Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast

167. Gen Alpha and the Return of the Teen Magazine 30.06.2026 27min

Join host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, in conversation with Paula James-Martinez, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Cuqui Magazine, about what’s next for teen culture. They explore how the decline of teen-focused spaces, social media bans and shifting cultural behaviours are reshaping adolescence and how brands can connect authentically with young people by understanding what they want, giving them a voice and something they can claim.

166. Tailoring Meets Tech – AI in the Fashion Curriculum 16.06.2026 26min

In this episode of Create Tomorrow, Cassandra Napoli dives into the evolving fashion landscape for incoming fashion creatives with Graduate Fashion Foundation’s Managing Director Nicola Hitchens and Communications & Special Projects Director Annabel Waterhouse-Biggins. They explore emerging trends, the impact of AI on education and specific skills to focus on to work well with AI. Tune in to understand what the new markers of success are and which values are shaping the next generation of designers and their work ethic.

165. Get your kicks – How Football is Reshaping Culture and Community in the US 02.06.2026 24min

Join Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli and guest Tony Magana, founder of the Football Boutique, discussing how football shapes culture in America, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Discover the evolution of football culture, retail strategies, and the impact on fashion and community. Key insights include Tony's journey, the rise of soccer in the U.S., and the role of football aesthetics in fashion. Explore how brands can engage authentically and the future of football culture in America.

164. Beyond the Glazed Donut – How Playful Marketing is Reshaping Beauty 19.05.2026 29min

Amid misinformation and too many products to choose from, how can you engage customers and futureproof your brand? Join host Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s Head of Consumer Forecasting, as she delves into skincare strategies with Rita Silva, The Ordinary’s Senior Manager, Scientific Communications and Brand Engagement. Rita shares how transparency and education are transforming trust in beauty brands, exploring how scientific communication shapes consumer behaviour and trends. They connect these insights to real-world impacts, emphasising the importance of structured narratives to strengthen loyalty.

163. No Place Like Space – The Final Frontier For Design 05.05.2026 27min

Find out how space exploration, innovative vehicle design and future mobility shape our world as aerospace designer Anthony Sims shares insights with host Cassandra Napoli. From redefining space interiors to integrating space-inspired aesthetics into everyday products, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of design, technology and human experience.

162. Trace It, Prove It, Profit: The Rise of Digital Product Passports 21.04.2026 29min

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are changing how brands connect with consumers, driving circularity and revenue simultaneously. Host Cassandra Napoli invites IoDF’s CEO Leanne Young and CCO Cat Taylor who are using regulation to create traceable, smarter products. They uncover how embedding DPPs into garments expands consumer engagement, revealing design concerns from discreet NFC chips to culturally sensitive placements that streamline marketing without social fatigue. Find out how brands build loyalty and maximise resale and repair.

161. Why Are We Renting Our Clothes? 07.04.2026 25min

Most Gen Zs are eager to rent and resell their wardrobes, but what if clothing brands started designing specifically for this shift? Host Cassandra Napoli invites Julia O’Mara and Brian McMahon, co-founders of Pickle, to unfold how peer-to-peer rental transforms fashion.Julia and Brian share how Pickle turns closets into micro warehouses, creating an on-demand fashion that adapts to rapid trends and shorter lifecycles. Uncover the evolving consumer psyche on why affordability, accessibility and self-expression fuel the rental revolution.

160. What Makes Radiant Earth the Colour of 2028? 31.03.2026 28min

Colour isn't just about aesthetics; it reflects and communicates emotions and events that shape our world. In this episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites WGSN’s Senior CMF Strategist Jennifer Birch to unveil the Colour of the Year for 2028, Radiant Earth. This episode uncovers how Radiant Earth was meticulously chosen to resonate across industries, from consumer tech to aerospace, supported by WGSN’s colour provider, Coloro. Find out how this colour connects with consumer emotions like hope and resilience.

159. How GLP-1 Drugs Are Reshaping Fashion 24.03.2026 29min

Host Cassandra Napoli invites WGSN’s Senior Strategist Laura Yiannakou to share insights on adapting fashion for fluctuating bodies and changing expectations. Laura delves into how GLP-1 drugs are reshaping apparel, from flexible sizing to inclusive designs.From the rise of flexible fits to the integration of shapewear into everyday clothing, this episode explores the body and wardrobes in flux. Find out how brands are innovating with forward-thinking designs to meet the needs of modern consumers while minimising losses.

158. Hot off the Runway – WGSN Unpacks the Fashion Weeks 12.03.2026 29min

Join host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, as she explores the latest insights from Fashion Month with industry experts. In this episode, Cassandra is joined by Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear at WGSN, Kim Cupido, Senior Catwalk Strategist at WGSN, and Ana Correa, Accessories and Footwear Strategist at WGSN. Together, they delve into how collections reflect broader cultural shifts and technological innovations, sharing their visions for the future of fashion with a focus on sustainability, authenticity, and cross-continental creativity.

