PROJECT 6

Fashion Publications with Dazed Magazine's Isabel Bekele

Most fashion magazines may seem like they're fading, but they’re actually evolving into powerful platforms shaping culture and identity in the digital age. Isabelle Bekele, a rising star in magazine journalism, uncovers how publications like Dazed and InStyle have reshaped storytelling—blending art, politics, and activism—while embracing the digital frontier. If you believe print is dead, think again: this episode reveals why media innovation now hinges on understanding how stories translate across screens, social media, and cultural shifts.We dive deep into the history that made magazines cultural institutions—from the first Parisian fashion journal in 1785 to the iconic Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar—and how these outlets became mirrors and molders of social change. Isabelle shares behind-the-scenes insights from her journey across diverse editorial spaces, highlighting how brands like Dazed challenge mainstream narratives by spotlighting marginalized voices. You'll discover how storytelling now intersects with activism, diversity, and identity—plus, why being tech-savvy and resourceful as a young journalist is more crucial than ever.Key topics covered include: * The century-long evolution of fashion publications into cultural powerhouses * How digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Substack are democratizing storytelling * Strategies to elevate underrepresented voices and influence cultural conversations * The importance of resourcefulness, internships, and leveraging university tools in building a media career * The delicate balance between visual trends and genuine cultural shifts, especially in politics and social issues Why does all this matter? Because in a media landscape that’s constantly shifting, understanding how storytelling shapes public perception offers an incredible opportunity for influence. For aspiring editors, creators, or cultural critics, mastering the art of meaningful trend reporting could be your secret weapon to creating impact—and changing the culture you want to see.Whether you’re a student dreaming of breaking into publishing, a young journalist refining your voice, or someone fascinated by media’s power to reflect and transform society, this episode offers an essential roadmap. Tune in to learn how to harness storytelling, resources, and cultural insight to make your mark in the evolving world of media.Why this works: This episode hooks with a bold assertion that magazines aren’t dying but transforming into influence engines—immediately capturing curiosity. It speaks directly to aspiring media professionals and culture enthusiasts eager to understand the shift from print to digital storytelling. Through concrete historical context and practical advice, it offers both inspiration and tactical insights, urging listeners to see media as a tool for social change, making it irresistible to click play.

CLOTH AND CULTURE: THE HISTORY OF HAWAIIAN FASHION

What does clothing reveal about a people, their land, and their history? In this episode, we explore Hawaiian fashion as a living archive of culture and identity. From ancient kapa cloth made from wauke bark, to plantation-era palaka, to the global rise of the aloha shirt, Hawaiian clothing tells stories of genealogy, labor, migration, resilience, and adaptation. We examine how garments once created for ceremony, survival, and community were reshaped through Western contact, missionary influence, and multicultural exchange—yet retained a distinctly Hawaiian sense of place and purpose. This episode also confronts modern questions of cultural appropriation, global fashion influence, and what responsibility comes with wearing designs rooted in Indigenous history. Hawaiian fashion is not just aesthetic. It is memory, meaning, and movement—worn on the body.

LET'S TALK FUR...

Fur is everywhere during the winter season—from coats and hats to holiday gifts and fashion displays—but where does it actually come from, and what does it represent today? In this episode, we explore the long history of fur, the realities of the modern fur industry, and why fur becomes especially visible during the holidays. We look at fur as a symbol of warmth, luxury, and tradition, while also examining the ethical and environmental debates surrounding its use. As consumers become more aware of their fashion choices, fur has become more than just a material—it’s a conversation about values, responsibility, and awareness. This episode encourages listeners to think critically about what they wear and buy during the holiday season, and how fashion choices can reflect personal beliefs.

The Art of Collecting

In this episode, I examine collecting as both a psychological and creative act — a dialogue between self, memory, and material. Drawing on the study “Collectors: Personality between Consumption and Investment” published in ScienceDirect, we explore how traits like openness to experience and emotional stability influence the urge to collect and preserve. I share my own collections — oyster shells and seashells gathered from coastlines, postcards collected through travel, art acquired through estate sales and my love for platforms like Artsy, and clothing that carries personal and historical resonance. These objects are more than possessions; they are fragments of narrative and identity. Recorded in New York City, this episode considers the intersection of aesthetics, psychology, and self-expression — how the act of collecting reflects who we are and what we choose to remember.

Imprints in Verse: Elizabeth Lake on Lipstick on the Wall

In this episode of Project 6 Podcast, we welcome Elizabeth Lake, author of the debut poetry collection Lipstick on the Wall. Already featured in Barnes & Noble Miami, Goodreads, Amazon, and more, her work explores themes of identity, self-expression, resilience, and the marks we leave on the world. Elizabeth takes us inside her creative process and shares the story behind her collection—an intimate reflection on what it means to live, feel, and leave lasting imprints. Tune in for a powerful conversation that blends art, literature, and personal truth.