More Taste Than Money

Is the "signature scent" officially a relic of the past? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we chart a major cultural transition in the fragrance industry: the death of the one-bottle identity and the rise of the dynamic fragrance wardrobe . We move beyond the romantic marketing of perfume to examine the physical chemistry of modern olfaction. From the strategic stacking of disco...

Is the ultimate luxury item no longer something you wear, but something you inject? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we chart the explosive, unregulated migration of peptide therapeutics from clinical hormone research straight into the high-stakes world of luxury wellness and biohacking. We move past the traditional beauty counter to examine the multi-billion-dollar economy of GLP-1 agon...

Is the "Royal Pop" the future of watchmaking or a $400 existential threat to high-end luxury? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we break down the global retail hysteria surrounding the Audemars Piguet x Swatch collaboration. From pepper spray in shopping malls to the "pocket watch" format that caught even the experts off guard, we explore why one of the world's mos...

Can a century-old elite print empire survive the cold, algorithmic reality of the digital-first era? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we chart the evolution of Condé Nast from a niche 20th-century publishing experiment into a global data-driven conglomerate. We explore the brilliant business architecture pioneered by founder Condé Montrose Nast—the man who practically invented modern dem...

Is shopping no longer about what we want, but how we're prompted to feel? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we dissect the Lyst Index Q1 2026 , where the "search bar" has been replaced by "mood-led browsing" and AI-driven discovery. We analyze the seismic coronation of Chanel as the world’s hottest brand, fueled by Matthieu Blazy’s "recognizable refresh."...

What happens when a founder burns down the industry’s marketing playbook only to be consumed by the fire? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we chronicle the meteoric rise and turbulent fall of Brandon Truaxe, the visionary who turned "The Ordinary" into a global obsession. We explore how DECIEM dismantled the luxury facade by prioritizing clinical transparency and vertical integ...

Is the era of effortless expansion officially dead? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we analyze the high-stakes fallout of the 2026 Middle East conflict and its "catastrophic" ripple effects on the global luxury market. We move past the storefronts to examine the intellectual and operational pivot forced upon the industry’s titans. As LVMH and Kering grapple with shrinking margi...

Is Victoria Beckham Beauty a genuine disruptor or a masterclass in prestige pricing? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we audit the brand that successfully traded pop-star sparkle for clinical rigor. From the cult-favorite Satin Kajal Liner to the polarizing $110 foundation backed by Augustinus Bader, we examine the mechanics of high-end beauty. We explore the "Philosophy of Posh&quo...

The integration of AI into fashion has reached a fever pitch, creating a sharp divide: is the technology a creative "synthesizer" or just high-speed "slop"? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we dissect the industry’s identity crisis as brands choose between synthetic efficiency and human friction. We analyze the fallout from Gucci’s "AI slop" controversy and...

Is novelty finally out of style? In this episode of More Taste than Money , we dissect the Lyst Index Q4 2025, where stability is the new disruption. From the unwavering dominance of Saint Laurent and Miu Miu to the rise of "borecore," we explore why the industry is pivoting toward modern classics and functional heritage. As brands like Ralph Lauren and Massimo Dutti win by doubling down...

In this episode of More Taste than Money , we break down the McKinsey & BoF State of Fashion 2026 report. The industry has entered a "new normal" where global volatility isn't just a hurdle—it’s the landscape. We explore the intellectual and operational pivot required to survive a year defined by high US tariffs and the Great Manufacturing Migration to Southeast Asia. Beyond the...

Personal expression takes center stage for Fall/Winter 2025. In this episode of More Taste than Money, we unpack the key themes from Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks—Cinematic Retro, Eros Rewritten, Midnight Mechanic, and Teen Spirit. With insights from over 3,000 runway looks, we break down the fabrics, colors, and silhouettes shaping the season. Tune in for the ultimate menswear trend forecast.

What if fashion is more than style—what if it’s a way of thinking? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore the collaboration between designer Alessandro Michele and philosopher Emanuele Coccia. From Gucci to Valentino, from archives to identity, their book The Life of Forms argues fashion is a radical language of self and culture.

In this episode of More Taste than Money, we unpack the latest tariff changes hitting the fashion and beauty industries. From rising costs to shifting supply chains, discover how brands like Shein and Temu are navigating a volatile trade landscape.

Rolex, Patek Philippe, Hermès—Watches and Wonders 2025 brought out the best in horology. In this episode of More Taste than Money, we break down the standout launches from Geneva, including Rolex’s bold new Land-Dweller, plus major innovations and anniversaries from top maisons. Tune in for a look at the designs, movements, and moments that defined this year’s biggest watch event.

From wearable tech to anti-aging skincare, biohacking is reshaping fashion and beauty. In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore how self-optimization, longevity science, and cutting-edge wellness trends are influencing the industry. But with innovation comes ethical concerns—are we chasing health or just another unattainable ideal? Tune in for a deep dive into fashion’s biohacking boom...

Is heat styling on its way out? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we dive into the growing trend of heatless curls—from DIY methods like sock curling to high-tech innovations from brands like Dyson and Shark. Are they truly a healthier alternative, and which methods work best for different hair types? Tune in to explore the future of damage-free styling.

Ulta Beauty’s loyalty program isn’t just a perk—it’s a powerhouse driving nearly all of the brand’s revenue. In this episode of More Taste than Money, we break down the strategies behind its success, from gamified rewards and AI-driven personalization to exclusive perks like birthday gifts. How does Ulta keep millions of customers coming back? Tune in to find out.

How did SKIMS turn a rocky start into a global success? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore the brand’s journey—from the “Kimono” controversy to game-changing collaborations with Fendi and Nike. With a focus on inclusivity, body positivity, and viral marketing, SKIMS has redefined shapewear and athleisure. But how much of its success is strategy, and how much is Kim Kardashian’s s...

Why do we make impulsive purchases? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore insights from The Urge to Splurge, a dissertation analyzing how different media cues—phygital triggers, CSR advertising, and mindfulness messaging—impact our buying behavior. We break down how brands influence impulse spending and what this means for consumers and marketers alike. Tune in to uncover the psycho...

What’s defining womenswear for Spring/Summer 2025? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we break down the biggest trends from New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. From Serene Romance to Aquatic Wonderland, discover the key themes, fabrics, and silhouettes shaping the season—based on insights from 109 runway shows. Tune in for the ultimate trend forecast.

From electrolyte powders to viral Stanley Cups, hydration has transformed from a basic necessity into a status symbol. In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore how social media, wellness culture, and trendy new brands turned drinking water into a lifestyle movement. Tune in to discover why hydration is now the sexiest category in wellness.

How can brands stay ahead of the curve in 2025? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we explore Heuritech’s first-ever Trend Calendar, a data-driven guide to the year’s biggest fashion shifts. From AI-powered insights to expert forecasting, we break down the key trends poised for strong growth and what they mean for the industry. Stay ahead—tune in now.

How did Fashion Week become the global spectacle it is today? In this episode of More Taste than Money, we trace its origins from Charles Frederick Worth’s exclusive salon shows to the rise of the “Big Four” in New York, Milan, Paris, and London. We explore how these once-elite events transformed into mass media phenomena, shaped by influencers, livestreams, and ever-growing digital engagement. Tu...

McKinsey’s latest report reveals how beauty brands can leverage generative AI to stay ahead in 2025. From hyper-personalized marketing to AI-driven product discovery, faster packaging development, and groundbreaking innovation—this episode breaks down the key use cases, integration strategies, and the balance between automation and creativity. Tune in to explore the future of beauty tech.