Threads of Conversation

Georgia Graham

What do your clothes say about you? In Threads of Conversation, host Georgia Graham asks guests to talk through the five items that represent pivotal moments in their life and career.

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21 episodes
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Avg 49 min
English

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Thursday · 47 min
A Thread about Naomi Shimada: Tender memories in Issey Miyake
My guest this week is Naomi Shimada. Naomi started modelling when she was 13, and later became a prominent voice advocating for size diversity in fashion. In 2019, she co-authored a book, Mixed Feelings, examining our relationship with social media. She was also a presenter on the BBC podcasts Beauty Fix and Obsessed with Killing Eve. Over the years, Naomi has become a trusted voice for honesty, care and inclusion, both inside and outside the fashion industry. She writes a newsletter, Tender Contributions, and is also trained as a somatic coach and in various healing modalities. In this conversation, we discuss five items of clothing that chart growing up in Japan, the loss of her father, her unique career trajectory, and what it takes to maintain lightness in dark times. You can also watch the video version, and see pictures of Naomi's chosen items in the accompanying newsletter. If you enjoy the episode, then don’t forget to subscribe, and follow Threads of Conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe
August 27 · 43 min
A Thread about Schiaparelli: V&A curator Sonnet Stanfill takes us inside the exhibition
This week I meet Sonnet Stanfill, V&A Senior Curator of Fashion, and the woman behind the museum’s breathtaking Schiaparelli exhibition. In this episode, Sonnet takes us on an intimate tour of the show, choosing 5 key pieces to tell us more about Elsa Schiaparelli’s life and work. We explore Elsa’s close friendship with artists like Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau and Man Ray, and how creative director Daniel Roseberry has continued her legacy since his appointment at the house in 2019. We also discuss Sonnet’s own career, and her work at the V&A. She tells us about the process of curating a fashion exhibition, how they acquire pieces for the V&A’s collection, and why this show was such a team effort.You can also watch the video version, and see pictures of Sonnet's chosen items in the accompanying newsletter. If you enjoy the episode, then don’t forget to subscribe, and follow Threads of Conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Get full access to Threads of Conversation at threadsofconversation.substack.com/subscribe
August 4 · 37 min
A Thread about Alex Kessler: i-D’s deputy editor on how to make it in fashion media
My guest this week is Alex Kessler, deputy editor at i-D. Alex began his career at Vogue, before moving to SSENSE, where he worked alongside Thom Bettridge and Steff Yotka, to shape the retailer’s meme-loving tone of voice. The trio then moved on to i-D, relaunching the print magazine and pioneering a new strategy on Substack. This is a great episode for anyone looking to build a career in fashion - Alex’s story is full of grit, determination and self-deprecation, plus advice on how to succeed in today’s media landscape. He also selects 5 items of clothing that have accompanied him along the way - from an overdraft-adjacent Prada shirt, to a conch bag representing his longstanding friendship with Kiko Kostadinov designer Deanna Fanning. 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
June 16 · 59 min
A Thread about Camille Bidault-Waddington: Illegal Chanel, modelling for Margiela, defining ‘cool’
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
May 20 · 50 min
A Thread about W. David Marx: Status anxiety, Ivy League obsession and diagnosing cultural change
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
May 6 · 1 hr
A Thread about Lydia Pang: The creative director and author spills her guts
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
April 8 · 46 min
A Thread about Osman Ahmed: Alaïa, Armani and the evolution an It-girl
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
March 6 · 44 min
A Thread about Lyas: Fashion commentary, performance art and flat earth theory
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
February 18 · 45 min
A Thread about Chani Ra: Going viral while her baby naps
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
February 4 · 44 min
A Thread about Emilia Petrarca: Prada chronicles, flaccid totes and the state of media
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
January 19 · 43 min
A Thread about Jessica Willis: Styling Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl and fashion directing The Cut
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
Oct 14, 2025 · 58 min
A Thread about Fashion Month: Dissecting the SS26 designer debuts with industry experts
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
Sep 30, 2025 · 49 min
A Thread about Conner Ives: Protecting the dolls, dressing the swans and promoting pop conspiracies
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
Sep 15, 2025 · 54 min
A Thread about Kristen Naiman: The RealReal's Chief Brand Officer on her life in 8 items of clothing
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
Sep 8, 2025 · 51 min
A Thread about Alexander Fury: Archival Galliano, Alaïa anecdotes, and getting banned from shows
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
Apr 1, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
A Thread about the AW25 fashion shows with Dazed's Emma Davidson
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
Mar 24, 2025 · 50 min
A Thread about my career: Samutaro, founder of Instagram's favourite research account
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
Feb 10, 2025 · 51 min
A Thread about Jawara Alleyne
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
Jan 27, 2025 · 32 min
A Thread about my career: Copenhagen Fashion Week COO Isabella Rose Davey
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
Jan 13, 2025 · 51 min
A Thread about Dauan Jacari
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

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