A rundown of some of our favourite SHOWstudio interviews

Date
14 October 2014

Most of merely dabble in the world of fashion and recycle what little knowledge we have by saying phrases like “yah that’s so hot right now.” But recycle no more as SHOWstudio will be your fashion education forevermore.

Many of you will be aware of them, but if you’re as yet uninitiated then SHOWstudio is an online platform founded by Nick Knight in 2000 and still overseen by him.

It’s a space for fashion to breathe, explore and inspire, and has pioneered the fashion film in a way that makes the whole genre incredibly accessible. Broadcasting catwalk shows and fashion shoots, hosting live panel discussions and creating original fashion films, it’s a real insight into a sometimes impenetrable world. But it’s their in-depth interviews with various names big and small that really break down old barriers by talking honestly with designers, editors and photographers to discover how they see themselves and what truly excites them.

Practically every interview is a rare nugget of candid fashion wisdom, but we’ve collected together six of our favourites to share with you all.

Interviewed last month, Penny Martin has had a long connection with SHOWstudio having previously been editor-in-chief for the website for seven years. But it’s The Gentlewoman that’s the main focus here as she speaks about Issue 10, what she’s learned in terms of making a magazine aimed at women and how she wants to take the title beyond the printed page and into a physical space to encourage conversation and new readership.

It’s fascinating to hear Penny speak so passionately and knowledgeably about what she and her team do, and I just love how her turquoise teacup and saucer matches the colour of the new issue that sits beside her.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_fashion/penny_martin

Tim Walker has always been the kind of photographer for whom research and process are just as important as the end result, with mood, feeling and direction playing an important part in his projects. It’s in this 2009 interview, that we get a real insight into this approach as he talks about specific works including the inspiration for a shoot he did for Vogue Italia.

It’s amazing to get an understanding into the work of someone like Tim on such an intimate and personal scale, and demonstrates SHOWstudio’s ability to take a big name and allow people to engage with them.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_fashion/tim_walker

Lady Gaga is a fantastic example of how SHOWstudio also interviews those who, despite normally working in a different industry, are still affected, inspired and driven by fashion. In her 2010 interview, which was live-streamed, Gaga exclusively answers questions submitted by friends, celebs and fans, making it one of the most memorable interviews I’ve seen her give. The live streamed Q&A format is pulled off with a sophistication few other platforms could achieve and the honesty and genuine consideration for each of her answers is what makes this magic.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_camera/session/lady_gaga

Mrs B – aka Joan Burstein of Browns – has a brilliant presence on screen and this interview with her back in May 2013 is wonderful. Founding Browns in 1970 with her husband Sidney, she is known affectionately as the fairy godmother of fashion. As she sits elegantly in a black frock and pumps, it’s easy to understand why as she oozes grace and knowledge. Even the first few minutes are captivating as Mrs B explains the first piece of fashion she bought. I found myself clutching my earphones while watching, not only to hear every word but also in the vain hope that her wisdom might somehow trickle through the wires and into my brain.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_fashion/mrs_b

Next up is Anna Dello Russo, Vogue lady extraordinaire who after years working at Conde Nast Italia, Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue, is now editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan. Phew! It’s easy to feel as though we already know these high-powered fashion types simply from the odd 60-second interview, but SHOWstudio conveys Anna’s warmth and charm beautifully.

Detailing how her career started, she expresses and explains herself with excitement and passion for the work she does. And anyone you can watch for 17 minutes who has a ginormous cherry hat bobbing away and you still take them seriously must be extremely good at what they do.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_fashion/anna_dello_russo

A recent favourite (it was only put up last week), is this interview with i-D magazine founder Terry Jones. When looking back at his career which started when he was 27, you might assume he’d have this wild ego or even diva-like tendencies. But forget all your preconceptions of Terry because he comes across as a genuinely nice man, who’s incredibly humble about all his experiences. It’s a great insight into i-D but also into his personal journey where he talks about what he was like at school and his first exposure to art.

www.showstudio.com/project/in_fashion/terry_jones

Share Article

Further Info

About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

It's Nice That Newsletters

Fancy a bit of It's Nice That in your inbox? Sign up to our newsletters and we'll keep you in the loop with everything good going on in the creative world.