With unparalleled expertise in fashion economics, Teri Agins deciphers how money moves through the global style ecosystem. The former Wall Street Journal columnist now writes for The Business of Fashion while maintaining her influential "Ask Teri" advice column.
We’ve followed Teri Agins’s trailblazing career as she redefined fashion journalism by prioritizing business acumen over fleeting trends. With a career spanning four decades, Agins has become synonymous with incisive analysis of the economic forces shaping the fashion world.
In this 2023 analysis, Agins dissects the Kardashian-Sears partnership collapse with surgical precision. Drawing on decades of market observation, she reveals how celebrity brands often prioritize short-term hype over quality craftsmanship. The piece stands out for its use of:
"The true cost of celebrity licensing deals isn’t measured in royalty percentages, but in brand equity erosion."
Agins’ 2014 book remains essential reading for understanding modern fashion economics. Through 12 case studies spanning Jessica Simpson to Kanye West, she documents:
In this recent media appearance, Agins updates her thesis for the TikTok era, noting:
Agins prioritizes stories demonstrating clear financial mechanisms. Successful pitches highlight:
- Production cost breakdowns
- Licensing deal structures
- Market share fluctuations
Example: Her Sears-Kardashian analysis compared manufacturing budgets across three product cycles.
Connect contemporary trends to 20th-century precedents. Agins frequently references:
- 1980s designer IPOs
- 1990s mall brand expansions
- 2000s fast fashion disruptions
Agins rarely covers individual collections unless they illustrate larger industry shifts. Focus instead on:
- Manufacturing innovations
- Retail distribution strategies
- Celebrity contract particulars
Recent pitches should reference:
- FTC guidelines on influencer marketing
- Trademark disputes in digital fashion
- Sustainability disclosure requirements
Agins values sources who can articulate:
- Textile cost accounting
- Global supply chain logistics
- Brand valuation methodologies
Received in 2001 for democratizing fashion coverage. The CFDA noted Agins’ unique ability to make corporate earnings reports accessible to general audiences while maintaining analytical rigor.
Honored in 2008 for investigative reporting on luxury handbag counterfeiting networks. Her series led to three Congressional hearings on intellectual property protections.
Recognized in 1997 for exposing labor practices in designer garment factories. This early work established her reputation for combining ethical reporting with financial analysis.
Op-Ed | Celebrity Fashion Hijackers
Hijacking the Runway: How Celebrities Are Stealing the Spotlight from Fashion Designers
Teri Agins on How Fashion and Celebrity Interface, and How the Power of Celebrity Has Changed the Fashion Industry Forever
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Fashion, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
