In Episode 68 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff is joined by Maori Karmael Holmes and James Claiborne, the co-curators of “Freedom Dreams”, a film exhibition currently on view at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA.

"Freedom Dreams" asks us to ponder the forms that freedom takes for Black Americans at the 250th anniversary of America's founding, giving visitors five short films created by Black artists and filmmakers to stimulate that thought process.

Liberty, Maori, and James discuss the following:

• What they believe that today’s version of freedom and liberation for Black people looks like
• Why film was the correct artistic medium to make the “Freedom Dreams” case to the public
• How they narrowed down the “Freedom Dreams” exhibit selection to these five specific artists
• The level of influence that both author and historian Robin D. G. Kelley (from whose work this exhibit takes its name) and Dr. Albert Barnes (founder of the Barnes Foundation) had on the spirit of the "Freedom Dreams” exhibit
• Whether Philadelphia is doing a good job in promoting and facilitating the freedom and liberation of its Black citizens and other citizens of color
• And more!

MAORI’S BIO:

Maori Karmael Holmes is a filmmaker, curator and cultural worker. She founded BlackStar Film Festival and serves as Chief Executive & Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects. She has organized film programs at Anthology Film Archives, Barnes Foundation, MOCA, and Whitney Museum, and has organized the exhibitions Freedom Dreams (2026), Rashid Zakat: Uses of the Ironic (2024), Terence Nance: Swarm (2023), among others.

JAMES’S BIO:

James Claiborne is the Fleischner Family Vice President for Engagement at the Barnes Foundation and a curator and educator with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit arts sector. He previously served as Director of Programming at the African American Museum in Philadelphia and Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Programs at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. At the Barnes, he is co-curator of Freedom Dreams, the museum’s latest special exhibition, on view now, and has also co-curated John Dowell: A Public Intimate Space and William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision, including its accompanying performance series choreographed by Brendan Fernandes.

 

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Manic Metallic, “250 Years of Dreaming About Freedom” (“Freedom Dreams” exhibition review): https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/250-years-of-dreaming-about-freedom/

Barnes Foundation, “Freedom Dreams”: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/whats-on/exhibitions/freedom-dreams

Barnes Foundation - Free July at the Barnes Foundation for Philadelphia city residents(info): https://www.barnesfoundation.org/whats-on/free-july

Blackstar Projects: https://blackstarprojects.org/

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Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

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CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 67 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff talks about the following:

• Manic Metallic’s upcoming coverage of the Tribeca Festival (which runs from June 3-14, 2026), from the ground in New York, and how listeners can keep up with that coverage
• Manic Metallic’s press coverage of events over the past couple of months, including numerous art fairs, exhibitions, a fashion show, and a conference
• The recent passing of Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, better known as Jerry Gogosian
• The decision for Anxiety.eco to shut down, and how that is a bad indicator for those who wish to hold the fashion (and other creative) industries to account

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

"Tribeca Festival 2026 Preview: Keep An Eye Out For These Six Films”: https://manicmetallic.com/films/tribeca-festival-2026-preview-keep-an-eye-out-for-these-six-films/

“Opulence At The Armory: TEFAF New York 2026”: https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/opulence-at-the-armory-tefaf-new-york-2026/

“Notes From Frieze New York 2026”: https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/notes-from-frieze-new-york-2026/

“How Do We Choose Who Gets To Be Immortalized?”: https://manicmetallic.com/reviews/how-do-we-choose-who-gets-to-be-immortalized/

“Nature, Mourning, and Hope: The Jefferson Fashion Design Class of 2026”: https://manicmetallic.com/events/nature-mourning-and-hope-the-jefferson-fashion-design-class-of-2026/

“A Nation of Artists — For Over 250 Years”: https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/a-nation-of-artists-for-over-250-years/

“250 Years of Dreaming About Freedom”: https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/250-years-of-dreaming-about-freedom/

“Marcel Duchamp Never Stopped Being An Artist”: https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/marcel-duchamp-never-stopped-being-an-artist/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manic-metallic

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 66 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff talks about the concept of “spring cleaning” your business, and five ways that you should consider doing that spring cleaning. Liberty will be engaging in this spring cleaning process over the next few weeks for Manic Metallic, and relays how she will be doing so to listeners.

