Podcast Summary: Naked Beauty – "Cultivating Style and Career Wisdom with Nikki Okunaki"

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Brooke DeVard
Guest: Nikki Okunaki, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire

1. Introduction to Nikki Okunaki

The episode kicks off with Brooke DeVard introducing her esteemed guest, Nikki Okunaki, a powerhouse in the fashion editorial world. Nikki's impressive career trajectory includes pivotal roles at Glamour, Elle, GQ, and Harper's Bazaar before ascending to her current position at Marie Claire. Brooke shares her admiration for Nikki, highlighting her status as a fashion and beauty icon.

2. Transitioning to Podcasting and Editorial Leadership

[03:08] Nikki Okunaki: "Me too. It's been many years in the making. Thank you for having me."

Brooke inquires about Nikki’s experience hosting the Marie Claire podcast, to which Nikki responds enthusiastically, emphasizing the joy of engaging with guests and the satisfaction of asking insightful questions.

Brooke: "What does being Editor-in-Chief entail?"

[04:04] Nikki Okunaki: "The job on paper is not far from what you would read in Tina Brown's Vanity Fair Diaries or the Devil Wears Prada. It really is sort of different from day to day. One minute I could be at Milan Fashion Week. The next minute I could be at a power moms dinner that we're throwing in New York City."

Nikki elaborates on her multifaceted role, balancing public representation, content creation, team management, and strategic planning. She highlights the evolving nature of brand representation in the digital age, noting her involvement in podcasts, newsletters, and editorial oversight.

3. The Art of Shopping and Personal Style Development

Brooke and Nikki delve into the formative experiences that shaped Nikki’s shopping acumen. Nikki attributes her skills to her mother and grandmother, who nurtured her love for shopping from a young age.

[04:53] Nikki Okunaki: "I have to borrow from my family shopping experience, knowing how to touch the fabric, find sale items, and invest in quality pieces."

They discuss the concept of "shoppies," a term Nikki introduced to describe the irresistible urge to shop triggered by changing seasons.

[10:40] Nikki Okunaki: "It's an insatiable hunger to go shopping. It hits like a wave and then passes."

Brooke highlights the generational differences in shopping habits, praising Nikki’s ability to blend high and low fashion seamlessly.

4. Beauty Routines and Skincare Insights

The conversation shifts to beauty routines, where Nikki shares her straightforward skincare regimen.

[37:27] Nikki Okunaki: "I have a pretty low skincare routine. I use Cetaphil for face wash, Dr. Rosemary Engleton products, and Drunk Elephant retinol oil a couple of times a week."

Brooke appreciates Nikki’s minimalist approach, emphasizing the importance of practicality and maintaining healthy skin without overcomplicating the process.

5. Balancing a High-Powered Career with Wellness

Nikki discusses her commitment to physical and mental well-being amidst her demanding role.

[44:15] Nikki Okunaki: "I see my trainer twice a week, attend hot yoga, and go to stretching classes. It’s my way to decompress and maintain sanity."

Brooke and Nikki explore the significance of establishing boundaries and prioritizing self-care, particularly in high-stress environments like fashion editorial leadership.

6. Peer Mentorship and Building a Supportive Network

The duo touches on the importance of relationships and mentorship within the fashion industry. Nikki emphasizes peer mentorship over traditional hierarchical mentorship.

[48:00] Nikki Okunaki: "Peer mentorship is what's really gotten me to where I am in my career now. These are the people who will tell you about job opportunities or recommend you for roles."

Brooke concurs, highlighting the value of having a supportive network that understands the unique challenges faced by black women in fashion.

7. Navigating the Luxury Retail Experience

Brooke and Nikki share insights on luxury shopping, particularly in iconic stores.

[25:18] Nikki Okunaki: "Shopping in Paris is a unique, long, and drawn-out experience. Stores like Chanel on Rue Cambon offer a level of service that’s hard to find elsewhere."

Nikki provides tips for investing in luxury items wisely, recommending alternatives to the perpetually sought-after Kelly and Birkin bags to diversify one’s luxury collection without overspending.

[31:51] Nikki Okunaki: "There are bags that are really great at much lower price points, like Mansur Gavriel or Liftnir, which offer luxury without the exorbitant costs."

8. Personal Reflections and Final Advice

As the episode winds down, Brooke invites Nikki to share career advice for aspiring individuals in the fashion and beauty sectors.

[52:09] Nikki Okunaki: "Start the Substack, post those videos, share your opinions. Embrace the cringe and pursue your passion relentlessly."

Nikki underscores the importance of leveraging modern platforms and being adaptable to industry changes, encouraging listeners to harness their unique voices and work diligently toward their goals.

9. Closing Thoughts: Embracing Authentic Beauty

Brooke concludes the episode by reflecting on Nikki’s insights about personal style and authenticity.

[55:12] Nikki Okunaki: "I feel most beautiful after a good run. It's a natural glow that comes from being active and feeling healthy."

Brooke echoes the sentiment, appreciating Nikki’s holistic approach to beauty that intertwines physical well-being with personal confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Career Evolution: Navigating the complexities of high-level editorial roles requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective team management.

• Personal Style: Developing a unique sense of style is rooted in personal experiences and practical knowledge rather than following rigid trends.

• Skincare Simplicity: A minimalist skincare routine focused on essential products can effectively maintain healthy and radiant skin.

• Wellness Balance: Prioritizing physical and mental health through regular exercise and self-care practices is crucial for sustaining a demanding career.

• Peer Mentorship: Building and maintaining a supportive network of peers can significantly impact career growth and provide invaluable opportunities.

• Smart Luxury Investments: Thoughtful investing in luxury items involves understanding value, quality, and personal preference rather than succumbing to popular demands.

Notable Quotes:

• Nikki Okunaki on Role Flexibility (04:04): "One minute I could be at Milan Fashion Week. The next minute I could be at a power moms dinner that we're throwing in New York City."

• On "Shoppies" (10:40): "It's an insatiable hunger to go shopping. It hits like a wave and then passes."

• Career Advice (52:09): "Start the Substack, post those videos, share your opinions. Embrace the cringe and pursue your passion relentlessly."

• Feeling Most Beautiful (55:12): "I feel most beautiful after a good run. It's a natural glow that comes from being active and feeling healthy."

This episode of Naked Beauty offers a deep dive into the intersections of personal style, career advancement, and wellness, guided by Nikki Okunaki’s seasoned perspective. Listeners gain valuable insights into cultivating authenticity in both fashion and professional life, underscored by the importance of community and self-care.