Move Product
Before TikTok ruled trends, Kenney already knew a strategic placement, like Sports Illustrated Swim or Victoria’s Secret, could launch a style into sell-out status.

Influencers spark conversations and build long-term brand loyalty. It still works.

5. Sustainability & Small Batch Is the Future
From using eco-conscious fabrics to producing in limited runs and supporting local makers, Anna emphasized quality and values over mass production.
Today’s consumer demands exactly that, thoughtful fashion with purpose.

This interview first ran in 2020, but it’s timeless. As the sun shines brighter and swim season is in full swing, these lessons remain essential for anyone designing for the water, or for the woman who wears it.

👙 Read next:
→ Swim Season Confidence with Cat Oshman

—

You, As You Are is a space to celebrate bold creatives, body confidence, and fashion with heart. Thanks for swimming by 💛

🌐Daniella Platt is a creative powerhouse, specializing in Branding-As-A-Service. More than just making your products look good, she helps brands and people be understood and seen through storytelling, sales strategy, leverage and media.

Grab Every Creators Bestie to Sell Like Crazy and the Fashion Startup Playbook here.

Schedule a free 15 minute brand consultation by sending me a message, below. No fluff. Just clarity, connection, and Commerce, with a little fun, you, as you are.

Subscribe now

There’s a magic in sending your kids off to summer camp. It’s nostalgia, pride, and a tiny heartbreak rolled together.

Mine was in the Catskills. Hers is in Ojai, near Santa Barbara. A world of sports, activities, bug spray, and music. Hers: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo. Mine: Yaz, Squeeze, Billy Joel, Duran Duran and always Bryan Adams.

Some of my best memories live in the magic of summer camp. Camp Hillel. The lake, the art room, tennis courts, the feeling of being free and finally a little grown up. There was a play, but I was the athlete, always in motion. An artist, always creating. I loved it: the privacy, the discovery, the friendships, the shabbat walks around the lake that made anything feel possible. I didn’t know much about life or relationships. I just knew I felt alive.

And now, my own magical, sparkly, creative little one is discovering summer camp for herself. 26 days, not that I’m counting down but I do look forward to picking her up in 5 days from now.

She’s enjoying freedom. Creating her own summer camp story. Since she was a baby, it was so obvious that she could live on a kibbutz or stay in the park until the sun sets, just as long as people are there. Like me, we’re tethered in that, our energy source flips on around others.

Can I say I’m a little jealous? Not a sliver, a whole lot. I close my eyes: I see the Camp Hillel lake, paddleboats and canoes. Cheder Ochel. Canteen. Tennis Courts. I still know how to row for hours and taught my girls how to kayak a few weeks ago in Morro Bay. I’m reminded of our bunk mouse named Pier, the smell the skunk spray, the rickety toilet. We borrowed each other’s clothes, which feels weird now, wearing someone else’s sweat, but we did it.

Packing my daughters duffles felt like unpacking my own memories. She wasn’t nervous and I now feel what my mom must have felt: She’s off. She’s leaving me. She’s all grown up.

Will she want to come home? She is only 9 so she will, which is why being in the moment of summer camp is magic.

Meanwhile, Have Mom and Dad Gone Wild?

So while she’s away… do parents go wild? Or as my friend Olivia said, “Mom Gone Feral.” Off the clock. For 26 days. We miss you to pieces, but we are going out! Packing it in… off to drinks and massages … We caught drinks and Kareoke in Santa Monica, during a a tsunami watch (oops).

Why I’m Sharing This Story?

✨ Branding is like summer camp. We form identity and connection, You, As You Are. If you’re interested to unpack your own story, connect for a 15 minute free Branding-as-a-Service chat. 💌 Message below to schedule & subscribe!

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From 'I ❤️ NY' to 'Keep Austin Weird,' iconic cities have iconic slogans and LA never really had one.” So, what slogan defines world’s creative city of Los Angeles?