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 65 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff updates the Manic Metallic community on what’s been going on with the company after a missed podcast week, including the following:

• Many spring press previews for exciting art exhibitions in New York and Philadelphia
• Planning for the Manic Metallic Culture Salon, which is set for March 26th
• How applying to a fellowship led her to question how she has been presenting her professional skills — and whether or not she has been underselling what she has to offer
• Her experiment with Anthropic’s Claude AI on auditing her Linkedin profile — seven areas that she was able to improve, and how you could potentially do the same updates
• What everyone's goal for Linkedin should actually be

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Manic Metallic: "The Whitney Biennial 2026: A Study In Relationality": https://manicmetallic.com/arts-culture/the-whitney-biennial-2026-a-study-in-relationality/

Learn more about The Manic Metallic Culture Salon: https://manicmetallic.com/the-manic-metallic-culture-salon/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is the hottest show on the streaming networks. Carolyn Bessette — long a style favorite of the fashion set — has now entered today’s mainstream. Her life, similar to when she was alive, is being picked apart piece by piece.

You could say that people are obsessed. And that’s not a good thing.

Join host Liberty Imhoff on Episode 064 of The Manic Metallic Podcast as she discusses the following:

• The specific traits that people admire about Carolyn Bessette — and why you can achieve those for yourself
• What the people who say that they want to go back to the 90s are actually searching for
• How the obsession with living in a previous time period robs us of the ability to improve our current lives and those of our fellow citizens
• Why our society is made weaker by continually focusing on telling stories about the Kennedys — and what we should do instead
• And more

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter: “#002 - Cultural Senses: What I Read, Saw, and Heard This Month” https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/002-cultural-senses-what-i-read-saw

Learn more about The Manic Metallic Culture Salon: https://manicmetallic.com/the-manic-metallic-culture-salon/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Meeting up with people offline is something that many people have on the top of their lists for various reasons — both to host and to attend.

Manic Metallic has been listening to this sentiment from folks, and we have three in-person events either planned or in the planning stages for 2026 so far.

If you are looking for a way to meet other creative people while building community, and you are either in Philadelphia, PA or willing to travel here, now is your chance to be one of the first attendees of a Manic Metallic-hosted event!

Listen to Episode 63 of The Manic Metallic Podcast to find out what those events are and how you can attend.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter: “#002 - Notes From The Underground: Company Founder Takes” https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/002-notes-from-the-underground-company

Learn more about The Manic Metallic Culture Salon: https://manicmetallic.com/the-manic-metallic-culture-salon/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 62 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff is joined by her husband, architect Benjamin Imhoff, for a special Valentine’s Day Week episode in which they discuss the following:

• What interested Benjamin in architecture — and his advice for other aspiring architects
• The importance of becoming licensed if you choose to work in the field of architecture
• Donald Trump’s strange obsession with design — and whether it was wise to elect a developer as president of the United States
• Gentrification architecture: what it is, why it is reviled, and the alienation that exists throughout all levels of the creation process — from design conception to public perception
• Why the recent traditional architecture movement’s philosophy is anti-intellectual, and its right-wing populist leanings
• How both the hyperneoliberalist landscape and the lack of a cohesive design vision for society lie at the root of many of the architecture industry’s issues
• And more!

BENJAMIN’S BIO:

Benjamin works as a Project Architect at Donovan Architects in Haddonfield, NJ. He is licensed to practice architecture in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he currently lives in Philadelphia, PA.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter: “MM Substack Interview Series: Benjamin Imhoff, Architect” https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/mm-substack-interview-series-benjamin

Donovan Architects Project Page: https://donovanarchitects.com/our-projects/

CONNECT WITH BENJAMIN

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-imhoff-aia-94865a55/

Substack: https://substack.com/@bfibfi

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

The Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 collections just wrapped last week, so what better time than now to do another edition of 'The Last Word' for The Manic Metallic Podcast?

In these episodes of 'The Last Word', host Liberty Imhoff gives her take on the shows and discusses her takeaways and the role that these shows are currently playing in the realm of fashion.

Not every show is covered, and this is not a play-by-play, but many shows are brought up.

