Just A Fashion Minute

David M. Watts: Hello, fashion enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode of "Just A Fashion Minute," the podcast where we explore the latest ideas in fashion and shine a spotlight on the incredible talents shaping our industry. I'm your host, David M. Watts, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have you join us today.
I have a truly fascinating guest lined up for this episode—Maurice Mullen. Maurice, who you may know from his influential roles at the London Evening Standard and ES Magazine, shares unparalleled insights from his extensive career in fashion publishing. We dive deep into some compelling topics, including the current state of print media, the evolving role of AI in fashion, and the indelible importance of quality journalism in today's digital age.
One of the standout moments in our conversation is Maurice's recounting of an unforgettable day at the Ascot races, where he unknowingly spent time with Rocco Ritchie, Madonna's son. Maurice also opens up about his early career decisions, moving from a potential legal career in Northern Ireland to following his passion for fashion in London. His stories are both enlightening and entertaining!
We'll also touch upon some pressing issues in the fashion world, from the impact of digital media on traditional magazines to Maurice's thoughts on the future of fashion publications. His views on the complementary relationship between print and digital media are sure to spark some thoughts.
And as always, we have our "Just A Fashion Minute News Round Up," where we bring you the latest buzz in the fashion world. This week, we'll be covering Jacquemus' quirky marketing strategies, Glenn Martens' transformation of Diesel into a lifestyle brand, and all the speculation surrounding Chanel's next creative director.

Don't forget to subscribe to "Just A Fashion Minute" on your podcasting app of choice so you never miss out on our latest episodes. Now, let's dive into this week's fascinating discussion with Maurice Mullen.

Timestamps & Topics
00:00 - Introduction and Just A Fashion Minute News Round-up: Updates on Jacquemus store openings, Diesel's collaboration with H&M, and Chanel creative director speculation.
05:01 - Early Fashion Interest: Maurice discusses buying Vogue magazines as a teenager in Northern Ireland during the mid-seventies.
07:54 - Career Transition: His journey from a legal career in Northern Ireland to London's publishing industry in the early eighties.
13:18 - Definition of Fashion: Maurice defines fashion as nonverbal communication, a language people use to convey how they want to be perceived.
15:57 - State of Print Media: Discussion on print media's resilience, with 13.6 million UK adults still reading daily print publications.
20:00 - Digital vs Print: Analysis of how print and digital media coexist rather than compete.
28:11 - Role of Professional Journalism: The importance of professional journalists in filtering accurate information from misinformation.
31:35 - AI in Fashion Publishing: Discussion on AI's role as an enabler rather than a replacement for creative professionals.
42:12 - Quick Fire Questions: Maurice answers questions about embarrassing fashion moments, industry unsung heroes, and his outfit.

Guest Bio
Maurice Mullen is a prominent figure in fashion publishing with over three decades of experience. Until recently, he served as the head of luxury and fashion at the London Evening Standard Newspaper and ES Magazine. His career began unconventionally, transitioning from a legal background in Northern Ireland to London's publishing industry in the 1980s. Known for his expertise in luxury and fashion media, Mullen has worked with countless luxury brands globally and is a respected voice in fashion education, frequently speaking to students about the industry. He is Deputy Chair of the Graduate Fashion Foundation, the largest showcase of BA fashion in the world. Despite the digital revolution, he remains a strong advocate for print media's enduring value and the importance of quality journalism in fashion.

Guest Links
Maurice Mullen does not maintain any social media presence but can be found through professional networks and speaking engagements in the fashion industry.

Resources Mentioned in the Show
Vogue Magazine (which he started reading in his mid-teens in the 1970s)

Publications he worked for:
Marketing Magazine
Campaign Magazine
Marie Claire UK
London Evening Standard Newspaper
ES Magazine

Books mentioned:
"Why Fashion Matters" by Frances Corner

Fashion stores he recommends:
Grey Flannel in Chiltern Street, London
Timothy Everest in London
10 Corso Como in Milan
Rinascente department store in Milan
Le Bon Marché in France
La Samaritaine in Paris

Organisations:
Graduate Fashion Foundation (where he serves as deputy chair)1
Designer mentioned for his personal style:
Karl Lagerfeld

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Copyright 2026 David M Watts

