Threads of Conversation

A Thread about Camille Bidault-Waddington: Illegal Chanel, modelling for Margiela, defining ‘cool’ 16.06.2026 59mnt

My guest this week is Camille Bidault-Waddington, one of the most original and influential stylists working today. Born in Normandy, Camille has been part of so many pivotal fashion moments - she modelled for Martin Margiela in the 90s, spent 14 years styling Marc by Marc Jacobs in the early 2000s, and worked for The Face, Dazed and Self Service magazines at their inception.In this conversation, Camille selects 5 items of clothing that chart her creative process, her love of ‘weird’, and how coming out as a lesbian has influenced her style. These include a rare Margiela army sock jumper, a vintage Chanel couture suit, and a pair of mythical AW10 Balenciaga shoes, created during Nicolas Ghesquière’s tenure at the house.If you enjoy the episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter on Substack, and follow Threads of Conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about W. David Marx: Status anxiety, Ivy League obsession and diagnosing cultural change 20.05.2026 50mnt

Today’s episode is a live recording with author and cultural critic W. David Marx, best known for his books ‘Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style’ (2015), ‘Status & Culture’ (2022) and ‘Blank Space: A Cultural History of the 21st Century’ (2025).We discuss the origins of his books, his thesis on fashion, the state of culture today, and the outfits that chart his life and career thus far. You can see pictures of the looks he discusses in the accompanying newsletter.Thank you to The Groucho Club for hosting us and to Thom Browne for dressing me. If you enjoy the episode and want to hear about future live events, then subscribe to the newsletter for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Lydia Pang: The creative director and author spills her guts 06.05.2026 1j

Today’s guest is Lydia Pang, a creative director who led the cultural output at companies like Nike and Refinery29, before setting up her own explosively successful creative studio, MØRNING.In the past year, Lydia has also taken on two new roles: author and mother. Her new memoir, Eat Bitter, is told through 8 recipes from her Hakka Chinese heritage. It covers growing up in Wales, meeting her husband on MySpace, forging a creative career, moving to New York and getting drunk on the American Dream. It also charts a story of failure, miscarriage, burnout and rebirth.It’s a rich and flavoursome conversation: we talk about the state of culture today, where the internet is heading next, what it takes to build a brand, write a book, and advice for building a creative career.If you enjoy the episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to the Threads of Conversation newsletter, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Osman Ahmed: Alaïa, Armani and the evolution an It-girl 08.04.2026 46mnt

Today my guest is Osman Ahmed, a writer, consultant and London It-girl. For over half a decade, Osman was the Fashion Features Director at i-D magazine, where she interviewed everyone from Giorgio Armani to the Olsen twins. She now contributes to Vogue, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and the Financial Times. She also writes a searingly witty Substack newsletter called ‘Private Parts’.Alongside writing, Osman has also walked in both of Conner Ives’ recent fashion shows, been named one of Vogue's '10 It Girls Re-energising British Cool', and recently wrote a piece for 10 Magazine, titled ‘How Change is the Only Constant', modelling for an editorial shoot alongside.In this conversation, we discuss journalism in the age of personality, tips for interviewing global talent, dancing onstage with Kylie Minogue, and using fashion as a tool for personal evolution.Read the accompanying newsletter here, and if you enjoy the episode, then don’t forget to subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. You can also follow along on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Lyas: Fashion commentary, performance art and flat earth theory 06.03.2026 44mnt

In recent years, Lyas (born Elias Medini) has become one of the fashion industry’s most recognisable faces. The French it-boy got his start on social media, where he amassed a large audience thanks to his cheeky sense of humour, deep knowledge of fashion, and authentic point of view.This episode is one from the archive, conducted in July 2024. Since then, Lyas has become even more beloved by the fashion industry after launching La Watchparty last year. The idea happened by chance - Lyas wasn’t invited to Jonathan Anderson’s first Dior show, so he did a callout to gather fans to watch the livestream in a local Paris bar. Hundreds of people showed up, and La Watchparty was born. Now, the free, open-to-all events happen across all the fashion capitals, attracting thousands of fans and creating massive viral moments.In the midst of fashion month, I thought it would be fun to revisit this interview where we discuss the roots of Lyas’ creativity and how he built his community. Click here to see pictures of Lyas' items in the accompanying newsletter. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Chani Ra: Going viral while her baby naps 18.02.2026 45mnt

Today’s guest is Chani Ra, also known by her TikTok username, The Fashion Nap, because she started making her videos during her newborn’s nap time. Now her child is three, and Chani has become one of fashion’s favourite social media stars.In this episode, I sit down with Chani to talk through 5 items of clothing that chart her life and career in fashion. We discuss going viral on TikTok, building a career on social media, and how she balances content creation with her most important job: motherhood.You can see pictures of Chani's items in the accompanying newsletter here. Don’t forget to subscribe below for more Threads of Conversation, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Emilia Petrarca: Prada chronicles, flaccid totes and the state of media 04.02.2026 44mnt

