In this episode, The Gstaad Guy sits down with GQ Editor-in-Chief Will Welch to talk about the intersection of fashion and culture, the importance of storytelling in an era of algorithms, and how GQ has evolved into a creative platform where the best idea wins, and every voice matters.
Will shares his perspective on the devolution of traditional media, the unpredictable nature of virality, and why being yourself is the only strategy that truly lasts. From deep journalism to digital creativity, this conversation explores how GQ continues to innovate and remain culturally relevant, not just as a magazine, but as a global creative community.
Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Bartholdi Presidential Suite.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(00:49) Pronouncing “Gstaad”🗣️🇨🇭🏔️
(04:50) The Gstaad Guy is a fan of GQ 🏆📔
(06:55) “The world of GQ” 🤗🤝📔
(08:16) “Your perception of GQ?” 🧐📔
(11:40) GQ’s positive work environment 😁✅💼
(13:25) “Industry & GQ: then vs. now” 🆚
(17:42) “The GQ reader” 🤓☯️🌱
(21:07) GQ is a community platform 🧑🧑🧒 🤲
(22:28) The Gstaad Guy platform 🏆🤲
(26:23) The Gstaad Guy’s creative decisions 🏆🎨
(28:43) Predicting performance 🤔📈
(31:11) On a cover of a magazine 🤩📔
(34:47) Building the GQ universe 🔧📔🌎
(39:22) “Obsessed with the passions” ❤️🔥
(41:38) Definition of “cool” 😎
(44:04) “Be yourself” 😊
(49:05) Generalist vs. Expert 🤔🤓
(50:03) Virgil Abloh 👑✨
(54:28) “The multi-hyphenate & the freelancer” 🧑💻👩💻
(54:53) “Being Editor-in-Chief of GQ” ✍️👨💼📔
(58:52) Managing creative freedom 🧑💼👩💼🎨
(01:01:22) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
