Speaking to Media | Randi Bergman, freelance fashion, pop culture and lifestyle writer

Next up in our Speaking to Media series is Randi Bergman. You may have seen Randi’s engaging interviews, fashion stories or culture pieces in The Kit, The Globe and Mail or ELLE Canada. The freelance writer is also the founder of Capsule 98, a website and podcast dedicated to the formative objects, places and experiences that shape who people are. Inspired by her time capsule she found at 13 years old in 1998, Capsule 98 brings the nostalgia as Randi reflects on trends from the 90’s and early 2000’s with guests on her podcast.  

We spoke to Randi about how she started writing, Y2K trends, memorable celebrities and the Canadian fashion industry.

Tell us a bit about what sparked your interest in writing. 

It’s very cliche, but Carrie Bradshaw. Sex and the City aired when I was in high school and I wanted to emulate the life I saw on screen. For a class assignment, I wrote a critique about the way people dressed at my school (Birkenstocks, PJ pants, ripped Ivy league sweatshirts and Louis Vuitton bags.) My mom got it published in the community paper and the rest was history.

You’ve interviewed some pretty major celebrities and designers, who has been your most memorable interview and why?

Liza Minelli is at the top because I am very obsessed with her and her mother, Judy Garland. It was a very quick chat at a fashion show. Fran Drescher was probably my most memorable because we talked for ages as she puttered around the house. Over the course of our interview, she made eggs, swept the floor, and did the dishes… all the while doling out iconic Nanny-isms. 

As the social media landscape continues to evolve, what platforms do you currently use to scout for new stories?

TikTok is of course! That’s where so many of the trends come from these days, but for me, it’s a combination of social, general creeping and gut instinct. 

What makes a PR pitch stand out to you?  

Something new or specifically tailored for me and my interests or what I cover.

Is there a particular Y2K trend you’re hoping comes back but hasn’t yet? 

The word “fabulosity” lol.

What excites you the most about the Canadian fashion industry right now? 

One good thing that came out of the pandemic was a bit of removal of borders and the heightened ability to promote yourself via social media. I’m loving how much global attention designers like Steff Eleoff and Spencer Badu are getting because of that. 

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Want more of our Speaking to Media series? Check out our interview with Natalie Michie, digital writer, FASHION Magazine.