Artist Andre Miripolsky is the creator of Viva LA, a movement, mantra, and public art campaign that seeks to give Los Angeles something it’s never truly had, a shared cultural identity.

This question took the stage at a luncheon hosted by the Assistance League of LA, at the San Antonio Winery where artist Andre Miripolsky presented the missing brand identity of Los Angeles.

🗣️ Why doesn’t LA have a unifying message?

Miropolsky’s team shared, Los Angeles attracts 49 million annual visitors, 186 spoken languages, and is a creative capital. Perhaps, LA has too many stories?

Rather than trying to distill LA into a single image or landmark, Andre said Viva LA celebrates its diversity. It doesn’t define Los Angeles. It invites everyone to define it for themselves.

“Arts unify the rich and the poor,” according to Andre.

🎯 Viva LA’s Mission

Andre’s vision is a city brought together through murals, music, storytelling, and cultural pride. Believing art should be everywhere, Viva LA is a campaign of creativity and community, branding not just for tourists, but for the people who call LA home.

🎓 Proof That Art Changes Everything

Andre shared a powerful example: At the School of Arts and Enterprise in Pomona, Andre painted the outside four walls. Graduation rates soared, graffiti disappeared, proof that art changes environments, and environments change people.

Viva LA aims to make art public, seen, powerful, and personal.

🎨 A Peek Inside Andre’s Studio

After lunch, we followed Andre through the maze of downtown LA to his studio in the Brewery Arts Complex, an artist colony hidden behind a garage door painted with the Viva LA angel wings and heart.

Inside? A creative universe. There were nostalgic prickle pins made from bowling alley pins at Caesars Palace. Pop-art sculptures. One standout piece: a painting of Elton John at his 1980 Central Park concert, wearing a piano motif jacket, the artwork designed by Miripolsky’s. The moment lives on in music and fashion history.

It was clear that this studio was more than a workspace. It was the birthplace of Viva LA, not as a slogan, but as a way of seeing and shaping the city.

🧑‍🎨 The Viva LA Arts Initiative

Through the Viva LA Arts Initiative, merchandise from apparel to sculptures aims to fund public art projects in schools, neighborhoods, and underfunded cultural spaces. Will the city fund the art? That is unlikely.

🛍️ Retail Shop & Support!

Early apparel and merchandise partners included retailer Ron Robinson at Fred Segal, which helped bring Viva LA to stores and the community. Today, the collection continues online with artwork and wearables.

Visit
www.vivala.us/discount/VivaLAFashion
Code ​VivaLAFashion.

Andre’s “Kingdom of Color” artowkr at www.miripolsky.com

Show off Los Angeles, Viva LA!

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💡 Inspired to build your brand and tell stories that sell?
Visit 🎥 Create a Sustainable Brand & Sell Like Crazy

Daniella Platt | Consumer Behavior Expert Obsessed with Decoding What Makes People Tick (Tok) & Shop.

Servicing brands on the rise with branding-as-as-service, and storytelling that sells like crazy. Schedule your 15 minute free appointment by replying.

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If the idea of putting on a swimsuit makes you uneasy, trust me, you’re not alone.

It’s summer 2025 and the perfect time to revisit a conversation that never goes out of style: How to feel confident on the beach. I’m bringing back my chat with swimwear designer Cat Oshman, a seasoned swim designer with more than two decades in the industry.

Cat, known for creating standout styles for brands like BCBG and Tahari, saids the key to confidence at the beach or poolside has nothing to do with the cut of your suit. It has everything to do with your mindset.

So as summer reaches full heat and you're heading to the shore, the pool, or that rooftop event, here are Cat’s 3 tips for a radiant swim season, You, As You Are.

☀️ 1. Start with Color Confidence

Color speaks before you do. Color is energy. Color isn’t just a trend, it's an instant boost for your mood and presence.

Whether it’s bold brights or calming neutrals, choose a palette that makes you feel alive.

