Episode 97: The Truth About Being A Fashion Contributor

Podcast 2025
Written By Ally Portee

In this episode, Ally discusses the challenges and realities of being a contributor in the journalism industry, particularly in fashion. She emphasizes the instability of the media landscape, the burnout faced by full-time staff, and the importance of viewing contributions as supplemental work rather than a primary income source. I also highlight the potential of platforms like Substack and YouTube for writers to build their own brands and monetize their work more effectively.

Ally Portee

Starting out in the world of politics, Ally interned and worked in Washington, DC, in Congress, at The White House, and on political campaigns. Today she’s in a totally different arena: fashion. Developing an eye for sartorial craftsmanship, Ally has learned how to put intricate and detailed collections into words, while developing relationships with some of the world's most leading brands and covering Paris, Milan, and Riyadh Fashion Week shows. Ally started SEELE in 2012. Seele [ze-le] is the German word for Soul and its aim is to encourage people with faith-inspired and lifestyle content that stir the soul. Ally has written for Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, The Hollywood Reporter, GQ Middle East, Vogue Arabia, Refinery29, NPR, Arabian Business, and Euronews.

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