In recent years, Emilia Petrarca has emerged as one of fashion’s most distinctive voices. She first honed her blend of wit, obsession and journalistic rigour at The Cut, where she rose to the position of Senior Fashion Writer, before going freelance in 2023. These days, her work regularly graces heavy hitters like The New York Times, The New Yorker and the Wall Street Journal. She’s also leading the ‘new media’ charge - her newsletter Shop Rat has over 30,000 loyal subscribers. In this interview, we discuss the items of clothing (mostly Prada) that chart her career in fashion, plus her infamous disdain for flaccid totes. Find the accompanying newsletter here, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Jessica Willis: Styling Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl and fashion directing The Cut 19.01.2026 43mnt

Today my guest is Jessica Willis, fashion director of The Cut at NY Magazine, and the stylist behind some of the most important cultural moments of recent years. She's worked on Solange’s album 'When I Get Home' and Kendrick Lamar’s music videos for 'Not Like Us' and 'Squabble Up'. In February 2025, she styled the entire ensemble cast for his Superbowl halftime show - the most viewed in history. She's also responsible for The Cut's stunning cover story with Rama Duwaji, the new first lady of New York.Here, we discuss the items of clothing that chart Jess' impressive rise through costume design, music and fashion. From a tongue-in-chic pair of Chanel boots, to a Prada dress with a dramatic history. A reminder that you can also watch the video episode and see pictures of Jess' chosen items - find both in the accompanying newsletter here. Don't forget to subscribe for more Threads of Conversation and follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Fashion Month: Dissecting the SS26 designer debuts with industry experts 14.10.2025 58mnt

What a fashion month it’s been! The SS26 season saw 13 new creative directors make their debuts at some of the world’s biggest luxury houses, from Jonathan Anderson’s Dior, to Demna’s first taste at Gucci. Recorded in the cinema at Selfridges London for a live audience, I gathered three industry experts to discuss what we saw and what it all means: Dazed's Fashion Features Director Emma Davidson, curator and art director Willy Ndatira aka. williamcult, and Beauty Editor Dominic Cadogan. A huge thank you to Selfridges for hosting us and supporting this episode of Threads of Conversation. You can read more in the accompanying newsletter here. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to hit the heart button and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Conner Ives: Protecting the dolls, dressing the swans and promoting pop conspiracies 30.09.2025 49mnt

In this episode, designer Conner Ives chooses eight items of clothing that chart his life and career in the fashion industry so far.Conner began his brand whilst studying at Central Saint Martins. Since then, his clothes have been featured in exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and worn by the likes of Rhianna, Dua Lipa, Naomi and Taylor Russell. But his most recognizable piece is arguably the slogan t-shirt he released this year, bearing the words ‘Protect The Dolls’, raising funds and awareness for the trans community.You can see pictures of Conner's pieces in the accompanying newsletter here. If you enjoy the episode, then don't forget to hit the heart button and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Kristen Naiman: The RealReal's Chief Brand Officer on her life in 8 items of clothing 15.09.2025 54mnt

Today my guest is Kristen Naiman, Chief Brand Officer of secondhand luxury resale platform The RealReal. Over the course of her career, Kristen has done just about every job in fashion. She started off as a stylist, working at Conde Nast’s ‘Sports for Women’ magazine and touring with the teenage band Hanson. She then moved to Nylon magazine, before joining GAP as a concept consultant in the late 90s, and becoming fashion editor for Paper Magazine. Kristen then joined Isaac Mizrahi, where she worked across a variety of roles, staying at the company for nearly 10 years. Her next role at Kate Spade similarly lasted almost a decade. And then, in January 2024, she joined The RealReal.In this episode, we discuss the 8 items of clothing that have shaped Kristen’s life and career so far. You can read the accompanying newsletter on Substack here. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to hit the thumbs up button and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation! Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Alexander Fury: Archival Galliano, Alaïa anecdotes, and getting banned from shows 08.09.2025 51mnt

Today's guest is collector and critic Alexander Fury. As a journalist, he's held positions at New York Times' T Magazine, Financial Times, American Vogue, An0ther Magazine, and the Indpendent newspaper, and written ten books on fashion and luxury. He's also an avid collector, with an archive of over 3000 pieces of clothing from some of fashion’s most pivotal collections.In this episode, we discuss eight items from his archive that chart his life and career in fashion. From his early years as a Galliano-obsessed teenager, to befriending the late, great Azzedine Alaïa. You can find pictures of Fury's pieces in the accompanying newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe on Substack for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about the AW25 fashion shows with Dazed's Emma Davidson 01.04.2025 1j 12mnt