👙 2. Fit First, Fashion Second

It doesn’t matter how trendy a suit is if it doesn’t fit well. Dress for your shape.

Prioritize comfort and structure that supports your body. A well-fitted suit makes every style look good, and makes you feel even better.

💃 3. Use Cover-Ups

Not just for hiding, cover-ups are power moments.

Think of them as an extension of your personal style: sheer wraps, bold kimonos, or flowy dresses that transition seamlessly from beach to brunch. It’s the outfit that tells the story.

🌊 Ready to make a splash?

Embrace the season in full. Wear the suit. Walk with confidence. Be radiant—as you are.

Originally published in Fashion Mannuscript (June 2021), you can read the full story here. This article is being reshared for Summer 2025 by Daniella Platt.

🔗 Follow Cat Oshman at @catoshman or catoshman.com for more style tips.

🌐Daniella Platt is a creative powerhouse, specializing in Branding-As-A-Service. More than just making your products look good, she helps brands and people be understood and seen through storytelling, sales strategy, leverage and media.

Grab Every Creators Bestie to Sell Like Crazy and the Fashion Startup Playbook here.

Schedule a free 15 minute brand consultation by sending me a message, below. No fluff. Just clarity, connection, and Commerce, with a little fun, you, as you are.

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May 15, 2025

Hosted at Ambercycle, industry insiders get a bold peek into an innovative fashion ecosystem and an arena of renewed polyester and sustainability.

By Daniella Platt, consumer behavior expert

The Preface tradeshow in Los Angeles didn’t just show us the future of fashion—it gave us a lens into what fashion would look like when innovation and sustainability take center stage. Taking place just after the Los Angeles fires, the event was purposely kept “on” the calendar to bring the community together.

Hosted at the Ambercycle factory in West Adams against the backdrop of a facility transforming end-of-life polyester into virgin-grade materials, Preface proved that fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful—it can be smart, circular and cutting-edge, a perfect fit for a show redefining the future of textiles. Stepping inside, participants were welcomed into a curated tradeshow space of creativity, refined materials and conscious design, and were invited to tour Ambercycle’s innovative factory.

Founded in 2018, Preface was created as a movement of merging innovative concepts with sourcing. It brings the apparel industry closer to a reality where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation. With a boutique-style format and a highly curated exhibitor list, Preface offers a refreshing, intimate and inspiring experience for those who are serious about the future of fashion.

We caught up with the Preface team to talk about sustainable fashion, the industry’s biggest challenges and what’s next for this powerhouse event.

What brands are featured at Preface, and what is its overall mission?

Preface is all about curation. Each season, we carefully select a diverse group of exhibitors and textile innovators whose work aligns with our mission: bringing together like-minded makers and suppliers dedicated to sustainability and textile innovation. We focus on materials that offer better alternatives to conventional fabrics, helping designers kickstart their collections with a more responsible approach.

What’s the biggest challenge in getting brands to adopt sustainable materials?

Cost. Let’s be real—many brands take their cues from consumers, and if shoppers aren’t demanding sustainable products, brands often won’t prioritize them. That’s why education is everything. Preface partners with innovators whose technology is both accessible and cost-effective, making it easier for brands to embrace sustainability without sacrificing their bottom line. It’s all about striking that balance between responsibility and reality.

What’s next for Preface? Any exciting projects or launches on the horizon?

West Coast energy is strong, and we’re riding that wave! This fall, Preface is making an international debut with a pop-up event in Vancouver, BC. Expanding our reach means more brands, more innovation and more impact.

Any advice for creating a long-term impact in the fashion industry?

Consistency is everything. We’ve hosted Preface every season for the past seven years—even during COVID, when we pivoted with our “show in a box.” That kind of dedication has been key to our steady growth. Keeping our show intentionally small also allows us to stay agile and adapt to the industry’s ever-changing landscape.