This episode has the following:

• Two questions that people tend to ask when questioning the necessity of the Haute Couture shows, and her answer to those questions
• Her take on the Paris Haute Couture SS26 shows: who did well, who didn’t, and why these shows matter
• Her belief in the talent of the fashion industry’s designers

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter: "#001 - State of Fashion and Culture" https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/001-state-of-fashion-and-culture

Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 Calendar https://www.fhcm.paris/en/haute-couture-week/calendar#20260129

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

The US version of TikTok is officially under American control after a couple of feverish years of no one knowing what was going to happen to the platform’s presence in the United States.

Join host Liberty Imhoff in Episode 60 of The Manic Metallic Podcast as she talks about the following:

• Specifics about the new TikTok ownership team
• Why national security was never the true concern for the US government regarding TikTok
• Why all major social media platforms are now compromised
• How artists and other creatives can continue to create and promote their work in a non-social media centric way

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

BBC - "What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users?" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5yynydvgzo

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter - "Five Things To Ask Yourself When Leaving Social Media Platforms” https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/five-things-to-ask-yourself-when

Manic Metallic - “Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Rogan, and Why Fashion Needs New Ways To Communicate Its Message” https://manicmetallic.com/social-media/mark-zuckerberg-joe-rogan-and-why-fashion-needs-new-ways-to-communicate-its-message/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

In Episode 59 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff talks about the following:

• Why — and how — you need to get really clear on your messaging this year, whether you’re an individual or a business
• The value of communication pillars
• What Manic Metallic’s five pillars are for 2026

Plus, a bit about a 2026 in-person event being planned by Manic Metallic!

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Manic Metallic’s About Page: https://manicmetallic.com/about/

The Manic Metallic Podcast - Episode 058: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3W3hMvOXGBuEgBK2ICb3Qk?si=86ee8eda36e64839

The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter: https://manicmetallic.substack.com/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

In this episode of The Manic Metallic Podcast, host Liberty Imhoff discusses her decision to learn to sew this year, two reasons why it is advantageous to learn this important life skill, and why learning to sew is a sustainable thing for everyone to do.

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Manic Metallic celebrated its fifth anniversary as a business on January 1, 2026! We couldn’t be more excited about it.

There are lessons that you learn along the way when you make it to five years as a company founder, and I decided to share some of those with our audience for The Manic Metallic Podcast.

Plus, we’re celebrating our five-year mark by giving our listeners — and those who want to be a part of it — a chance to join The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter community for 50% off of an annual subscription (from $80 to $40)!

This invitation expires on January 12th; here’s the link for it: https://manicmetallic.substack.com/mmanniversary

Here’s the link to the latest issue (1/6/2026) of The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter with more info about the 50% off invitation: https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/our-plans-for-the-manic-metallic

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Episode 56 is the first solo episode of The Manic Metallic Podcast in a couple of years! In it, Liberty discusses what she sees as the seventeen most interesting fashion and culture stories of 2025.

These stories span the fashion, arts, and culture spectrum, from Ralph Lauren’s big year and 55k-Gate to the Louvre Heist and the sale of Frida Kahlo’s El sueño (La cama).

The show notes here are very detailed and list sources for the stories that are discussed, and you’re encouraged to check those out below.

Remember to subscribe to both The Manic Metallic Podcast and The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter to keep up with our latest updates; here’s the Substack link: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Ralph Lauren

• Polo Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs Collection https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/pr_250723_PRLOakBluffs.html
• YouTube Video | RALPH LAUREN | Polo Ralph Lauren | A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs https://youtu.be/UOT8CUBpERE?si=AukkHbsO1-i9TP3-
• Ralph Lauren's CFDA Award https://cfda.com/news/the-2025-cfda-awards-winners-and-honorees/
• Polo Ralph Lauren x Tópa collaboration https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/pr_251118_PRLxTOPA.html
• Polo Ralph Lauren's USPS Collection https://news.usps.com/2025/11/24/ralph-lauren-to-offer-usps-inspired-collection/

Sydney Sweeney AE Ad

• American Eagle x Sydney Sweeney "Good Jeans" Ad, Explained https://www.npr.org/2025/08/01/nx-s1-5487286/sydney-sweeney-american-eagle-explained-why-controversy-racist-eugenics-trump-bathwater-ad-klein-statement
• Liberty Imhoff | TikTok Video On American Eagle x Sydney Sweeney ad https://www.tiktok.com/@libertytheaesthete/video/7532209718798880014

