What's Contemporary Now?

While many in the fashion industry were already well-versed in the work of journalist Lauren Sherman, the early days of The Line Sheet sparked rumblings across the dinners and drinks that often define the social musings through which the industry connects. Having captured everyone's attention, she went on to launch her podcast, Fashion People, and has since amassed a dedicated audience. In this episode, Lauren shares her personal journey while helping us dissect the cultural moment we’re navigating—a world fractured into countless niches yet searching for universal connections. From the evolving role of journalism in an oversaturated media landscape to the rise of authenticity as a cultural currency, Lauren offers a compelling look at what it takes to thrive in a world that rewards staying true to yourself. “There's no need to compare yourself to other people because everybody is coming from a different perspective. And so, I don't believe in objectivity in any way. I think that people who claim it exists should strive for it, but you also have to know that it's not a real thing.” - Lauren Sherman Episode Highlights: Lauren knew at a young age that she was interested in journalism, specifically fashion, but somehow ended up studying computer programming first. Her two biggest influences early on were Liz Tilberis and Jane Pratt, who were the editors of Harper’s Bazaar and Sassy, respectively. The business aspect of her career in journalism was not planned, but it was the first way she found to get into the industry. Having come up during the time when conglomerates like Kering and LVMH were first taking shape, and the industry was rapidly becoming big business, she learned early on how important the business aspect of the fashion conversation actually was. Joining Fashionista during the heyday of blogging, Lauren was suddenly expected to churn out several pieces a day. It was there she learned to write without having time to pick up the phone to sources and instead relied more exclusively on her own perspective about the topics she was writing about. Despite being rooted in fashion, both The Line Sheet and Fashion People speak to broader cultural issues, from Ozempic to musical chairs with creative directors at major fashion houses. Lauren breaks down the reality behind the seismic shifts in the luxury sector and consumer behaviors shaping them. The impressive efficacy of certain creative choices is often beyond the reach of data farming and analytics platforms, and can end up getting overlooked by those who now exclusively let data govern their choices. Critical thinking is not taught in schools, and the impact of that missing link is evident in the cultural behaviors we often encounter today. According to Sherman, we live in such a fragmented culture that, to succeed, you must truly understand what’s right for you and do what’s right for you. Those who do that often achieve significant success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comment sections are often awash with bold opinions, many of them originating from anonymous or private accounts. Some might attribute this to the suffocating grip of modern political climates, while others may see it as little more than cowardice in action. Yet today, anonymity is no longer confined to the comment box; it’s spilling over into the growing world of creator accounts, where individuals deliberately choose to remain faceless. For today’s guest, freedom of speech is at the heart of this decision, and, let’s face it, part of what makes it so compelling is the unshackled nature of content that exists beyond the constraints of identity—content untethered from the finite definitions that attach themselves to people, with all their associations, traits, and the labels that so often reduce us to mere concepts. The debate around regulation and fact checking is, of course, alive and well, particularly in an age where information battles are fought daily. But how much weight does this carry in the world of fashion media? Well, the jury’s still out—but Boringnotcom, naturally, has something to say about it. “I feel like there's always going to be those people who are going to want to be anonymous because not everyone wants to be in front of the camera.” - Boringnotcom Episode Highlights: Boringnotcom is an avid YouTube user who once contemplated becoming a creator on the platform, only to ultimately realize they didn’t want to be in front of the camera. Originally inspired by content creator @stylenotcom, they were drawn to the catchy nature of the blue squares—while finding it a tad reductive—and believed they could do something better. Having found the fashion industry to be repressive and confining, especially when it comes to having an opinion and constantly considering advertisers, @boringnotcom was created as an opportunity to break free from those constraints and speak without filters. While the account offers plenty of personal opinion, much of its content resonates with others’ experiences, touching on topics like DEI and the challenges often faced in the industry. They remain 50/50 on whether this account, originally started for a bit of fun, will be shut down or continue, as demand for their content continues to grow. For @boringnotcom, Anna Wintour has done an incredible job, but fashion no longer allows for any one figurehead to dominate. When it comes to collectibility, they’ve never considered Self Service a magazine—after all, magazines, for them, are something you throw away. Luxury, for them, has had the creativity drained by the greed behind the machine. Today, one has to search extensively to find something truly different amidst the widely accepted codes of major houses. The conversation around DEI, sustainability, equal pay, and gender equality must continue—not just in fashion, but in the world at large. For @boringnotcom, being contemporary means practicing freedom of speech and fearless creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best Performances issue of W Magazine is here, marking the unofficial start of awards season with its iconic event this past weekend. To kick off our own season, we’re sitting down with the woman behind it all: editor-in-chief Sara Moonves. Born into a world of celebrity and culture in Los Angeles, Sara’s path to leadership was anything but handed to her. From high school internships to assisting legends like Sally Singer and Phyllis Posnick, she built her career with determination and a deep passion for the arts. As W's first female editor-in-chief in its 53-year history, Sara has revitalized the brand, expanding its print cycle to meet the demands of its thriving digital audience. Today, W Magazine remains a collectible beacon of creativity, bridging the worlds of art, cinema, music, fashion, and celebrity. Episode Highlights: Moonves grew up in Los Angeles, voraciously consuming arts and culture from a young age. While still in high school, Sara interned at Vogue and later assisted legends like Sally Singer and Phyllis Posnick before becoming a fashion editor herself. Upon inheriting a nearly defunct W Magazine as its new Editor-in-Chief, Sara had to convince reluctant advertisers that the brand was still a worthy investment. In March 2024, W debuted its first digital cover featuring Beyoncé, timed to the release of her album Renaissance. The most awarded artist in Grammys history generated over 3.5 billion press impressions and 348 million social impressions, sparking overwhelming demand for a print edition. While other print publications scaled back their number of print editions due to industry-wide reductions in readership and ad spend, W's print issues were so successful that the brand added another to its lineup in 2024. Overall, W Magazine saw double-digit revenue growth year-over-year in the first half of 2024, encompassing all three platforms: print, digital, and experiential. By bringing cultural icons like Steven Spielberg into the fashion fold for the first time, W’s brand world and content offerings are often more varied than many of its contemporaries. Sara became the first female Editor-in-Chief in the brand's 53-year history. Published by Rizzoli in 2022, W Magazine: 50 Years/50 Stories was the first of what Sara envisions as many brand extensions that leverage the magazine's storied history. For Sara, being contemporary means pushing boundaries, tuning out the noise, and always moving forward rather than backward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the curtain falls on one year and rises on the next, we find ourselves poised at the edge of a new season—one brimming with conversations that illuminate the creatives shaping, and at times challenging, the culture of today. These are the architects of their own narratives, and as we wander the corridors of their storied lives, we uncover the alchemy of realized dreams, the art of navigating uncertainty, and the wisdom to know when to push forward and when to step back. This season’s roster of editors-in-chief, designers, journalists, CEOs, creators, and talents invites us to ponder not just the answers they offer but the questions they compel us to ask ourselves. Join us as we embark on this journey—new episodes every Monday, starting January 6th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices