After the mayhem that is fashion week, you would think there couldn’t be any more surprises. One of the latest ventures in fashion is Maison Margiela’s podcast series with designer John Galliano. “THE MEMORY OF … With John Galliano” dives behind the scenes of the brand and the process of the designer. The podcast features exclusive insight that only those high up in the fashion world would know. Galliano narrates how he envisioned some of his most remarkable creations in his latest Artisanal collections, his SS 2019 collection and Margiela’s new fragrance, Mutiny. There are four episodes so far, which are available on iTunes for free.
Podcasts, at least to me, seemed like a thing of the past. When I think of a podcast, I instantly envision either finances, sports analytics or some random guys obsessing over conspiracy theories for a few hours. However, multiple fashion brands and publications have launched podcasts. Hypebeast, GQ Style, Vogue and The Business of Fashion all launched podcasts in 2017. Gucci launched their podcast this year along with Margiela’s.
All of these podcasts have different focuses. Some are more interview focused, like Gucci’s and their conversation with Harlem designer Dapper Dan, while others, such as Margiela’s, are built around the dialogue of the designer. The Business of Fashion features channels such as “Drive,” which is focused on those working on the entrepreneurial side of fashion, and “Inside Fashion,” which covers a broader range of topics including social work and the #MeToo movement.
While podcasts are a great way for the audience to get a more personal experience with designers, models, executives and moguls behind some of the biggest brands and media sources, is it in lieu of something bigger? Every business, no matter the type, is becoming more digital. For the world of media and publications, it seems that becoming digital is now the main focus. Some publications, such as Teen Vogue, have cut their print editions entirely. Those that are still in print have cut back on their publishing frequencies.
While it’s hard to think of a powerhouse such as Vogue completely axing their prints, will physical copies become obsolete? What is the true purpose of having a physical copy of a magazine if you can just as easily have a digital copy? These are the questions that will soon need to be answered. Until that time comes, if you collect magazines, keep collecting. If you don’t, then maybe you should start. This year’s September issue for Vogue was the first one I ever truly desired to have in a physical form, and while some may think that print will eventually stop, there are some of us who will advocate for its continuation.