The Cutting Room Floor (Recho Omondi) $55k Controversy

• Liberty Imhoff | Tiktok Video On The 55k Salary Controversy https://www.tiktok.com/@libertytheaesthete/video/7543400378138725646
• Liberty Imhoff | TikTok Video On Why Businesses Should Advocate For Universal Healthcarehttps://www.tiktok.com/@libertytheaesthete/video/7543684491462593805
• A 55k-Gate Article Explainer https://www.thecut.com/article/cutting-room-floor-job-controversy-55k.html

Condé Nast's Year

• Liberty Imhoff | Tiktok Video On Teen Vogue Being Folded Into Vogue's Website https://www.tiktok.com/@libertytheaesthete/video/7568987241737981198
• Condé Union Firings https://www.semafor.com/article/11/06/2025/cond-nast-abruptly-fires-4-staffers-after-hr-confrontation

Trump Antagonizing The Worlds of Arts and Culture

• USA Today - Explainer https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/14/trump-kennedy-center-what-to-know/78618607007/
• How The Kennedy Center Takeover Has Been Going https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/06/politics/trump-kennedy-center-takeover
• Sally Mann's Censorship at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/09/sally-mann-photographs-seized-fort-worth-modern-art-museum
• Amy Sherald Canceling Her Show https://www.npr.org/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5479078-e1/artist-cancels-her-exhibition-after-smithsonian-wants-to-remove-a-portrait

Departures and Debuts

• The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter | #005: In The Know - The Musical Chairs Of Fashion https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/005-in-the-know-the-musical-chairs
• CHANEL Métiers d’art 2026 Show in New York https://www.youtube.com/live/afbCCkgVGHY?si=_vy7l7N5uDSBFhfp

The Met's "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" Exhibition at the Costume Institute

• Manic Metallic Article | Review: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” https://manicmetallic.com/exhibitions/review-superfine-tailoring-black-style/

Tariffs Rocking the Fashion Industry

• Ssense Bankruptcy https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqvg293gvpo
• Ssense Hasn't Paid Many Indie Designers https://www.gq.com/story/ssense-indie-brands-creditor-list

Frida Kahlo Painting 

• Artnet Article https://news.artnet.com/market/frida-kahlo-el-sueno-sothebys-auction-2690737

Puck Purchases Air Mail

• Axios Article https://www.axios.com/2025/10/30/puck-air-mail-stock-deal-graydon-carter
• The Manic Metallic Substack Newsletter | Who Actually Thinks That Condé Nast Is A Moral Company?https://manicmetallic.substack.com/p/who-actually-thinks-that-conde-nast

Sasha Suda + Philadelphia Art Museum Termination Saga

• Phillyvoice: An Explainer https://www.phillyvoice.com/sasha-suda-lawsuit-philadelphia-art-museum-firing/
• Info On The Rebrand and How People Felt About It https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-philadelphia-art-museum-rebrand-surprised-locals-and-board-members-is-it-as-bad-as-some-say/ar-AA1PN5sJ
• Manic Metallic Article | Review: "Dreamworld: Surrealism At 100" https://manicmetallic.com/reviews/review-dreamworld-surrealism-at-100/

Prada's Purchase Of Versace

• Info On the Purchase https://apnews.com/article/italy-fashion-prada-versace-62a0c62b0a5c332af996ce7ad4d548a9
• Dario Vitale's Exit https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/04/style/versace-designer-exit-dario-vitale

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Taking Over Fashion

• ArtNet Article https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-bezos-met-gala-2715793
• The Daily Beast Article https://www.thedailybeast.com/jeff-bezos-buys-lauren-sanchez-the-party-of-the-year/#user-comments
• Liberty Imhoff | Tiktok Video On The Met Gala Sponsorship https://www.tiktok.com/@libertytheaesthete/video/7574909707219995918

Significant Deaths

• Frank Gehry https://apnews.com/article/architect-frank-gehry-died-obit-guggenheim-disney-a023a30877e6e9644dd9ad8f1f4217f4
• Giorgio Armani https://apnews.com/article/italy-obit-giorgio-armani-bb4b91756214c456fd5db14216a91b75
• David Lynch https://apnews.com/article/david-lynch-dies-9107f3ce0b4dd49dbe3dc2ae3c09ed59

