Podcast Summary: Style-ish
Episode: How ‘SheerLuxe’ redefined women’s media
Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Madison Sullivan Thorpe
Co-hosts: Joanna Fleming, Arnika Joshi Smith
Overview
This episode dives into how SheerLuxe has transformed the women's digital media landscape, discussing its recent $54M acquisition by Future PLC and exploring what made the brand unique. Alongside this, the hosts break down key pop culture and fashion moments from the week, highlight Australian fashion talent, and discuss Khloe Kardashian’s rumored exit from Good American. The episode blends industry insights, fashion commentary, and a fun, conversational tone.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
[00:18] Fashion Pop Culture Moments: Grammys & Wuthering Heights Press Tour
- Grammys Fashion Favorites:
- Olivia Dean in custom Chanel, Chapel Rhone’s archival Mugler-inspired look, and Hailey Bieber’s paired-back, diamond-heavy ensemble.
- Political statements on the red carpet noted, especially accessorizing with “ice out” pins for causes.
- Discussion on jewelry spotlighting Justin and Hailey Bieber’s diamonds.
- Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights Looks:
- Hosts gush over Margot's custom Schiaparelli—“the epitome of fashion right now and innovation.” (Madison, 04:21)
- Both praised for method dressing; Margot’s stylist Andrew McCarmel credited for building character-driven looks post-Barbie press tour.
- Margot and Jacob’s chemistry, with playful banter about their public personas.
- Margot’s dual “Goth Barbie-coated” and modern minimalist style highlighted.
Memorable Moment:
- “She looked phenomenal. That—I love everything Schiaparelli at the moment. I think that is like the epitome of fashion right now and innovation.” — Madison, [04:21]
[08:36] Hot Topics Swap Segment:
- Animal Print Trends:
- Bambi print — a camel-colored, delicate spotted pattern — is set for resurgence, spotted at major fashion weeks and on Sophie Richie Grange.
- Leopard making a major comeback (Joanna: “Every time I’ve ever donated or sold something in a leopard print, I have immediately regretted it…This is not a trend to me. This is—I love this.” [10:22])
- Personal Style Confessions:
- Madison’s unexpected love for UFC, childhood Shania Twain leopard obsession, and reflections on enduring trends.
- TikTok Style Inspo:
- “My Friend Hannah” TikTok account praised for real, diverse fashion inspo beyond influencers.
- Australian Indie Brands Shoutout:
- Boobish (outerwear), Overpact (travel bags), Something Sebastian (baby blankets), and boutique Alyssa in Adelaide recognized for innovation and style.
Quote:
- “Leopard is some people’s like, stripe. Like, there are some people that live in a leopard print. And I’m so here for it.” — Madison, [11:44]
[17:28] Khloe Kardashian Rumored Exit from Good American
- Origins & Founders:
- Good American co-founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede in 2016. Emma deeply embedded in Kardashian business ventures (Skims, Safely).
- Speculation Evidence:
- Khloe hasn’t posted about Good American since August 2024; Fabletics collab now prominent.
- Instagram follows/unfollows scrutinized for drama (Emma still follows Kardashian family, but Khloe doesn’t follow Emma).
- Analysis of Power Dynamics:
- Emma Grede framed as the real driving force, with industry experience and operational expertise.
- Reflection on how brands grow beyond celebrity founders, citing Skims as an example.
- Discussion on possible contractual arrangements and what it means for the brand’s future.
Notable Quote:
- “I feel like Emma Grede is the driving force. I feel like she is the mastermind, the powerhouse. ...I don't really feel like [Khloe’s] presence has been missed or lost. I think the brand's still going to succeed. I think it's still going to do incredible things without Khloe, because I just think Emma Grede is such a driving force.” — Arnika, [20:11]
[25:22] The SheerLuxe Acquisition: How Digital Native Disrupted Women’s Media
- Acquisition Details:
- SheerLuxe and Blush Talent acquired by Future PLC for $53.9M; Future PLC also owns Marie Claire and Who What Wear.
- SheerLuxe founded by Georgie Coleridge Cole, known for influencer-centric, community-driven content and representing its own staff as talent.
- Business Model Innovations:
- Staff as media personalities and influencers; blending digital publishing and talent management.
- Community-led content cited as key differentiator.
- Discussion of the risks of personnel-driven brands and how SheerLuxe has embraced it by managing and representing the talent themselves.
- Legacy Media Disruption:
- Hosts frame this as legacy media “buying the new world”: “If you can’t beat it, buy it.” (Madison, [30:52])
- Caution raised over potential for corporate red tape and hope that SheerLuxe’s authentic, relatable tone remains intact post-acquisition.
- US Expansion:
- Anticipation and skepticism about future plans for a US edition, noting the need to localize personalities and culture.
- Financials:
- Quoting 2025 revenue (£12.6M), strong EBITDA (£5.1M, 40% margin), digital audience (6M+), sizable social/email/YouTube following.
- Leadership team celebrated for success (matching tattoos upon sale!).
Notable Quotes:
- “I always had this saying in the beauty world, if you can't beat it, buy it. Which is usually what I think conglomerates like Estée Lauder or L'Oreal do… I think this is an example of heritage media buying the new world and going, we can't beat them, we'll buy them.” — Madison, [30:52]
- “What they do incredibly well is cool girl but approachable. Publishers like Vogue cannot replicate that even if they try to.” — Joanna, [31:17]
[34:05] AI in Media: The "Reembot" at SheerLuxe
- The team discusses SheerLuxe’s venture into AI with the “Reembot,” an AI staff member/influencer who participates in podcasts and social.
- Responses range from fascination to unease (“Reembot still freaks me the fuck out.” — Joanna, [34:01]).
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Grammys and Red Carpet Fashion: 00:30–03:59
- Wuthering Heights Press Tour / Margot & Jacob: 03:59–08:36
- Trend Swap — Animal Prints, TikTok, Australian Brands: 08:36–15:45
- Khloe Kardashian & Good American: 17:28–24:34
- SheerLuxe Acquisition Discussion: 25:22–35:33
- AI in Media ("Reembot") & Final Thoughts: 34:05–35:33
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “She's so Goth Barbie coated. Like, everything that she's putting out there at the moment has been so impeccable.” — Arnika, [05:44]
- “What [SheerLuxe] does incredibly well is cool girl, but approachable. Publishers like Vogue cannot replicate that even if they try to.” — Joanna, [31:17]
- “If you can’t beat it, buy it. ...I think this is an example of heritage media buying the new world and going, we can't beat them, we'll buy them.” — Madison, [30:52]
- “Leopard is some people’s like, stripe. Like, there are some people that live in a leopard print. And I’m so here for it.” — Madison, [11:44]
Tone & Style
Light, witty, and conversational—balancing savvy industry commentary with playful friendship and pop culture obsession. The hosts maintain a welcoming, inclusive tone and showcase insider knowledge while being open about their personal interests and quirks.
Conclusion
This Style-ish episode artfully weaves together fashion commentary, business analysis, and light-hearted banter to spotlight the transformation of women’s digital media through the lens of SheerLuxe’s disruptive rise and acquisition. Listeners are left with insight into trend forecasting, fashion business dynamics, and the evolving relationship between media brands, influencers, and their communities.