Today I’m lucky to have Emma Davidson back on the podcast, telling us all about the Autumn Winter 2025 show season. As Dazed’s Fashion Director of Editorial + Partnerships, Emma attends all the shows across the major fashion capitals, witnessing the drama and excitement first hand.You can find more about the shows and moments we discussed in the accompanying newsletter here. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about my career: Samutaro, founder of Instagram's favourite research account 24.03.2025 50mnt

On today’s episode, I sit down with Sam Trotman, founder of the Instagram account @samutaro, an Instagram page that focuses on style, art and everything pop culture. We discuss his background in trend forecasting and denim, and how his interest in subcultures led him to start one of the internet’s most popular research platforms. You can read the accompanying newsletter here. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to hit the heart button and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Jawara Alleyne 10.02.2025 51mnt

Designer and creative director Jawara Alleyne is widely regarded as one of London’s most exciting fashion talents. Growing up between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, he moved to London aged 19 to study at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, he joined talent incubator Fashion East, where he honed his signature deconstructed aesthetic, one that’s earned him the nickname ‘the safety pin polymath’, and a shoutout from Rihanna, who called him her new favourite designer.In this episode, I sit down with Jawara to discuss eight items of clothing that chart his life and career in fashion. Click here to see pictures of Jawara's chosen items in the accompanying newsletter, and don't forget to hit the heart button and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about my career: Copenhagen Fashion Week COO Isabella Rose Davey 27.01.2025 32mnt

Today's guest is Isabella Rose Davey, Chief Operating Officer at Copenhagen Fashion Week. In her 4.5 years in Denmark, she’s helped transform CPHFW into an international juggernaut. She’s also been instrumental in establishing its pioneering sustainability values, creating guidelines and models which set a new standard for the industry worldwide. In this conversation, we discuss her road to her current role, what that role entails, and where Copenhagen Fashion Week is going next. You can find the accompanying newsletter here. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Dauan Jacari 13.01.2025 51mnt

In this episode, you'll meet not one but two guests - DJ and Ryan, the duo behind New York it-brand Dauan Jacari, famous for their spiral boxer skirt, a prairie skirt made of deconstructed boxer shorts that’s become fashion’s ultimate ‘if you know you know’ item, popular with the likes of Chloe Sevigny and Charli XCX. In this episode, we discuss ten items of clothing that reflect Dauan Jacari's unique ethos and their thoughts on the state of fashion today. Click here to see pictures of the pieces that they discuss. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about Sharmadean Reid 04.11.2024 49mnt

This week’s conversation is with Sharmadean Reid, the founder, writer and creative consultant who started off in fashion before becoming a figurehead for women in business around the world. Originally from Wolverhampton, Sharmadean moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins. There, she began working with Nicola Formichetti, aka. Lady Gaga’s stylist, and consulting for clients like Nike. She then founded an innovation-led salon called WAH nails - the coolest place to hang out in the 2010s. After closing the salon in 2015, she created a groundbreaking beauty startup, Beautystack, which evolved into The Stack World, a media company and global community for mission driven women. This year, she distilled her learnings into her first book, ‘New Methods for Women’, and is currently working on a scripted TV show about female founders.Click here to see pictures of Sharmadean's chosen pieces, and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about my career: Sam Ross, founder of New School agency 28.10.2024 30mnt

Today's guest is Sam Ross, the founder of an agency called New School. Sam and his team represent some of the fashion industry’s most exciting talent - photographers like Campbell Addy and Julian Song, set designers like Ibby Njoya, Patience Harding and Samuel Overs, casting directors Good Catch and movement director Yagamoto. Based in London’s creative hub, 180 Strand, I caught up with Sam after he’d just returned from New York, where New School recently opened its second office. In this conversation, we cover what it takes to be a good agent, how the agency landscape has changed, and why it’s important to market an agency, as well as the talent it represents. We also chat about New School’s unique ethos, and the experiences that led Sam to set up his own agency.Click here to see pictures of some of the people we discuss, and subscribe for more Threads of Conversation. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe

A Thread about the SS25 fashion shows with Dazed's Emma Davidson 07.10.2024 1j 20mnt

This week, I’m in conversation with Emma Davidson, Fashion Features Director at Dazed. We recap the recent Spring/ Summer '25 season, where she attended some of the most important shows across the four fashion capitals (New York, London, Milan and Paris). We cover what fashion month looks like for her and how she manages all the content for Dazed’s fashion platforms, before diving into some of the standout moments from the season. Click here for more images and references to things we touched on in our chat. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe