On this episode, Laura learns how Georgia Dant took her experience with iconic brands like Burberry and Rag & Bone and poured it into creating Marfa Stance, a revolutionary outerwear collection.   Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol    Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Nili Lotan is an Israeli born, New York based designer. She climbed the ranks at Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, and Nautica over 23 years before she began again, creating her namesake collection. Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol    Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Josh Patner has touched every part of the fashion industry. He has been a fashion journalist, a store owner, a designer, buyer, and even a professor. Josh’s story includes creating one of the most coveted brands of the 2000s, Tuleh. Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol    Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Stephanie Danan is a film producer turned fashion designer. With a little bit of money and no experience, she designed her collection, Co, that was quickly embraced by her clients and the fashion industry.  Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol @stephaniedanan @co  Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Peter Cohen is a fashion industry enigma - he is an independent designer who has been successfully creating beautiful clothes from his atelier in Los Angeles for over 30 years. 

Heather Rosenfield and Jenny Belushi are the co-creators of Poppy Store, an enchanting children’s boutique in California. This episode offers an inspiring look at their serendipitous partnership and why being a children’s retailer is truly joyous. Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Why is Jennifer Meyer so inspiring? She pursued her passion for jewelry with no experience and was met with great success. Learn how she continues to move through life and business with little fear. Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Lee Mathews is an Australian designer who started her career as an illustrator and later began her fashion journey with simple tea parties in her home. She is now celebrating 25 years in business and continues to stay true to her own design aesthetic and what her clients want to wear. Find Lee (and us!) on Instagram:  @leemathewsau @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.leemathews.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Becky Malinsky was the deputy fashion director of the Wall Street Journal and contributed to numerous other publications including Glamour, Lucky and GQ throughout her publishing career. As people began returning to the office post-pandemic, Becky had a "light bulb moment" realizing no one knew how to get dressed and she was just the person to help them - after all, she had spent her whole career translating fashion to real people. Becky now has a flourishing styling business and a cult following for her Substack newsletter: 5 Things You Should Wear. Find Becky (and us!) on Instagram:  @becky_malinsky @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.5thingsyoushouldbuy.substack.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Derek Lam is a prolific designer starting his latest chapter at Callas Milano from his new home in Paris. This legendary American fashion designer shares his journey from the early days of his career at Michael Kors to launching and selling his namesake brand. You will enjoy the insights he shares about on creating what he loves and his choice to fall in love with his career as a designer again. Find Derek (and us!) on Instagram:  @thedereklam @dereklam @callasmilano @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.dereklam.com www.callasmilano.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra are the dapper duo behind Costello Tagliapietra. Over 30 years of working together they've accomplished something rare - they've continued to look forward and disrupt the fashion supply chain through their businesses Resonance and JCRT, while also looking back to relaunch their collection, Costello Tagliapietra, that preserves the lost art of dressmaking. Find Jeffrey and Robert (and us!) on Instagram:  @mister.costello @costellotagliapetra @jcrtny @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.costellotagliapietra.com www.shop-capitol.com 

I had the privilege of having a conversation with Anna Sui - one of the original independent designers who has conquered every category from ready-to-wear to beauty and fragrance…she’s always been way ahead of her time. But, in spite of the seemingly strategic way her business has unfolded over the past 40 years, she assured me that “there was no master plan” Find Anna (and us!) on Instagram:  @annasui @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.annasui.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Julie de Libran has been lauded as one of the most respected designers in the industry. From a decade under Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs to later becoming the artistic director of Sonia Rykiel, Julie is finally stepping out on her own. Find Julie (and us!) on Instagram:  @juliedelibran @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.juliedelibran.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Recorded in front of a live audience at the Brentwood Country Mart, this conversation features Anya Hindmarch, Gregg Renfrew of Beauty Counter, and our host Laura Vinroot Poole of Capitol. This episode was hosted  by transformational leadership coach, Ashley Wick and features profound insights from this powerful group of female leaders on entrepreneurship, reinvention, reframing fear, and so much more. Find Our Guests (and us!) on Instagram:  @anyahindmarch  @greggrenfrew @beautycounter @lauravinroot @brentwoodcountrymart @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.anyahindmarch.com www.beautycounter.com www.brentwoodcountrymart.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Meredith Melling Burke is a former Vogue fashion editor and now a founder of the NY-based womenswear collection, La Ligne. This conversatiom highlights Meredith's unique journey, why she believes she is always learning, and her new perspective on risk. Find La Ligne (and us!) on Instagram:  @lalignemhc  @meredithmelling @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.lalignenyc.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means are the dynamic sisters behind Miron Crosby, a collection of cowboy boots. On this episode from Season 5, you will hear the story of their life together from growing up on a ranch in West Texas, to embarking on separate careers in New York, and finally returning to Texas to launch Miron Crosby. Find Lizzie and Sarah (and us!) on Instagram:  @mironcrosby @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.mironcrosby.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Lauren Sherman is a career journalist who has reported on the fashion industry for the past twenty years. This episode shines a light on the complexity and nuances of the industry and the power of finding your niche. Find Lauren (and us!) on Instagram:  @lapresmidi @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.puck.news/author/lauren-sherman www.shop-capitol.com 

The partnership of Lily Clempson and Michel Cantin of Lily Eve is a true example of alchemy. After an unlikely meeting during Covid, they joined forces on upcycling vintage Hermes blankets and towels into clothing and a business was born. Their love of their work and each other feels like the reason their venture has been so successful. Find Lily and Michel (and us!) on Instagram:  @lily.eve.store @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.lilyeve.store www.shop-capitol.com 

Malia Mills has always been ahead of her time -- she pioneered swimwear sold as separates and by cup size in the 90s and her advertisements were revolutionary. Malia's journey is, in her words, a testament to the breadcrumbs that create your life path. Her "hell yes" mentality and messages to women are so much bigger than her swimwear line. Find Malia (and us!) on Instagram:  @maliamillsofficial @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.maliamills.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Mickey Drexler is the former CEO of Ann Taylor, the Gap, J.Crew and creator of spin-off brands Old Navy and Madewell. Mickey is currently the Alex Mill chairman and chief investor. This episode is a unique opportunity to learn from this legendary fashion industry leader and mentor. Find Mickey (and us!) on Instagram:  @mickeydrexler @alexmillny @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.alexmill.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Martin Grant is an Australian fashion designer based in Paris. Martin started out at age 16 and his diverse training in sculpture and tailoring has created a collection distinctly his own. Martin’s humble, quiet nature and distinct, refined designs are an inspiring demonstration of authenticity in the fashion industry. Find Martin (and us!) on Instagram:  @martingrantofficial @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.martingrantparis.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Tug Rice is a New York based-artist who is known for his sophisticated and cheerful illustrations and his collaborations with brands from Dior to The Carlyle. On this episode, Tug sheds light on his artistic journey and how he has found a sense of flow at this stage in his career. Find Tug (and us!) on Instagram:  @tugrice @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.tugrice.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Edeline Lee is a London-based independent designer who is uniquely attuned to the powerful woman she designs for. She chooses to focus on light energy rather than dark, and being gracious and kind, which filters from her team to the stitching in her clothes. Find Edeline (and us!) on Instagram:  @edelinelee @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.edelinelee.com www.shop-capitol.com 

JJ Martin, founder of La DoubleJ, is back on What We Wore to discuss her new book, Mamma Milano, launching this fall. JJ shares how her life and business unfolded once she fully embraced the Italian culture and listened to what it was trying to teach her. This episode is full of spiritual and creative wisdom whether you are part of the fashion industry or not. Find JJ (and us!) on Instagram:  @jjmartinmilan @ladoublej @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.ladoublej.com www.shop-capitol.com 

JJ Martin is the founder and designer of La Double and our guest from Season 4. We hope you find inspiration in this episode from the archival as JJ first shares embarking on a spiritual journey that has now become fully integrated into her work and community. Find JJ (and us!) on Instagram:  @jjmartinmilan @ladoublej @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.ladoublej.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Anya Hindmarch is once again the CEO and Creative Director of her namesake collection after buying back her business in 2019. On this special episode, we speak to Anya about the past and future of her company, key advice from her book, and the power of choice. Find Anya (and us!) on Instagram:  @anyahindmarchpersonal @anyahindmarch @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.anyahindmarch.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Lauren Harwell Godfrey is a jewelry designer with a truly distinct point of view that has emerged over many years of career reinvention. Lauren shares her winding road from a successful career in advertising to culinary school to her final destination as a jewelry designer. Find Lauren (and us!) on Instagram:  @harwellgodfrey @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.harwellgodfrey.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Chloe Malle is a contributing editor at Vogue and the co-host of the magazine’s podcast the Run-Thru. Chloe shares how she unexpectedly came to work at Vogue fifteen years ago and continues to cultivate a rich career with the brand in the midst of navigating motherhood. Find Chloe (and us!) on Instagram:  @chloemalle @voguemagazine @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.vogue.com/podcast/the-run-through www.shop-capitol.com 

