Thom Bettridge, the new editor-in-chief of i-D Magazine and a notable figure in menswear and media, shares his insights on navigating modern fashion and media culture. He discusses the humorous realities of dressing for everyday life and the challenges of authenticity in fashion influencing. With anecdotes about survival tactics and personal style hacks, Thom also critiques the evolving landscape of menswear media, highlighting the rise of grassroots brands and the impact of social media on trends. His reflections on legacy media versus new platforms like Substack are particularly thought-provoking.
Thom Bettridge emphasizes his aim to revitalize i-D Magazine by spotlighting subcultures and fostering innovative storytelling for modern audiences.
His personal fashion choices highlight a blend of comfort and creativity, showcasing a playful yet functional approach to men’s clothing.
The podcast discusses the critical role of social media in fashion, where brands must engage authentically with audiences to remain relevant.
Thom identifies the potential for magazines to shape cultural narratives, underscoring their importance amid the rapid evolution of media consumption.
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Tom Betridge's Background
The conversation highlights Tom Betridge's extensive experience in the fashion and media industries, having worked alongside significant figures and publications for years. His unique blend of expertise positions him well as the new Editor-in-Chief at ID Magazine. Betridge's style and history in the industry reveal a deep understanding of cultural influences in fashion. This background provides him with the insights necessary to lead the magazine during its relaunch phase.
Fashion and Personal Style
Discussion of personal fashion choices provides insight into the casual yet creative styles that resonate within the current cultural landscape. Tom shares his preference for comfort and practicality in clothing, citing pieces from brands like Acne and collaborations with Solomon. Fascination with unique garments, such as oversized boots and fleece jackets, reflects a playful approach to fashion. This blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality illustrates the evolving norms of men's fashion.
The Role of Magazines in Culture
Betridge emphasizes the enduring importance of magazines in shaping cultural narratives and movements. As he takes the helm at ID, he aims to highlight subcultures that resonate with modern audiences, challenging the notion that print media is outdated. His vision includes revitalizing the magazine's relevance through innovative storytelling and creative covers that spotlight emerging trends. This commitment to cultural advocacy underscores the potential for magazines to remain pivotal in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
Addressing Trends and Innovations
The conversation also touches on the state of trends within men's fashion, where fleeting fads can quickly dominate the scene. Betridge suggests that rather than solely following these trends, a deeper understanding of authentic style is vital. Notably, he expresses a desire to avoid getting lost in gimmicks and superficiality. Through a return to timeless aesthetics, he aims to ground the magazine's direction in wearability and substance.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media's influence on fashion cannot be overstated, as it plays a key role in shaping consumer sentiment. Betridge recognizes the need for brands to adapt in order to stay relevant in the digital landscape. He discusses the significance of connecting with audiences through various platforms while maintaining a high standard in content creation. By fostering genuine conversations around styles and trends, he seeks to cultivate a community that values substance over mere clicks.
Future Directions for ID Magazine
As ID Magazine prepares for its relaunch, Betridge's strategic vision includes not only print but also dynamic content across digital formats. This multifaceted approach aims to revitalize the magazine's brand and capture the interest of both new readers and loyal fans. He envisions collaboration with lesser-known talents to spotlight fresh perspectives. Utilizing every medium available, he hopes to position ID as a progressive voice in both fashion journalism and culture.
Our interview with Thom Bettridge is leaving no stone unturned. Thom—the new editor-in-chief of i-D Magazine—spent his Friday with us to get to the bottom of how a mountain of a man dresses for picking up his kids at school, first day of work fits, pitches and press releases, the cultural movements that define our time, a magazine taking as long to make as the time you’ve got, identifying and navigating the pitfalls of modern day media, who out there is doing things right, a Mount Rushmore of magazines, what a legacy media guy thinks of the Substackaissance, what the hell is going on with menswear media in 2024, how he converted readers into shoppers back at SSENSE, tales from the styling trenches, a litany of fashion dad takes and much more on Thom Bettridge’s interview with The Only Podcast That Matters™.
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