Why Great Design Isn’t Enough | Flying Solo’s Elizabeth Solomeina

A strong collection is only the beginning. Flying Solo co-founder Elizabeth Solomeina explains the retail, production and collaborative work behind building a fashion business. Elizabeth joins Ines and Vlada to discuss moving to New York, launching a shared retail space with ten founding designers and developing a platform for independent brands. From designer selection and showroom support to wholesale challenges and sustainability claims, she shares her perspective on the business of fashion—plus the story of producing an outdoor runway show in freezing rain. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introducing Flying Solo co-founder Elizabeth Solomeina 04:02 - Moving from Russia to New York: From film to fashion 05:33 - Launching Flying Solo with ten founding designers 08:29 - Early recognition from WWD 09:29 - Producing the first fashion show & attracting press 12:56 - Making designer collaboration work 18:32 - Managing retail locations in SoHo & Paris 24:00 - Collaborative runway shows at NYFW & PFW 27:18 - How Flying Solo selects designers 30:48 - Producing an outdoor show in freezing rain 36:53 - PR, showroom & retail support for emerging brands 41:48 - Why a strong design alone is not enough 45:26 - Elizabeth’s perspective on sustainability marketing 49:57 - Questioning the traditional wholesale model 52:27 - Coordinating a community of over 200 creatives 59:35 - A vegan-fur brand’s successful change of direction 01:03:28 - Elizabeth’s case for physical retail & live fashion shows 01:07:56