A Thread about my career: Sam Ross, founder of New School agency

Hi everyone. How are you doing this week?

Today I’ve got another podcast episode for you to enjoy. This one is part of the ‘A Thread about my career’ series, which began with Mulberry’s Henrietta Gallina, and Kyle Smith from the NFL. It’s been a big week for both of them - Henrietta released the new issue of her magazine, Citizen, with cover stars including Ayo Edebiri and Threads of Conversation alum Alva Claire. Meanwhile Kyle got a promotion! He’s now the NFL’s first ever fashion editor.

Joining them in the Threads of Conversation throne room is Sam Ross, the founder New School agency. Sam and his team represent some of the fashion industry’s most exciting talent - photographers like Campbell Addy and Julian Song, set designers like Ibby Njoya, Patience Harding and Samuel Overs, casting directors Good Catch and movement director Yagamoto.

Remember graphic designer Ester Mejibovski? She’s also repped by New School, and worked on the identity for Campbell Addy’s ‘I love Campbell’ exhibition last year.

Sam enjoying the fruits of his labours

Based in London’s creative hub, 180 Strand, I caught up with Sam after he’d just returned from New York, where New School recently opened its second office (Ester also designed the campaign for the launch). In this conversation, we cover what it takes to be a good agent, how the agency landscape has changed, and why it’s important to market an agency, as well as the talent it represents. We also chat about New School’s unique ethos, and the experiences that led Sam to set up his own agency.

Below you can see pictures of some of the people and moments that we discuss (including some amazing throwbacks!) If you have any further questions or thoughts, feel free to drop them in the comments.

Don’t forget that you can also listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Subscribe below for more Threads of Conversation, and follow on Instagram and TikTok.

---

At one of Charles Jeffrey’s iconic LOVERBOY parties at VFD in Dalston back in 2015. L-R: Campbell Addy, Dimas Bian, Ib Kamara, Gareth Wrighton.

“HOME LONDON X FAMILY” - 2018. L-R Sam Ross, Campbell Addy, Ib Kamara, Justin French, Dimas Bian and Gareth Wrighton.

Shot for LOVE magazine by Tim Walker in 2020. L-R: Stephen Isaac Wilson, Sam Ross, Ib Kamara, Gareth Wrighton, Dimas Bian and Campbell Addy.

Campbell Addy’s exhibition coming together at 180 Strand.

The campaign for New School’s New York office, designed by Ester Mejibovski

Set design by Ibby Njoya for the V & A’s Naomi Campbell exhibition

Brides de Galaxy for Hermes by Ibby Njoya

Threads of the week

Happy Halloween 💀

Loose Threads

Threads of Conversation guest Dara styled Addison Rae’s latest music video, Aquamarine. Listen/ watch back to her episode here (you can listen on Apple or Spotify if you don’t want the video).

Photographer Renell Medrano launched a magazine! The covers are absolutely gorgeous sexy retro glamour.

Vintage content that’s been on my mind - musician Lava La Rue explaining how she made an incredible music video on a budget, and this article about the poster design for Yorgos Lanthimos’ films.

Favourite Halloween costume I’ve seen so far. The perfect level of niche, imho.

Start your own Thread

What have you been reading/ watching/ listening to? Add your thoughts in the comments, and let me know whose Threads of Conversation you want to hear next!