Wes Gordon is the creative director of the storied fashion house Carolina Herrera. Wes generously shares more about his conviction to become a designer at a young age, his experience as young independent designer with his own collection, and working Carolina Herrara's side in her last year at the house before Wes was selected to carry on the house’s vision. Find Wes (and us!) on Instagram:  @wesgordon @carolinaherrera @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.chcarolinaherrera.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Throughout our eight seasons we’ve spoken with over 120 creative people from the fashion industry and beyond. You’ve joined us along the way to learn more about their journeys and crafts, but also for lessons on leadership or becoming an entrepreneur. Here are the highlights from lessons learned in Season 8 and beyond. Find us on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com 

Nelli Kim is a skilled buyer at the highest level of the fashion industry who recently launched her shoe collection Reden. Reden was born out her life experience from her journey as a shoe buyer, a life-changing trip to India, and surviving ovarian cancer. Find Nelli (and us!) on Instagram:  @nellibellek @shop_reden @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.shopreden.com www.shop-capitol.com 

On this episode, Laura welcomes back Season 2 guest, jeweler Marie-Hélène de Taillac to dive deeper into her spiritual approach to working with gemstones. Marie-Hélène walks Laura through the energy and power of the each stone she works with offering an entirely new perspective to her collection, and wearing jewelry in general. Find Marie-Hélène (and us!) on Instagram:  @mariehelenedetaillac @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.mariehelenedetaillac.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Marie-Hélène de Taillac is a jewelry designer whose greatest love is the gemstone. She treasures their imperfections and always seeks to educate on the way they connect us back to nature and spirituality. In this archival episode, Marie-Hélène shares more about her journey and her craft in advance of a new episode on the spirituality of gemstones dropping next week. Find Marie-Hélène (and us!) on Instagram:  @mariehelenedetaillac @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.mariehelenedetaillac.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Louise Roe is fashion journalist and television host turned entrepreneur who has recently launched Sharland England, an interiors collection with a nod to her great-grandmother. Her new business is a culmination of all of Louise’s experiences and proof that success is never a straight line. Find Louise (and us!) on Instagram:  @louiseroe @sharland_england @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.sharland-england.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Claudia Mata is a former fashion editor turned entrepreneur — she changed careers after moving her family from New York to Marin County in California and going back to herbalism school. Now Claudia has created her own business, Vertly, a holistic skincare collection sourced locally from farmers in Marin County and batched each week. Find Claudia (and us!) on Instagram:  @vertlybalm @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.vertlybalm.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Elizabeth von der Goltz is a widely-respected fashion industry leader who is setting the tone for future female leadership in the fashion industry.  Elizabeth joins Laura from Harvard Business School where she is focusing on her next chapter of leadership before taking on a new role as Chief Fashion and Merchandising Officer of Farfetch and CEO of Browns. Find Elizabeth (and us!) on Instagram:  @elizabethvdg @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.intro.co/elizabethvdg www.shop-capitol.com 

Francesca and Marina Moscone are the co-founders of their namesake brand, Marina Moscone. As sisters and partners, they have worked together for six years to create a burgeoning family business. This episode shines a light on their commitment to only producing what they believe in, Marina's unique aesthetic, and a collection that is destined for success due to the sisters' unique partnership full of trust, love, and mutual respect. Find Francesca and Marina (and us!) on Instagram:  @marinamoscone @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.marinamoscone.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Wiggy Hindmarch, is the designer and vivacious personality behind her namesake brand, Wiggy Kit. Wiggy shares many insights on her life from the confidence she found after having children to a turning point in her life after hearing the poem “the Dash.”  Wiggy is an inspiration for living life on your own terms as she lives and runs her company between London and Harbour Island in the Bahamas... and most importantly, fully living into her own dash. Find Wiggy (and us!) on Instagram:  @wiggyhindmarchpersonal @wiggykit @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.wiggykit.com www.shop-capitol.com 

