Nikki Ogunnaike, Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire and host of the Nice Talk podcast, shares insights from her media journey. She dives into the evolving landscape of women's magazines and discusses the blending of serious women's issues with fashion. Nikki chats about the chaotic excitement of New York Fashion Week, embracing personal style beyond trends, and the creative challenges of being an editor today. She also explores the cultural impact of social media and AI in shaping narratives and the importance of community in empowering women through style.
New York Fashion Week provides exposure for emerging designers despite concerns over its evolving relevance and extravagant costs.
Marie Claire distinguishes itself by addressing women's empowerment and societal matters, going beyond mere fashion narratives.
Authentic self-expression in personal style should prevail over social media's fleeting trends and external validation pressures.
Media editors must innovate across platforms to maintain brand cohesion and relevance in an increasingly complex consumption landscape.
Deep dives
Importance of Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week serves as a vital platform for designers to showcase their latest collections, however, its significance is increasingly scrutinized. Some believe that it has lost its allure and relevance amid shifting attitudes in the fashion industry. Nonetheless, it continues to present opportunities for emerging talents to gain exposure and connect with buyers. This dual nature highlights the need for fashion weeks to evolve and adapt to current trends public interest.
Role of Marie Claire
Marie Claire is dedicated to addressing women's issues, crafting narratives surrounding empowerment and societal matters beyond mere fashion. For over thirty years, this commitment to women's rights and world events has been part of the magazine's DNA, distinguishing it from other women's publications that have only recently begun to engage with these themes. This longstanding engagement establishes Marie Claire as a trusted source for readers seeking more than surface-level coverage. The magazine's approach reflects a mission to advocate for women's needs while continuing to offer style and lifestyle content.
Navigating Social Media
The influence of social media on personal style is significant, yet it is crucial to understand that it should not dictate how one expresses their individuality. There is overwhelming pressure to conform to fleeting trends, with many feeling compelled to define their 'personal style' through external validation. Instead, the focus should be on authentic self-expression, where individuals engage with clothing in a way that suits their life's needs. This shift towards a more intuitive, personal approach can lead to a less anxiety-ridden relationship with fashion.
Challenges for Emerging Designers
Emerging designers often face immense challenges in the ever-evolving fashion landscape, particularly during events like New York Fashion Week. High costs associated with showcasing collections can deter talented individuals from participating, leading to a lack of visibility for new voices in fashion. The emphasis on extravagant presentations sometimes overshadows the creativity and innovation that these designers could bring to the industry. Thus, it is essential for the industry and its supporters to find ways to nurture these emerging talents and provide them with opportunities to thrive.
Evolution of Media Roles
The role of media, particularly in the context of women’s magazines, is evolving significantly in the current landscape. Editors now find themselves tasked with maintaining brand cohesion across various platforms, from print to digital and social media. This requires not just, traditional editorial skills but also an understanding of the brand's identity while engaging with contemporary audiences. As media consumption continues to shift, editors and writers must adapt and innovate to remain relevant and impactful.
Impact of Podcasting
Podcasting has emerged as a powerful medium for sharing voices and stories, providing a platform for varied perspectives and ideas. It allows for deeper conversations and connections compared to social media and other forms of communication. The appeal of podcasting lies in its ability to foster conversations, and the relaxed format encourages guests to share insights authentically. This fluid nature of podcasting can create a sense of intimacy and connection that resonates with listeners while enhancing the visibility of important themes and narratives.
Dating in Media
The complexities of dating within the media landscape can be challenging, especially when navigating relationships with individuals who are also deeply embedded in the industry. Personal experiences with dating often highlight the importance of finding balance and maintaining boundaries. It can be beneficial to seek out partners who understand the demanding nature of media careers yet possess their unique pursuits outside of the industry. This dynamic contributes to a healthier relationship, allowing individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.
Our interview with Nikki Ogunnaike sure is some nice talking. Nikki—editor-in-chief of Marie Claire and host of the Nice Talk podcast—popped by ahead of New York Fashion Week to politic on shiesty’s for her, buying men’s clothing, Prada sample sales, year of the yap and manifesting this very conversation, who the hell was Marie Claire, women’s issues becoming fashionable in women’s media, to cover or not to cover Melania Trump, hate mail, the role of an EIC in 2025, joining us in the podcasting trenches, influencing and promoting real work on grid, saluting all the Instagram boyfriends, Marie Claire’s Power Play summits, the stress of managing people, publishing Royals content vs. resistance content, print isn’t dead or back it just is, her goat Rhianna and the trial of A$AP Rocky, AI’s role in media, her media diet, the New Right, her latest cover star mogul Alex Cooper, at the end of the day and regardless of by-lines writers are writers, rating Condé Nast and Hearst in a variety of categories having worked at both, lots of Bravo talk, what’s the point of NYFW, personal style should not be a trend and is not that deep, her watch rotation and much more on Nikki Ogunnaike’s interview with The Only Podcast That Matters™.
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