AI Gets Its Hands On Everything

• Manic Metallic | How To Use AI Without Selling Your Soul: A Guide For Creatives https://manicmetallic.com/product/how-to-use-ai-without-selling-your-soul-a-guide-for-creatives-product/
• Doji (AI Try-On App That Creates A Likeness Of You) https://www.doji.com/
• Daydream (AI Fashion Agent) https://daydream.ing/
• Whering (Social Wardrobe and Styling App) https://whering.co.uk/

Louvre Crown Jewels Stolen

• PBS Article - Explainer https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/crown-jewels-stolen-from-louvre-in-4-minute-operation-by-thieves-in-broad-daylight

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

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CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

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Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 55 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, we spoke with Layo Gbadamosi, a fashion designer and entertainment lawyer.

Here’s some of what we discussed:

• How she made it through attending both fashion school and law school at the same time
• The inventive way that she created her first legal job by way of fashion
• How creatives can talk to white-collar professionals about what they do
• The visual inspiration of Layo G
• Why you need to get really clear on your target customer
• How AI makes authenticity more important than ever
• What legacy media is doing wrong in fashion — and whether there is any hope for them to evolve
• And more!

LAYO’S BIO:

Nigerian born designer and lawyer, Layo Gbadamosi established her eponymous line in the heart of New York City in 2014. Layo studied Fashion Design at Parsons, The New School for Design, while simultaneously attending law school at Fordham University School of Law.

She spent the early years of her career learning about the business of fashion by interning and working in the legal departments of Burberry, Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stuart Weitzman and more. Upon obtaining her law license, she served as Chief Legal Counsel and Director for Jovani Fashions, the evening-wear giant.

She switched gears and went on to establish a preeminent career as an Entertainment Lawyer in the television and film industry. She made her way up the corporate ladder in an environment dominated by men. She worked at Viacom as a Business & Legal Affairs Director at its BET brand, then went on to become a Business & Legal Affairs executive and Senior Counsel at Endeavor Content, a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global entertainment juggernaut.

She now serves as Executive Director of Business Affairs at Disney, supporting its ABC brand. As the legal executive overseeing various programming hits such as Rihanna’s “Savage x Fenty” fashion show on Amazon, "Being Serena" on HBO, "Juventus" on Netflix, Disney’s yearly holiday specials and much more, she quickly rose up the ranks and is recognized for her ability to successfully close highly negotiated deals.

As a lawyer, business executive, entrepreneur, mother, wife and a multitude of other titles, Layo Gbadamosi is the embodiment of the women this brand serves. She has learned how to navigate the corporate battlefield and has come to understand the struggles working women face in terrains where many glass ceilings still need to be shattered. Layo seamlessly transitions into the role of mom and wife daily and knows first hand the juggling act women all over the world perform as they seek to do it all.

She is the woman she designs for and the Layo G woman was born through her experiences.

CONNECT WITH LAYO

Website) https://www.layo-g.com/

Social Media) @layo_g_official

Text/Call) 212-503-8569

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Episode 54 of The Manic Metallic Podcast with creative entrepreneur Dareyna Swann ran the gamut from fashion education and artificial intelligence to fast fashion and ways to get into fashion that people don’t talk about as much as they should.

Specifically, here is some of what we covered:

• Dareyna’s education as a teen at the High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan
• How fashion can actually be a lucrative industry
• Why fashion needs to solve more problems
• How your desire for prestige is keeping you underpaid and manipulated
• Why Dareyna believes the criticism of Shein is unwarranted
• The innovative ways in which both our companies are using AI — and how you can adapt what we’re doing for your use
• AI’s impact on the future of work
• How the average person is already using AI without knowing
• Bias in AI systems
• And more!

DAREYNA’S BIO:

Dareyna Swann is a multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur, educator, and digital strategist based in Philadelphia, although a New York Native. She operates Good Vybes Beauty, a digital marketing agency that offers creative services for beauty and fashion brands, and she is actively building a multi-layered business ecosystem that spans AI-powered fashion and beauty content creation, digital marketing services and fashion/beauty education programs.

Dareyna is passionate about AI-driven personal branding and content creation, creating virtual influencers like Mona Raye and Liyah Reign, who are used as case studies and marketing assets. Her flagship educational offerings, such as the AI Glow-Up™ skool community and Digital Double™ course, empower aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs to leverage AI tools for brand growth.

