Martha Stewart Receives $40,000 Wardrobe Budget From Brands for Fashion Shows
The lifestyle mogul revealed on a podcast that fashion brands provide her with a substantial clothing allowance to attend runway events, a shift reflecting the industry's evolving landscape.
Martha Stewart, 85, disclosed that fashion brands offer her a budget of $40,000 for her attire when attending runway shows. The lifestyle expert shared this detail during an appearance on the MasterClass podcast "Other People's Business," where she discussed how the fashion industry has adapted to the influence of social media personalities.
"Now the influencers are getting paid either in goods," Stewart explained to host David Rogier. "I mean, I get asked to go to a fashion show, and I then get $40,000 worth of clothes. That's a lot of money - $40,000 to dress me to go to the fashion show, just to show up... that's so nice - I love that gig!"
Stewart clarified that this allowance permits her to select garments she desires for the event, and she gets to keep the clothing afterward. She noted this practice as a significant change in how brands engage with individuals who possess influence.
Stewart also commented on the definition of an influencer, stating that profitability is a key metric. "You have to make money - my philosophy has always been, if I'm going to work hard, I want to be paid. I have not really worked for nothing," she said. She attributed these industry shifts to the rise of the internet, social media, and the decline of traditional advertising avenues.
The businesswoman recalled her substantial earnings from the "Martha Stewart Everyday" brand for Kmart, where she received annual royalties of $65 million.
Stewart also touched on her relationships with prominent figures like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, expressing admiration for their business acumen. "We've talked, but she doesn't need my advice," Stewart said of Kardashian. "That, that group is really, really good, and I really admire it."
Stewart has been a visible presence at recent fashion events, including the Carolina Herrera show during New York Fashion Week in February and the TWP spring showcase last month. New episodes of "Other People's Business" are released weekly on platforms including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.