Off Duty With AK Brown

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

Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide!  In this episode, I'm talking about why funding Black media is absolutely non-negotiable. I'm unpacking how major fashion magazines rely heavily on advertising dollars—with over half of some issues filled with ads. But flip through those pages, and you'll barely see Black-owned brands featured—or even Black faces in many of the campaigns. While I get that advertising keeps publications running, the reality is most Black brands don't have $50,000 or $100,000 to spend on a single ad page. This lack of access fuels a bigger systemic problem: fewer opportunities for visibility, growth, and recognition in the industry. That's why I created the Black Fashion Media Equity Program—to offer free ad space to Black fashion and beauty brands. Because if we want true representation and equity in fashion, we need to make sure Black media has the resources to thrive and amplify our stories. Key Moments: Breaking down how much ad space takes up in big fashion magazines—and who actually gets those ads The financial hurdles Black fashion entrepreneurs face trying to afford premium ad rates How the lack of ad dollars ties into broader systemic issues around visibility and opportunity An inside look at the Black Fashion Media Equity Program and its mission Why funding Black media platforms is essential for long-term change in the fashion industry Next Week Sneak Peek:Next episode, I'm diving into Steve Madden's viral interview, recapping Paris Men's Fashion Week, and sharing what it's really like running a fashion magazine as a Black editor. Plus—where are we supposed to shop now that these brands keep acting up? 🔗 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 another episode of The Haute Guide!  In this episode, I'm sharing my experiences as a Black woman working in fashion in the Midwest—the lack of opportunities, the microaggressions, and why I'm not here to play the token role for anybody. I'm also walking you through how to plan out your social media content as a fashionpreneur. I'm talking brand pillars, figuring out what your audience wants to see, and how to use tools like ChatGPT without losing your own voice. And for AK's Fashion Rant of the Week, I've got thoughts on Anna Wintour stepping down, Vogue's messiness, Steve Madden's viral moment, and why the fashion industry needs to get back to the actual plot of fashion. Key Moments: Talking about why the Midwest can be a tough place for Black women in fashion The realities of microaggressions, lack of opportunities, and why I refuse to be the token Black voice Why I left corporate and built my own lane The mess around Anna Wintour leaving Vogue and my thoughts on who Vogue even speaks to these days Steve Madden's viral interview and why people are loving his transparency Step-by-step on how to plan a social media content calendar as a fashionpreneur The importance of brand pillars and audience insights Using ChatGPT the right way—and why it's a tool, not a replacement for your own voice My thoughts on industry politics, crabs-in-a-barrel mentality, and protecting your peace as a creative Related Past Episodes: Branding & Social Media Strategy for Fashionpreneurs Pt. 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-haute-guide/id1661230412?i=1000690044168 Shoutouts + Special Mentions: The Cutting Room Floor — Check out their Patreon for Steve Madden's full episode Imad Eduso— For the skirt that helped blow up my Instagram reach (here's the link to my viral reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ2_7MiM_CP/) Other publications worth reading: WWD, Business of Fashion, and indie platforms that dig deeper than Vogue My social media content caledar for AK Brown: https://www.notion.so/1937a91ad565808cb21edeb09e189cdb?v=1937a91ad56580398ca5000ce5d6eb3a&source=copy_link  My social media content calendar template — included below if you're ready to organize your content: https://teal-cold-790.notion.site/2267a91ad56580a89ffdd9a5aadb74c8?v=2267a91ad565800e9eed000c63f3ccb1&source=copy_link  ChatGPT prompt templates — included below to help you plan your own calendar: 'Help me create a 3-month fashion content calendar with Reels, carousels, fashion commentary, SEO titles, captions, alt text, and hashtags. My pillars are [e.g. fashion education, personal style]. My audience is [e.g. Black women in fashion]. My vibe is [e.g. professional, sassy]. I want to post [e.g. 3–5 times per week].' Next Week Sneak Peek:Next episode, I'm diving deeper into Steve Madden's podcast, Paris Men's Fashion Week recaps, and sharing what it's really like running a fashion magazine. Plus—where are we supposed to shop now that brands keep acting up? 🔗 Stay Connected: 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 💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!