A Show Highlight: A Tour of Ambercycle’s Innovation Lab

Here’s a creative way to keep your clothing in the ecosystem. Polyester, one of the world’s most widely used fabrics, is made from oil. Enter the Ambercycler: one part of the process that purifies old polyester scraps for reproduction into a new material.

Yes, it’s science, but it’s also the future of fashion. Ambercycle’s full process extracts and separates dyes and contaminants, and converts it into polyester pellets, ready to be spun into brand-new textiles called Cycora, a recyclable polyester.

Brands like Athleta and Ganni are already using these recycled polyester materials, proving that quality and sustainability can coexist.

Is polyester here to stay? Probably. Innovations like these eliminate the cost to the planet.

What’s Next?

As the name suggests, Preface is about the beginning: a place to find the top materials and suppliers needed to begin your design story. The next Preface show will be July 30-31 in Los Angeles. Stay in the loop at prefaceshow.com, and join for conversations with industry innovators in an interactive forum as you connect with others. Don’t miss it. Say hi if you’re there!

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Masterclass’s feature a goldmine of resources to create a brand and sell like crazy. They’re not secrets to keep when they can help you flourish.

By: Daniella Platt

It was the ’70s. An interesting time just after birth control, before AIDS. And Diane von Furstenberg was on a mission to empower women through fashion. She created dresses that gave women not just style but freedom to go on, and take off, with comfort and confidence—clothing that was ready for the world, or ready to take off.

DVF was in fact, the first influencer, visiting 3,000 malls to promote her dresses, share makeup tips and talk directly with customers. “Don’t spend more than seven minutes on makeup,” she said. “You have more to do!”

Diane doesn’t claim to be the inventor of the wrap dress. Did you know the wrap dress isn’t even patented by DVF? She simply modernized it—much like a modern kimono. The result? A timeless piece that still represents freedom, movement and versatility today. Having been born 18 months after her mother was liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, Diane’s mother referred to her as her “torch of freedom.” This theme of liberation is epitomized in the wrap dress, which became a symbol of independence, empowerment, with care for design and how to make women feel special.

“Don’t spend more than seven minutes on makeup. You have more to do.” - DVF.

Her prints were influenced by the modern graphics of artists like Andy Warhol and the drip art of Jackson Pollock—bold, expressive and effortlessly chic. She knew how to turn heads and change the narrative on what it meant to dress well.

She also strongly believed in the power of manifestation and mantras. DVF’s powerful sayings, like “Love is life” and “Fight for love (or life),” continue to inspire women worldwide. Much of DVF’s strength came from her Sephardic Jewish mother, who had roots in Spain, Portugal and Belgium. Her mother’s resilience during WWII shaped DVF into the outspoken woman she is today, proud of her Jewish heritage and her place in NYC’s fashion history.

All of this is on display at the DVF exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Diane herself came to style the mannequins and roll up their sleeves, because that’s the spirit of her dresses—chic yet relaxed. The Mannequins Auxiliary, the fashion arm supporting homeless youth through the Assistance League of Los Angeles, hosted the tour and event. (www.assistanceleague.org)

The debut of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion exhibit chronicles the fashion icon’s career from the 1970s to today, interweaving her personal history as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor while showcasing special artifacts and stories that give perspective to her lasting legacy.

“We are thrilled to bring this powerful exhibition to Los Angeles, showcasing not only von Furstenberg’s iconic designs but also her enduring message of female empowerment,” says Skirball Cultural Center President and CEO Jessie Kornberg. “Jewish connection to garment industries and needlepoint trades spans continents and generations.”

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion includes a selection of items drawn from the DVF archives along with ephemera, fabric swatches, media pieces, information on her philanthropic work and 75 items, 29 of which are exclusive to this exhibition. A spotlight on Diane’s mother, Lily Nahmias, featuring audio, images and text, explores her experience as a member of the resistance and a Holocaust survivor, including a reproduction of the letter she sent her parents after the Nazis imprisoned her. The exhibit examines von Furstenberg’s bold designs and sources of inspiration through nature, art and freedom.

