Hello friends, welcome back. The dog days of summer are here, and with them a new episode of Threads of Conversation.
My guest this week is Alex Kessler, deputy editor at i-D. Alex began his career at Vogue, before moving to SSENSE, where he worked alongside Thom Bettridge and steff yotka to shape the retailer’s meme-loving tone of voice. The trio then moved on to i-D, relaunching the print magazine and pioneering a new strategy on Substack.
This is a great episode for anyone looking to build a career in fashion - Alex’s story is full of grit, determination and self-deprecation, plus advice on how to succeed in today’s media landscape. He also selects 5 items of clothing that have accompanied him along the way - from an overdraft-adjacent Prada shirt, to a conch bag representing his longstanding friendship with Kiko Kostadinov designer Deanna Fanning.
Watch the full episode on YouTube (above) and Spotify, or listen on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe below for more episodes, and follow Threads of Conversation on Instagram and TikTok.
The piece that reminds Alex of his career…
Comme des Garçons shorts, a runway piece from the Spring 2012 ‘Paper Doll’ collection.
The piece that reminds him of his childhood…
A gingham Prada shirt.
The piece that represents a high…
A secondhand Chanel bag, bought from Vestiaire Collective.
One that represents a low…
A vintage Armani suit jacket.
One that makes him feel part of something…
A red conch bag from Kiko Kostadinov.
Explore more episodes of the Threads of Conversation podcast - previous guests include Lyas, Alexander Fury, Lydia Pang and Camille Bidault-Waddington.
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Start your own Thread
Which of Alex’s pieces is your favourite, and why?
