Podcast Summary: Fashion People – Episode "2 Become 1... Dior!"
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Lauren Sherman
Guest: Grow Curtis, Editor-in-Chief of Icon America
1. Introduction
In this episode of Fashion People, host Lauren Sherman engages in an in-depth conversation with Grow Curtis, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Icon America. The discussion primarily revolves around the monumental appointment of Jonathan Anderson as the designer for both Dior's men's and women's collections, alongside exploring the evolving dynamics of the Kardashian family's business ventures.
2. Jonathan Anderson's Appointment at Dior
Lauren Sherman opens the discussion by highlighting the significant news of Jonathan Anderson's appointment at Dior.
"[…] Jonathan Anderson, officially, after six months of waiting, has been appointed as the men's and women's designer of Dior—the first person ever to design both collections. He will oversee 10 collections in total."
[00:00:03:20]
Grow Curtis expresses enthusiasm about Anderson's appointment, emphasizing his hands-on approach and the challenges he faces managing such a prestigious brand.
"Jonathan is one of the biggest talents in the industry, not just of his generation. What he did with Loewe is fascinating... he is a pretty hands-on guy."
[00:00:06:09]
3. Challenges and Expectations
The conversation delves into the complexities Anderson will face in his new role, managing Dior's extensive divisions from menswear to couture within the vast LVMH empire.
Grow Curtis mentions:
"He is going to have to manage these giant teams of people, be creative, also manage up to Bernard Arnault, Delphine Arnault and all manage across to every single person."
[00:00:12:19]
Lauren Sherman adds her confidence in Anderson's capabilities:
"I have a huge amount of confidence in him. I'm a massive fan... I think he's going to go down in history."
[00:00:09:01]
4. The Role of Creativity vs. Business in Fashion
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the balance between creative freedom and business imperatives in the fashion industry. Grow Curtis critiques the increasing dominance of CEOs and corporate roles in creative houses.
"CEOs have been driving the wheels, they've been operating the machine... Designers need to create dreams, create some magic."
[00:00:15:26]
Lauren Sherman concurs, advocating for a return to creativity-focused leadership:
"I think what Matthieu and Jonathan will be will kind of shift the conversation and claim what they should claim. Creative direction of the brand."
[00:00:17:34]
5. Celine's New Appointee: Michael Ryder
Transitioning from Dior, Lauren Sherman introduces the topic of Michael Ryder's upcoming debut at Celine, expected to helm both women's and men's collections.
"In July during Couture, Michael Ryder is going to debut at Celine... It looks like it's men's fall 2025."
[00:00:19:45]
Grow Curtis confirms and elaborates on Ryder's potential impact:
"I think he's going to stick to the codes... making it very, very Michael."
[00:00:22:34]
6. Bottega Veneta's Media Strategy
The hosts briefly touch upon Bottega Veneta's innovative approach to media partnerships and its positive market performance.
Lauren Sherman remarks:
"Bottega has invested in a lot of young media brands... They have a 19% increase in the US last quarter."
[00:00:42:52]
Grow Curtis agrees, highlighting the brand's daring media collaborations:
"They made choices that are more daring in terms of the media that they partner with and earlier in the trajectory they've been a first mover."
[00:00:42:53]
7. The Kardashians: Business Ventures and Future
A significant segment of the episode explores the Kardashian family's business strategies, particularly focusing on their partnership with the Greeds and the future of their empire.
Lauren Sherman poses the question:
"Have we reached peak Kardashian or do you think it just will never end because they are so smart about how they evolve things?"
[00:00:30:14]
Grow Curtis responds optimistically about their longevity:
"I don't think we're seeing an end. I think we're just seeing another reinvention, another transformation coming soon... their ability to surprise always leaves me like gasping for air."
[00:00:31:35]
They discuss the potential IPO of Skims and the charismatic yet polarizing nature of Kim Kardashian's influence in the business landscape.
"Skims has a great business and needs her, but it doesn't need her... they're just very smart about evolving things."
[00:00:31:16]
8. Conclusion
The episode concludes with mutual excitement about the future developments in the fashion industry, both from Jonathan Anderson's leadership at Dior and the ongoing evolution of the Kardashian business empire. Grow Curtis also shares his enthusiasm for upcoming issues of Icon America, celebrating the collaborative efforts and creative freedom within the publication.
"I'm excited for you. When the next issue comes out... Congratulations."
[00:00:43:10]
Lauren Sherman expresses her anticipation for future discussions once new developments unfold.
Notable Quotes
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Lauren Sherman on Jonathan Anderson's Appointment:
"I have a huge amount of confidence in him. I'm a massive fan... I think he's going to go down in history."
[00:09:01] -
Grow Curtis on Creativity vs. Business:
"Designers need to create dreams, create some magic. When you have too many CEOs, CFOs, CMOs in the room with the designers, it's not very easy to actually create something."
[00:15:26] -
Grow Curtis on the Kardashians' Longevity:
"I think we're just seeing another reinvention, another transformation coming soon. Their ability to surprise always leaves me like gasping for air."
[00:31:35]
Key Takeaways
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Jonathan Anderson's Dual Role at Dior: A groundbreaking appointment where Anderson will oversee both men's and women's collections at Dior, marking a significant shift and presenting substantial challenges given Dior's legacy and the vast LVMH structure.
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Balancing Creativity and Corporate Management: The discussion underscores the tension between maintaining creative integrity and meeting corporate expectations, advocating for greater designer autonomy in luxury fashion houses.
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Celine's Future Under Michael Ryder: Anticipation surrounds Ryder's leadership at Celine, with expectations that he will blend traditional Celine aesthetics with his unique vision, fostering both creativity and commercial success.
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Bottega Veneta's Strategic Media Investments: Recognition of Bottega's innovative media partnerships contributing to its strong market performance, exemplifying the importance of daring and strategic collaborations in fashion branding.
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Kardashians' Enduring Business Empire: Analysis of the Kardashians' strategic business maneuvers, particularly their partnership with the Greeds in expanding and sustaining their brand, with no signs of their influence waning.
This episode of Fashion People provides a comprehensive look into pivotal moments and figures shaping the modern fashion industry, offering listeners valuable insights into the intersection of creativity, business strategy, and personal branding within this multi-trillion-dollar realm.