Dareyna's career spans over 20 years in the fashion, education, and beauty industries, where she has developed curricula, taught at Thomas Jefferson University, and worked with high-profile clients such as Lil' Kim. She is also worked with initiatives like the Virgil Abloh™ 'Post-Modern' Scholarship Fund, and Fashion Scholarship Fund, offering mentorship and educational opportunities for underrepresented creatives.

A strong advocate for diversity, empowerment, and inclusivity, Dareyna strives to bridge the gap between fashion, technology, and education. She’s committed to helping others build profitable fashion brands and scale their businesses through AI-powered solutions and digital marketing strategies.

You can find her on social media under @Dswannbeautyartist and @thefashionresourcenetwork, where she shares her expertise on fashion, business, and branding.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Philadelphia Recommendations

Visit the Maison Philly Fashion Week retail location (and attend Philly Fashion Week) https://www.phillyfashionweek.org/

Visit the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator https://philadelphiafashionincubator.com/

CONNECT WITH DAREYNA

Good Vybes Beauty: https://payhip.com/GoodVybesBeautyservices

The Fashion Resource Network https://thefashionresourcenetwork.com/

Social Media Handles: @Dswannbeautyartist and @thefashionresourcenetwork

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 53 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, I had a fun, value-packed conversation with Onalaja creative director Kanyinsola Onajala.

Here’s a peek into some of what we talked about:

• What Kanyinsola learned about fashion from her personal experiences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Italy
• Her pointers on getting into fashion for folks that have not (or did not) natively come from — or attend school in — an area rich with fashion history and culture
• Her experiences in working with British designers Christopher Kane and Giles Deacon
• The personal reason that Kanyinsola is so devoted to size inclusivity in her work with Onalaja
• The advantages of running a made-to-order design brand
• Initiatives that she’s seen in the British fashion industry to combat sustainability issues in fashion
• Inspiration for Onalaja’s latest collection, which is also the 10th anniversary collection
• And a lot more!

KANYINSOLA’S BIO:

Kanyinsola Onalaja is a Nigerian-born, London- and Rome- educated fashion designer, creative director, and visionary entrepreneur shaping the future of African luxury. As the founder of her namesake brand Onalaja, she has earned global recognition for her ability to fuse traditional African craftsmanship with modern, high-fashion sensibilities creating immersive, three-dimensional pieces that transcend borders and redefine contemporary elegance.

A graduate of Istituto Marangoni, with advanced training in 3D pattern cutting in Rome, Kanyinsola has honed her expertise with renowned fashion houses including Christopher Kane and Giles Deacon Couture, and worked as a luxury embroidery specialist in London and Paris. Since launching Onalaja, she has scaled it into an internationally stocked label with a presence at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Revolve, Zalando, and Industrie Africa.

Under her leadership, Onalaja has become a symbol of slow, inclusive luxury, producing ethically crafted garments in sizes XXS to XXXXL, while championing sustainability and individuality.

Her designs have been worn by icons including Jennifer Hudson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Camila Coelho, Chloe Bailey, Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, Tiwa Savage, and Kandi Burruss, and showcased on global stages like New York Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week. The brand has been spotlighted by Vogue, Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, and the Business of Fashion, with Kanyinsola recognized as a Vogue Talents “One to Watch” and a recipient of the UN Global Top 100 Under 40 of African Descent.

Beyond the runway, Kanyinsola is a strategic thinker and industry leader committed to building a business rooted in cultural storytelling, community empowerment, and innovative design. She is part of a bold new generation of African women redefining what it means to lead in global fashion.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

London Recommendations

Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum https://www.vam.ac.uk/

Check out Carnaby Street https://www.thisissoho.co.uk/carnaby-street/

Go to Shoreditch for art galleries, food, and fashion (here’s an article that I found; seems useful: https://madeinshoreditch.co.uk/2025/01/04/best-vintage-shops-shoreditch/)

CONNECT WITH KANYINSOLA

Onalaja (Website) https://onalaja.com/

Onalaja (Tiktok) https://www.tiktok.com/@onalajaofficial

Onalaja (Youtube) https://www.youtube.com/@onalajaofficial

Onalaja (Pinterest) https://uk.pinterest.com/OnalajaBrand/

Onalaja (Linkedin) https://www.linkedin.com/company/onalaja/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

On Episode 52 of The Manic Metallic Podcast, I had a nice chat with Fashion Talk founder and Editor-in-Chief Amarissa Imoukhuede.