157. AI x Human: Who's Doing the Thinking Anymore? 03.03.2026 26min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites Adobe Firefly Enterprise’s Director of Product Design Viggy Madhav to share how GenAI is transforming content creation, design processes and brand trust. Listen in to explore the evolving role of human creativity, ethical considerations and the future landscape as AI seamlessly integrates into our creative and marketing workflows.

156. Going for Gold with Electric Skis 17.02.2026 27min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli meets Nicola Colombo, founder of E-SKIMO, to learn about innovative electric-assisted skis – designed to democratise access to backcountry skiing. Listen in to explore how technology, tradition, and sustainability are shaping the future of snow mobility.

155. From Rheumatoid Arthritis to Runway – Inspiring Accessible Design 03.02.2026 29min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites British accessible accessories designer Destiny Pinto to share how she transforms the industry with empathy and creativity and how accessibility and high fashion meet through adaptive and human-centred design.Discover inclusive representation through Destiny’s innovative accessories, including her Adison bag that can be used on wheelchairs, mobility aids, strollers, car seats and more. Listen to find out how disability gain will benefit everyone, including able-bodied people.

154. How Gen Z is Game-Changing Sports Culture 20.01.2026 27min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and WGSN Sport & Outdoors Content Strategist Mary Stanwick review how Gen Z is reshaping the sports landscape. From cost and climate to fitness and spectatorship, they uncover how Gen Z are adapting for greater accessibility and shifting health priorities. Tune in to learn about the rise of hybrid sports, the importance of aesthetics in product design and the growing influence of women in sports fandom.

153. Life Through the Lens – What's Coming in 2026 13.01.2026 14min

In this special one-off episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Consumer Insight Cassandra Napoli give a sneak peek into how WGSN forecasts consumer and product trends.The hosts of the two WGSN podcasts, Lives of Tomorrow and Create Tomorrow, also explain how the two podcasts work together to help you better understand tomorrow’s world whether you work in consumer lifestyle products or you're just interested in how the world's evolving. Listen in for a taste of what’s to come on our podcasts in 2026.

152. Anyone for Salmon Sperm? WGSN’s Top Trends for 2026 23.12.2025 29min

In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by Head of Marketing, Events and Culture Forecasting Cassandra Napoli and VP of Content and Director of Beauty Clare Varga to discuss 2026’s top trends. They delve into Beauty’s secret ingredient tipping the scales, salmon sperm, plus digital privilege, the slow punk movement and the rise of unserious everything – exploring how these trends are shaping consumer behaviour and industries. Gain insights into digital detox, the impact of GLP-1 drugs across industries and the significance of guardian design in fashion.

151. Influence Redefined - Trust, Authenticity and the Future of Marketing 09.12.2025 30min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli explores the evolving landscape of influence with industry leaders Brandon Perlman and Jennifer Wilder Perlman from Social Studies. We explore how CEOs have long been the original influencers. Brandon and Jennifer talk about the importance of authenticity in marketing and how the creator economy is rapidly changing. Discover the power of quiet influence and the impact of AI on the influencer landscape

150. From Runway to Reality – The Digital Fashion Revolution 25.11.2025 26min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and Matthew Drinkwater, head of the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion, discuss the convergence of technology and fashion. Matthew explores how emerging technologies like augmented reality, digital fashion and AI are transforming the industry and education. The conversation studies the role of digital fashion in the metaverse, the impact of AI on creativity and the future of fashion education.

149. Getting on Board with the Movers and Shapers of Surf Culture 11.11.2025 26min

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli, surfboard shaper Donald Brink and former Surfer Magazine writer Gabe Sullivan discuss surfing’s cultural shift from a niche pastime to a mainstream sport.Donald and Gabe uncover the role of surf shapers in crafting sustainable surfboards and the growing inclusivity within the surf community, particularly for women. Find out the impact of the internet on surf culture and surfing’s prominence as it becomes part of the Olympic Games.

148. Fandoms & Franchises – The Future of Cultural Connections 28.10.2025 27min

In this episode, host Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s Head of Kidswear Erin Rechner and Senior Cultural Strategist Liz Tan delve into the cultural moments set to define 2026 and beyond, offering insights into how brands can strategically embed themselves into these pivotal happenings. We explore the future of fandoms, the rise of women in sports and the impact of co-creation on niche cultures. Discover how WGSN’s Events + Culture platform provides a roadmap for brands looking to connect with audiences meaningfully. Whether you’re a brand strategist or a culture enthusiast, gain valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of cultural engagement.