Diane launched her brand in 1972; she was 26 years old. This was her vision for women—resilient, confident and fiercely feminine—and this idea connected with the public and built a legacy. Through her efforts, including traveling across the United States to meet women and help them try on her designs, Diane fostered a deep connection with her customers, listening to their aspirations and concerns. The result is clothing that continues to resonate with women more than half a century later.

The exhibition is on view through Aug. 31, 2025 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles—an opportunity to step into the world of a designer who not only transformed fashion but also empowered generations of women to feel free, bold and confident.

—

PS, Relishing in the summer green? DVF always dressed women in power and play, and Fashionista says Dill Green is this summers go-to trendiest, more natural color.

💡 Inspired by the power of fashion to tell stories and drive change? My courses are at 🎥 Create a Sustainable Brand & Sell Like Crazy

Stylishly weaving together LIM’s continued evolution as a global leader in fashion and lifestyle business education, LIM College and the Japan Educational Foundation (JEF) announced an agreement under which JEF will acquire LIM College.

Announced on May 29^th, 2025, LIM will remain independently operated in New York City while becoming part of JEF’s prestigious international portfolio, which includes four professional universities, one online university, and nine professional training colleges in Japan, as well as two higher education institutions in Paris with multiple campuses across France.

As a member of the LIM College faculty, this was a fitting opportunity to chat with President Ron Marshall to gain deeper insight.

How does the alignment with JEF strengthen LIM’s resources?

“As part of JEF, LIM will have an expanded global platform and access to additional academic capabilities and financial resources. This agreement further positions LIM as the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle, delivering superior results for our students, alumni and the industry.”

Why JEF? Why now?

“LIM College, over its 86 years in operation, has always evolved to reflect the times and what is best for students in terms of preparing them for careers in the fashion business.

While exploring how we could expand our global academic partnerships and opportunities for students, we connected with JEF. When the opportunity to become a part of JEF came about, and we realized all the positive ramifications of it, the LIM Board of Directors closely studied the opportunity and decided to move forward with it.

This represents an important step toward LIM’s vision as the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle.”

Looking ahead, what does this offer the LIM community moving forward?

“Becoming part of JEF is an exciting next step for LIM that will bring several benefits. With the financial resources, academic acumen, global reach, and industry connections of JEF behind us, LIM will be an even stronger institution to serve students, alumni, and industry partners. For example, we expect to be able to accelerate the addition of new areas of fashion-related studies and broaden our global industry connections for career-building internships and learning experiences. We also anticipate being able to leverage JEF’s curricular expertise in technology to enhance our courses.”

According to their press release, this moment is a bold step for LIM, honoring the founder’s legacy while stitching innovation into a globally connected future of fashion business education. Students can look forward to the future of tailored opportunities, academically and globally.

Dr. Yoshinori Yamashita, a Director of JEF, said, “We look forward to bringing LIM into the JEF portfolio and realizing the tremendous advantages that LIM’s location in the center of New York City will bring students around the world.”

LIM will retain its name, campus, and leadership. No staffing or faculty changes are planned. Note, the acquisition transaction will become buttoned up and final only once approved by higher education regulatory agencies.

JEF was founded in 1966 by brothers Masaru and Toshihiko Kasuya and has grown from a fashion-focused institution into a major international provider of specialized education in fashion, technology, and medical services. Its portfolio includes ESMOD, the esteemed French fashion school with global reach, and CREAPOLE, a Paris-based school offering training in product design, architecture, and creative disciplines.

Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan, LIM College is focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and "learning by doing." Alumni have gone on to work for Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, the TJX Companies, Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Microsoft, Saks Fifth Avenue, Michael Kors, Nike, and countless others. To apply or for more information, visit www.limcollege.edu

Daniella Platt is a Consumer Behavior Expert helping brands on the rise with sales and storytelling. She is also a LIM Adjunct Professor.

--

LIM UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, 8/11
”The transition to new ownership will occur on or sometime after December 1, 2025, following receipt of all necessary approvals.”

—

This story also appears in the Fashion Mannuscript magazine here

—

Daniella Platt | Consumer Behavior Expert Obsessed with Decoding What Makes People Tick (Tok) & Shop. Servicing brands on the rise with storytelling to sell like crazy.

A Chic Affaire lit up Lakeside Golf Club in Los Angeles with fashion and purpose.

Hosted by the Assistance League® of Los Angeles College Alumni Auxiliary on May 1, 2025, the afternoon featured a Michael Kors runway show, a boutique luncheon with designers like Malibu Road, and shopping for a cause.

Guests honored Dia and Ray Schuldenfrei while raising funds for vital programs supporting over 22,000 underserved children in L.A., including those affected by the 2025 wildfires. Proceeds benefit initiatives like Operation School Bell, Foster Children’s Resource Center, and the College Scholarship Program.

It was a beautiful celebration of style, community, and giving back.

—
For info on how to get involved with the Assistance League® of Los Angeles College Alumni Auxiliary and other Auxiliaries, please reach out to me or visit www.assistanceleaguela.org

- Daniella

—

Consumer Behavior Expert | OBSESSED with decoding what makes people tick (tok) and shop.

Coming soon for subscribers.

By Daniella Platt, Consumer Behavior Expert

When the American consumer feels good, they shop. Despite the tidal wave of tariff confusion and global headwinds that left us off-balance, if you were to ask, “Which global fashion market is growing in importance?” the answer is the U.S. The idea of tariffs stirred the pot, sending ripple effects everywhere, from our skin care to jeans.

But do not let this stop you!

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We tuned into the CBIZ Consumer Products and Retail Symposium in Los Angeles and one message was clear: Uncertainty happens, but do not cancel your orders. The American consumer loves to reward themselves.

What is happening? Manufacturers are mapping out multiple scenarios to adapt. And they’re also using this time of change to connect and build their community. It’s very simple in the playbook of building fans for life: The more you understand your customers and your target audience, the better positioned you’ll be to share their story, and yours.

And your story, your big idea—that is your big selling point. It’s what invites others to create, collaborate and grow with you. It’s what will push people to spend more on your products and services.

How can you plan? Here are few highlights.

1. The 12% threshold. Retail analyst Marshall Cohen of Circana revealed that U.S. consumers will absorb up to a 12% price hike without flinching.
   
   Your $100 jeans? Fine at $112.
   But push it to $120? Expect hesitation. This razor-thin margin pressures brands to communicate your story, your value and purpose like never before.
   

2. Consult, don’t cancel. Amid tariff waves, brands must stay strategic. Kreiger Worldwide advises consulting with a freight forwarder to discuss financing and warehousing solutions.
   

3. The production calendar for Holiday 2025 is beginning. Don’t pause too long and risk critical production windows. Production in June and July will have your products delivered on time for September and October. Miss it, and the joyful shelves in November will be filled with who knows what.
   

4. Focus on fundamentals.
   
   Tim Johnson, CFO of Buck Mason, emphasized staying calm and doubling down on timeless quality, not trends.
   

5. Tell Your Story. Entrepreneur Linda West struggled with eczema and skin problems, which led her to create Karuna, a skincare line for adults, now sold at Whole Foods. And after seeing tweens use the wrong products for their skin, she launched Avatara (see the variety sample pack here), known for a clean, mass-market face mask available at Target.
   
   When asked if she could reshore production, Linda explained that Korea has perfected the mask technology and raw material sourcing. She can move production to the U.S., but without the technology and ingredients needed, the change will not happen overnight. Is she pausing? No! The desire for skin care in the U.S. is pervasive, and a phenomenon beginning as early as age 8.

