Ever since the pandemic and lockdowns, the world got more creative in many ways and one aspect was to turn towards podcasting. Last year, the podcast industry exploded and is seemingly still on its way to reaching its full potential. More and more people are increasingly interested in podcasts, the diverse genres it offers and the convenience it gives to busy schedules. Some are even joining in the trend and starting their own podcasts with subjects on the most minute things that most did not realise they cared for to huge, trendy and even controversial discussions.
Audio marketing is nothing new; businesses have identified the power of podcasts when it comes to raising brand awareness and creating a community. For giants that are already well-known on the luxury scale, podcasts are the natural, no-brainer step after TikTok.
This flourishing industry is certainly not lost on luxury brands that are trying to connect with fans and consumers on a more intimate level. Fashion luxury brands are delving into ESG commitments through podcasts. In a time of ‘woke culture’ where it is more essential than ever to stay on top of trending, important topics, these luxury fashion houses are catching on and churning out not just one but multiple podcasts with a varied focus on activism, inclusivity and accessibility.
For all the fashion lovers and enthusiastic activists, we curated a list of podcasts worth listening to, anywhere and anytime — whether you are on the early commute to work, snuggled up at home with your favourite cup of tea or curating your very own fashion show in your wardrobe. Have your pick from these brain-stimulating conversations on the go.
- Gucci Podcast by Gucci
- Smoking by Saint Laurent
- Dior Talks & Dior Untold by Dior
- 3.55 by Chanel
- The Faubourg of Dreams and Penelope’s Pursuits by Hermès
Gucci Podcast by Gucci
Image: Gucci Equilibrium
This Italian fashion house has been making waves and trending frequently since creative director Alessandro Michele took over the reins. Similar to Gucci’s shows and collaborations, the podcast over-delivers and promises to “set your imagination free”.
Launched in May 2018, the Gucci Podcast has episodes of rich storytelling that goes beyond fashion. Each episode is the voices of those collaborating with the extraordinary Michele, giving listeners a complex insight into what makes the brand tick. It has had guests like designer Dapper Dan, Sir Elton John and three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura. Award-winning filmmaker Wu Tsang, who directed a four-part film project by Frieze and Gucci — Into a Space of Love, has also been featured.
Other episodes include conversations about Gucci’s Vault, emerging designers, beauty standards, masculinity, disability and gender equality, and even topics on police brutality.
Get wrapped up in the Gucci Podcast here.
Smoking by Saint Laurent
The sexy and elegant house of Saint Laurent unveiled its podcast in April, as part of the Saint Laurent Rive Droite cultural hub. The series will include intimate, unrestrictive conversations with friends of the Saint Laurent universe and creative director Anthony Vaccarello.
The first episode of Smoking features Catherine Deneuve, one of the greatest European actresses. Deneuve chats with journalist Pascale Clark about cinema stardom, navigating her status as a sex symbol and her reservations about the feminist movement. Listeners can expect upcoming episodes with ‘90s supermodel Laetitia Casta, controversial director Gaspar Noé and queer cinema star Félix Maritaud.
In the smoky setting of the Paris Rive Droite store, Saint Laurent’s guests will be exploring topics and opinions that could be the most controversial — echoing the provocative and progressive DNA of the brand.
Tune in to Saint Laurent’s Smoking here.
Dior Talks & Dior Untold by Dior
Dior Talks invites artists, collaborators and friends of the French House to express their thoughts freely and discuss topics that intrigue them, their output and new challenges. Ultimately, bringing together those who shape the creative direction of Dior and whose artistic, cultural or intellectual impact influences the brand’s story.
Hosted by journalist and biographer Justine Picardie, the sixth series is all about feminism. These conversations branch out to feminist art, heritage and the female gaze — all with women who have inspired Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director of Women’s collections.
And in Dior’s growing collection of audio narratives is also Dior Untold, which lets us take a peek into what goes on behind the Maison’s doors and its special savoir-faire. Its episodes consist of Christian Dior’s favourite places, adored flowers, childhood home, admiration for iconic women and empowering hues across history.
Dive into the world of Dior: listen to Dior Talks here and Dior Untold here.
3.55 by Chanel
Chanel has also curated a collection of podcasts for its beloved fans, featuring personal interviews with the French house’s ambassadors like Kiera Knightley, Sofia Coppola and Pharrel Williams. 3.55 by Chanel is one of the longest-running fashion podcasts to date with the majority of its focus on the arts and culture.
What is most captivating is the fact that some of these tracks were recorded at landmarks like the Palais Garnier or live at the Chanel flagship boutique in Seoul. There is also a series of conversations with the legendary Karl Lagerfeld where he speaks about the processes of his creations.
Its latest series, Chanel Connects, is a cultural program that picks the minds of celebrated actors, writers, architects and museum directors. For the future of culture, the luxury house asks “what happens next”.
Find all of Chanel’s podcasts here.
The Faubourg of Dreams and Penelope’s Pursuits by Hermès
If you are searching for answers to how huge fashion houses function, Hermès has the answers. The Faubourg of Dreams shines the spotlight on the luxury brand’s original Paris store at 24 rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore. Its episodes explore a day in the life of key members of the House, from artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas to the head of external relations Michael Coste and Antoine Platteau, the chief decorator of the Faubourg store.
And for even more inquisitive minds, Le Monde d‘Hermès has a series that relives the odyssey of Hermès. Penelope, the new investigator at the Bureau of Investigation and Research into Objects, brings listeners around the world and unveils the mysteries of the French Maison. What will one find with an Hermès notebook filled with secret codes? What relation does the House have with Beijing, a coveted medal and an exclusive riders’ club?
Listen to the stories of the charming Faubourg store here and satisfy your hunger for mysteries with Penelope here!
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