We discussed, among other topics, the following:

• The synergy of Manic Metallic and Fashion Talk
• How growing up in a household that prioritized creativity and individualism influenced her desire to be in the fashion industry
• Her journey through the fashion industry, from her first roles at a small home decor company and at Calvin Klein to being a fashion publication founder
• What she believes got her her dream job at Calvin Klein
• Why it’s important to approach things with confidence
• Her ideation process for topics that she chooses to include in Fashion Talk
• The 2025 Spring Met Costume Exhibition theme, its significance, and the philosophical underpinnings of Black Dandyism
• And a ton more!

AMARISSA’S BIO:

Amarissa Imoukhuede is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Talk, a global Substack publication exploring the intersection of fashion and culture through editorial storytelling and sharp cultural commentary.

Born in Chicago, raised in New York, and shaped by time spent in London and Nigeria, Amarissa has always been a worldwide woman, with fashion running through her blood and a deep curiosity for how style connects across cultures.

Read in over 70 countries, Fashion Talk champions diverse voices, self-expression, and emerging perspectives in fashion, with a strong focus on community and mentorship. Through Student Voices, the platform’s student writing program, Amarissa nurtures the next generation of fashion thinkers by offering space, guidance, and visibility to young writers shaping the culture.

With a background rooted in both editorial depth and community building, Amarissa isn’t just reporting on the future of fashion, she’s helping build it.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

New York Recommendations

Hang Out In Soho (no specific agenda)

Go To Art Museums, Galleries, etc. To Meet People

Thirsty Gallerina (1: Website) https://www.thirstygallerina.com/

Thirsty Gallerina (2: TikTok) https://www.tiktok.com/@thirstygallerina

Thirsty Gallerina (3: Linktree) https://linktr.ee/thirstygallerina

CONNECT WITH AMARISSA

Fashion Talk (Substack) https://fashiontalk.substack.com/

Fashion Talk (Linkedin) https://www.linkedin.com/company/fashion-talk/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Episode 51 of The Manic Metallic Podcast is a marathon interview with BB Babes founder Mindy Solkin. We discuss too much to mention in a description, but some of our topics were:

• Mindy’s Northeast Philadelphia childhood, and how it influenced her desire to work in fashion
• Whether online stores’ continued dominance correlate with a loss of respect for fashion
• How engaging in creative hobbies could foster a genuine enjoyment of fashion
• How fashion will always have an element of selfishness and why that is
• A post-mortem of the Philadelphia Center City Macy’s debacle — and problems with Macy’s as a whole
• Mindy’s new venture, BB Babes, and how she’s looking to connect with her fellow Baby Boomer women
• Her thoughts on the style of Gen Z
• And a lot more!

MINDY’S BIO:

Mindy Solkin has four key passions: Fashion, Fitness, Entrepreneurship, and Giving Back. She holds a degree in fashion design from Drexel University, which led her to design apparel for various garment manufacturers. This included managing a design department at a major bridal manufacturer for four years, culminating in the creation of her own business focused on designing formal dresses.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, a trip to a running camp in Vermont profoundly influenced her life. Having been a runner since 1978, and with the fitness trend gaining momentum in the early 1990s, she relocated to New York City and founded The Running Center in Manhattan, a specialty training studio for runners.

Over a span of 25 years, she coached thousands of individuals to achieve their dream of running a marathon, while personally completing six marathons and earning age-group awards in distances ranging from 5K to half-marathon.

In 2016, Mindy returned to her hometown and re-ignited her fashion career, serving as the personal stylist at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia for five years.

But her entrepreneurial spirit remained strong, and with nearly five decades of creative work and business experience, she launched BB Babes, The Fashion, Fitness, and Health Network for Baby Boomer Women. BB Babes pays tribute to women born between 1946 and 1964 who are still gainfully employed, or own businesses, or have retired but continue to engage in various pursuits whether business-oriented or civic-minded.

Mindy aims to share her knowledge, experiences, and lifelong interests in fashion, fitness, and health with women of her generation through BB Babes. Because to Mindy, nothing beats the feeling of making a positive impact on someone’s life.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

(Places To Shop)

M Concept https://mconceptshop.com/

Wayne Edwards Workshop https://www.wayneedwardsworkshop.com/

Sioux Zanne Messix

CONNECT WITH MINDY

The Running Center https://www.therunningcenter.com/

BB Babes https://bbbabes.net/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Episode 50 of The Manic Metallic Podcast sees us interviewing Guzangs founder Idelle Taye, a rising star in the fashion space and a passionate advocate for the African fashion scene.

In this episode, we discuss a wide variety of topics, including:

• The Guzangs mission, and how Idelle came up with the idea for the company
• Misconceptions that Westerners have about the African fashion scene
• The challenges of entering the industry for people without a fashion background and that, consequently, have zero connections — and advice for those in this situation
• The company's recent partnership with Marist University on a very successful fashion exhibition
• How sustainability is baked into the African way of life and, therefore, into African fashion
• And so much more!

IDELLE’S BIO

Idelle Taye is the founder and style director at GUZANGS. Guzangs is considered to be the "Vogue/BOF of Africa,” tirelessly championing African fashion and design and art in unprecedented ways. Idelle is a trailblazer in discovering and celebrating talent from the African continent on a global platform. 

Across fields, biennials, fairs, and fashion weeks, there is a clear and growing sense that we are entering into an era that is Africa’s time – and Idelle has been a foundational part of growing, developing, supporting, and promoting the talents making that happen. She recently produced the 'Alternative Realities' fashion exhibitions in the U.S., spotlighting over 200 works from 14 designers across Africa – including Lagos Space Programme and Nkwo – to capture the energy, culture, and unique purview of African designers.

As Guzangs continues to grow, it’s followed by notable figures including Alicia Keys, Channing Tatum, Ava DuVernay, and Stefano Pilati, emphasizing the breadth and scope of its influence. It's also a testament to how this amazing content and stories from the continent are resonating with such a diverse audience, including Hollywood. 

Idelle is deeply immersed in the continent’s fashion ecosystem and champions its role in global culture and sustainable fashion.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Essence Magazine interview:

https://www.essence.com/fashion/idelle-taye-founder-of-guzangs-platform/

Photos From The ‘Alternative Realities: Modern and Contemporary African Fashion’ fashion exhibition at Marist University in Poughkeepsie:

https://bfa.com/events/46525/share/243995326a7509

CONNECT WITH IDELLE TAYE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guzangs/

Guzangs website: https://guzangs.com

Facebook: Connect On Facebook

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations

Welcome to Season 4 of The Manic Metallic Podcast!

We're kicking off the season by doing a last word on New York Fashion Week's SS24 collections (and we will try to do the same for London, Milan, and Paris, time-dependent, of course).

We've broken down the shows into five categories:

• Initial Thoughts (shows that, for better or worse, we wanted to elaborate on a bit more)
• Perennially Chic (shows by brands/designers that are, well, perennially chic)
• Collections That Were Nice, But Not Groundbreaking (self-explanatory)
• Honorable Mentions (shows that were fine, but I didn't feel compelled to elaborate further on them)
• Keep An Eye On (Design brands that are young/youngish and that have a bright future in the industry)

We elaborate where necessary and we don't when we don't feel that it is warranted.

If we get to have this format of episode for the fashion weeks in the other three cities mentioned above, this same format will hold true.

What did you think about NYFW this past season? DM us at Manic Metallic, and let's talk!

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Manic Metallic https://manicmetallic.com/editorials/to-designers-you-dont-have-to-present-a-fashion-collection-every-season-if-youre-not-inspired/

Pinterest (NYFW Pinterest Board) https://www.pinterest.com/liberty_manic/fashion-month-picks-springsummer-2024-rtw-shows/new-york-fashion-week-springsummer-2024-rtw/

SUPPORT THE MANIC METALLIC PODCAST ($)

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/11d2b542-f3b4-4462-b85e-5708034cb823/donations

CONNECT WITH MANIC METALLIC

Subscribe To Our Substack Newsletter: manicmetallic.substack.com/subscribe

Manic Metallic Website: manicmetallic.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manicmetallicofficial

CONNECT WITH LIBERTY

Substack: substack.com/@libertyimhoff

Website: libertyimhoff.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyimhoff/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-manic-metallic-podcast/donations