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Take away…

Be optimistic and focused. Look at the U.S. retail scene:

• Consumers are ready to replenish. Out with the old, in with the new. Pandemic-era purchases like TVs, phones and sweats are outdated.

• Generational crossover is real. Skin care for 8-year-olds. Pickleball for Boomers and Gen Z. Brands that understand cross-age trends will winn

• Ozempic. KFF’s May 2024 health tracking poll found that 1 in 8 Americans have experimented weight-loss medications. And when you feel good, you shop!

While there is a rollercoaster reacting to change, the new playbook for brands is:

1. In the short term, stay calm, informed and nimble.

2. Map out multiple “what-if” solutions.

3. In the long run, love your community and deepen your relationship.

4. Tell your story.

5. Keep going forward.

The American consumer will always rise. This is the beginning of the next.

Consumer behavior expert Daniella Platt is obsessed with decoding what makes people tick (tok!) and shop. Find out “How To Create a Sustainable Apparel Line and Sell Like Crazy” at udemy.com/appareldaniella.

How to Build A Sustainable Brand & Sell Like Crazy

A Fashion Startup Playbook & Every Creators Bestie to Sell Like Crazy

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Story available on the Fashion Mannuscript June 2025 edition, here

In today’s fast-moving fashion world, collaboration and education are essential. I recently caught up with Riccardo Rizzi of Renovazio and WorldBrandMarket, a fashion textile leader whose vision aligns perfectly with a mission close to my heart: passing along years of knowledge to those who want to achieve.

While I focus on helping brands share their stories and create purpose-driven brands that sell like crazy and shine, (linkedin) Rizzi’s mission is to help brands craft beautiful collections using the most sought-after materials—designs that command luxury price tags in the trend-setting stores.

Rizzi and I share a common goal to empower today’s creators with the tools to build a standout success. To better help you source materials, here’s a piece of our conversation:

Q: Which textile brands are in your showroom, and what’s the common thread?
A: To highlight a few of the prominent names we represent, in exclusivity for the U.S., many are globally recognized heritage brands, such as Vitale Barberis Canonico (est. 1663), Olimpias, Jackytex, Bottonificio La Perla, Tejidos Royo, Tessilgodi, Lampo Zippers, Vivolo, Tessitura di Crevacuore, etc. These are just some of our Italian partners, as our portfolio spans numerous countries. We host our private show in New York in
June to introduce our FW26 textile and trim collections, and in September in Los Angeles.

Q: What’s next for Renovazio?
A: Renovazio’s next step is to keep on selling the best textile options to all our U.S.-based clients. We are also focused on launching an engaging educational program, featuring talented individuals and guests from across the fashion industry.

Q: What challenges do young designers face, and what can they do to stand out?
A: Designers currently face the challenge presented by the rise of AI, which can create the illusion that anyone can become a designer instantly. To stand out, it’s crucial for designers to first master the fundamentals, such as some basic textile knowledge and technical expertise.

Q: How do you envision your brand’s long-term impact on the fashion industry?
A: I envision striving to usher in a new era of transparency and clear information within the industry. A brand must be adaptable to the marketplace while consistently embracing innovation, technology and sustainability. I believe in great products and circularity; therefore, I will be making sure to create garments that will last generations.

About Renovazio
Renovazio handles high-end textile and garment needs. Whether you’re a supplier or a customer, the firm offers comprehensive consultancy services tailored to your specific requirements. Its extensive portfolio includes a diverse range of Italian, European and Asian fabrics. To learn more, visit renovazio.com and
worldbrandmarket.com.

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I help creators on the rise, Sell Like Crazy! You, As You Are shares stories of lifestyle and apparel brands with a purpose, the innovations behind-the-scene, and the grind — the people, the creators who do it all, through it all it.

How to Build A Sustainable Brand & Sell Like Crazy

A Fashion Startup Playbook & Every Creators Bestie to Sell Like Crazy

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