FROM THE ARCHIVE | From Season 1, we are re-airing this special episode featuring twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato who are celebrating 15 years in business this year. This episode highlights their entrepreneurial path and commitment to each other that has led to this milestone. Find Lizzie and Kathryn (and us!) on Instagram:  @whatweworepodcast @shop-capitol @lfjewels Or on the web:  www.shop-capitol.com www.https://lizziefortunato.com

Lyn Harris is a British nose who is the force behind Perfumer H. This episode is a fascinating look into the world of perfumery and what it takes to be an independent perfumer. From the intensive training to develop your palette to the extraction methods and materials, this episode takes a rare look behind the curtain at an acclaimed perfumer's life and work. Find Lyn (and us!) on Instagram:  @lynharristheperfumer @perfumerhlondon @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.perfumerh.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Sue Sartor is an inspiring force who started her namesake brand of joyful dresses at 47-years-old after focusing on raising her family. This episode offers insights into Sue's entrepreneurial journey, her visioning practice, and her perspective on chasing your dream at any age. Find Sue (and us!) on Instagram:  @suesartor @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.suesartor.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Yaser Shaw's family has been in the shawl business for over 200 years, and Yaser is leading this generation of the family business. On this episode, Yaser and Laura discuss the intricate art of shawl making with over 700 artisans across Kashmir. From the shearing of the goats to the hand-weaving and embroidery, the process to create one shawl can take anywhere from three months to several years and remarkably, "not one drop of electricity is used." Find Yaser (and us!) on Instagram:  @yasershawtexiles @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.yasershaw.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Marie Lichtenberg began her career as a fashion editor before chasing her dream to design a jewelry collection. In this meaningful conversation, Marie brings vulnerability and candor to share how sometimes the most painful moments lead to the best opportunities. After hearing the powerful story of the turning point of her life, her jewelry will appear even more gorgeous and alive. Find Marie (and us!) on Instagram:  @marie.lichtenberg @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.marielichtenberg.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Rupert Sanderson is an independent shoe maker who began his career in advertising, but always had a hunch that he would make shoes one day. He’s now been in the business for over 20 years.  Find Rupert (and us!) on Instagram:  @rupertsanderson @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.rupertsanderson.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Stephen Campbell creates custom artwork for clients around the world and he is the cover artist for Capitol, Tabor, and Poole Shop's second annual Dream Book. This episode gives a window into Stephen’s unique ability to help others step into their creativity through art therapy while mastering his own craft. Find Stephen (and us!) on Instagram:  @stephencampbell_illustration @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.stephencampbelldraws.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Francesca and Marina Moscone are the co-founders of their namesake brand, Marina Moscone. As sisters and partners, they have worked together for six years to create a burgeoning family business. This episode shines a light on their commitment to only producing what they believe in, Marina's unique aesthetic, and a collection that is destined for success due to the sisters' unique partnership full of trust, love, and mutual respect. Find Francesca and Marina (and us!) on Instagram:  @marinamoscone @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.marinamoscone.com www.shop-capitol.com 

FROM THE ARCHIVE | From Season 6, we are re-airing this special episode featuring Jana and Sid of Munnu the Gem Palace in honor of their pilgramage to Charlotte this month. Munni the Gem Palace is a storied jeweler based in Jaipur, India that has served as the crown jewelers to the country's Maharaja since the mid-18th century. Munnu Kasliwal captivated the world with his unique creations and now his son, Creative Director Siddharth Kasliwal and President Jana Pasquel are keeping his legacy alive. This archival episode highlights the heritage of Munnu the Gem Palace and a brilliant new chapter led by powerful partners Sid and Jana. Find Sid and Jana (and us!) on Instagram:  @sidkas @thegempalace @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.gempalace.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Jenni Kayne is one of the rare people who found her craft at age 19. For the past 20 years she has continued to grow her vision through books, home, beauty, and stores across the country. In this episode, we learn how Jenni created her business and how the people who have bolstered the business like her father and CEO allowed her to create a family at the same time. Find Jenni (and us!) on Instagram:  @jennikayne @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.jennikayne.com www.shop-capitol.com 

Georgia Dant is pioneering a new chapter for fashion with her innovative brand, Marfa Stance. Georgia marries fashion with function to create a seasonless collection that will define what sustainable brands will look like in the future. Find Georgia (and us!) on Instagram:  @marfastance @whatweworepodcast  @shopcapitol  Or on the web:  www.marfastance.com www.shop-capitol.com