The Gstaad Guy Podcast Ep. 4, Will Welch: Editor-in-Chief of GQ - Fashion, Journalism, Hype, Creative Leadership, Virality, & the Evolution of GQ.
Jun 23, 2025
Will Welch, Editor-in-Chief of GQ, dives into the interplay of fashion and journalism. He explores how traditional media is evolving, stressing the importance of genuine storytelling in a digital age dominated by algorithms. Welch debates the nature of virality and asserts that authenticity is key to lasting success. The conversation touches on balancing creative freedom with brand heritage, and celebrates the value of kindness in fashion, all while maintaining GQ's role as a global creative community.
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Will Welch's Entry to GQ
- Will Welch transitioned from The Fader, a music magazine, to GQ in 2007 after recognizing it as a step up.
- He pitched music stories at GQ initially, showing early fearlessness and adaptability.
Creativity Thrives Under Constraints
- GQ thrived in the pre-digital era with abundant resources and top talent working on deep stories.
- Creativity can flourish better under constraints rather than unlimited budgets, which can stifle innovation.
GQ as a Community Platform
- GQ considers itself a community platform, engaging constantly with its core creative community.
- They prioritize leading the audience with a strong point of view, not just chasing data or audience preferences.
