BELLA Boss: September 2025 The Fashion Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Alexis Lombardo
Unlocking success in the fashion industry takes ambition, resilience, and vision. These extraordinary entrepreneurs prove how self-belief and bold creative risks can turn style dreams into thriving businesses. If you’re ready to redefine your career journey, let their stories inspire you to carve your own path in fashion.
Sydnie Peebles
Photography By Scott Vo
Edmond, Oklahoma
Sydnie Banks Saddle-stitched Sculptural handbags, Founder & Artisan
THE SPARK: A Career in Fashion
I stumbled across a Youtube Video of a Hungarian man hand-making a pair of dress shoes and I instantly knew that I wanted to work with leather. Years later I went to England to study with a master saddle-stitcher and later founded my one-of-one hand-stitched luxury handbag brand, Sydnie Banks— in memory of my stillborn son, Banks.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Aligning Designs with Current Fashion Trends
Honestly, I don’t really follow recent trends—I base my designs on individuals, their life stories, and things that hold meaning and purpose.
Advice for the Next Generation of Designers
My biggest piece of advice for up-and-coming designers is to never underestimate yourself—amazing things can happen when you have the courage to ask.
Alyce Panico
Photography By Philip Friedman
NYC
Chief Executive Office, Luxe Collective Group
Chairperson: Fashion Group International
Luxecg.com | FGI.org
What initially sparked your interest in fashion, and how did that lead you to pursue it as a career?
I’ve always seen fashion as more than just clothing—it’s storytelling, identity, aspiration, and art all rolled into one. From a young age, I was drawn to the power of style to express who you are without saying a word. But what truly pulled me into this world was seeing how brands could shape culture, connect with people on an emotional level, and build legacies through creativity. I didn’t become a designer, but I carved my path on the business and brand side of fashion—working with luxury labels to help them tell their stories in meaningful, modern ways. That blend of creativity and strategy is where I thrive.
How do you align your designs with current trends?
While I don’t design collections myself, I work closely with emerging brands through my role as Chairperson of the Board at Fashion Group International. Through our philanthropic initiatives, we shine a spotlight on rising talent and provide the support, education, and mentorship needed to help them bring their creative visions to life in a way that resonates with today’s luxury consumer. Our approach isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about reading the cultural landscape: understanding what people value, what inspires them, and how they express identity through style. We analyze shifts in lifestyle, art, technology, beauty, and wellness, and guide designers on how to thoughtfully integrate these influences into meaningful campaigns and brand experiences. The goal is relevance with staying power—not just what’s “in,” but what will endure and make an impact.
Advice for up-and-coming designers:
Stay rooted in your point of view. Trends come and go, but your voice is what sets you apart. Be curious—about people, history, art, science, business. Fashion touches everything. And don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Find mentors, ask questions, collaborate often. This industry can be challenging, but there’s room for bold, fresh thinkers who lead with heart and vision.
Maryanne Grisz
Photography Courtesy of Fashion Group International
Manhattan, New York
Fashion Group International, President and CEO
THE SPARK: A Career in Fashion
It is my opinion, that all creative pursuits have a life force energy and when you can capture it - it becomes your calling. My inspiration came from my grandfather as a master tailor, who truly incorporated art and craftsmanship into clothing. Through my entrepreneurial spirit as a producer, I collaborated with designers, brands and creators and all the time being an active member of Fashion Group International as my industry network.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Aligning Designs with Current Fashion Trends
I define my style as modern classic, so for me it is about the small changes season to season…silhouette, details, fabric and shape.
Advice for the Next Generation of Designers
While it is vitally important to follow your passion, at the same time educate yourself... read key publications, learn the brands and leaders in your industry, and importantly, look for opportunities to learn and be not afraid to do the small jobs. Every situation is a learning opportunity for growth.
Mindy Scheier
Photography Courtesy of GETTY Images
NYC
Founder: Runway of Dreams Foundation and GAMUT
THE SPARK: A Career in Fashion
I fell in love with fashion as a kid, but everything changed when my son, Oliver—who has muscular dystrophy and can’t manage buttons or zippers—asked to wear jeans like his friends; I adapted a pair at my kitchen table and watched his confidence transform. That moment turned passion into purpose: I founded Runway of Dreams to prove mainstream fashion can be inclusive and later launched GAMUT Management to help brands design with and authentically represent people with disabilities. What began as a love of style became a mission to change an industry—fashion should fit the human, not the other way around.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY: Aligning Designs with Current Fashion Trends
We partner directly with mainstream brands from concept to fit so accessibility is built into the exact styles they release—not a separate line. The result: same jacket, same jean, same skirt—same look—designed for more bodies and abilities.
Advice for the Next Generation of Designers
Here’s my best advice, from one relentless designer to another:
“Just because no one has done it before doesn’t mean you can’t.”
If there’s no playbook, write one. Most of my career—Adaptive fashion included—started at a kitchen table with a problem no one had solved yet. And when doors don’t open, create your own runway.