Hi there, fashion enthusiasts! This is David M. Watts, and welcome back to another exciting episode of "Just A Fashion Minute." Today, we have a truly exceptional show lined up for you. I'm thrilled to introduce our incredibly insightful guest, Peter Williams, the visionary founder of Jack Wills and the newly launched Aubin and Wills. Peter's career journey is nothing short of fascinating, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it.
On this episode, you'll hear Peter candidly discuss the evolution of menswear, touching on the rarity of colourful options in the UK and how his brand has creatively integrated those vibrant pops. He shares a thought-provoking perspective on why men often stick to the safety of blue and how that's influenced his design choices.
But it doesn't stop there. We'll delve into the challenges independent fashion brands face in this mega-corporation-dominated industry. Peter offers invaluable advice on building a successful business, the importance of a clear brand narrative, and the vital role of a skilled and reliable team.
One of my favourite parts is when Peter recounts his journey as an entrepreneur, marked by both failures and triumphs. From an economics and strategy consultant to a fashion mogul, his story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.
What's new? As always, we have our "Just A Fashion Minute News Round Up" to keep you updated on the latest in the fashion world. You won't want to miss the exciting collaborations and notable changes happening among top designers and brands.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this insightful conversation. And hey, don't forget to subscribe to "Just A Fashion Minute" on your podcasting app of choice. That way, you'll never miss an episode brimming with insider fashion knowledge and inspiration. Happy listening!

Timestamps & Topics
00:00 - Introduction and Just A Fashion Minute News Round Up
05:46 - Peter's unconventional route into the fashion industry: Peter discusses his background in economics and strategy consulting before starting Jack Wills.
07:11 - The genesis of Jack Wills: Peter explains how his "23-year-old midlife crisis" led to the creation of Jack Wills, inspired by the spirit of youth and British heritage.
14:08 - The importance of experiences in shaping career paths: Peter shares how his time at an American boarding school influenced the creation of Jack Wills.
17:16 - The creation of Aubin and Wills: Peter explains the business model behind Aubin and Wills as a brand for Jack Wills customers who had grown up.
20:19 - Innovative marketing strategies: Peter discusses creative ways of marketing Jack Wills, including reaching out to head boys and girls of private schools.
25:43 - The future of independent fashion brands: Peter shares his thoughts on competing with mega-corporations in the fashion landscape.
32:55 - Advice for young fashion brands: Peter encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and start their businesses while young.
35:47 - Quickfire questions: Peter discusses embarrassing fashion moments, favourite retailers, and his look of the day.

Guest Bio
Peter Williams is a pioneering British fashion entrepreneur known for founding two successful retail brands. As the creator of Jack Wills in 1999, he transformed a small startup into a significant fashion business with international reach, including stores across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. Williams launched the brand at age 23 after leaving a career in strategy consulting, driven by what he calls his "23-year-old midlife crisis." His entrepreneurial vision was shaped by his experiences at Salisbury School in Connecticut during his gap year, where he was immersed in American prep culture that would later influence his brand aesthetic. Under his leadership, Jack Wills grew to become a notable British fashion retailer before his eventual departure from the company. In 2020, Williams returned to the fashion industry by relaunching Aubin and Wills, a sophisticated menswear brand originally created as a mature extension of Jack Wills. The brand operates with a carefully curated retail strategy, maintaining three standalone stores and a presence in 27 John Lewis retail locations. Williams currently serves as the brand guardian, focusing on storytelling and brand narrative while working alongside a handpicked team of industry veterans. Known for his innovative marketing approaches, Williams pioneered early influencer marketing strategies, including his successful campaign targeting head boys and girls at British private schools. His business philosophy centres on the importance of building strong teams and maintaining authentic brand narratives while delivering quality products at appropriate price points.

Guest Links
Instagram: @aubinandwills
Website: www.aubinandwills.com

Resources
Ralph Lauren
Soho House
John Lewis
Burford Garden Centre
Abraham Moon
Timberland

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Copyright 2026 David M Watts

Hello, fashion aficionados! Welcome back to Just A Fashion Minute. I'm your host, David M. Watts, and today we have an incredible episode lined up for you. Our guest, Christopher Yu, takes us on a deep dive into the world of fragrance, sharing insights on sustainability, the art of perfumery, and the evolving language of smell. Christopher's experiences working with LMR and his passion for protecting the planet and the people within the fragrance industry truly shine through in this episode.
We'll also explore Christopher's embarrassing fashion moment, discuss trending comfort scents, and delve into the global fragrance market's predicted growth. Plus, we have the latest in fashion news, from Gucci's cruise 2025 show at the Tate Modern to the excitement surrounding the opening of Dover Street Market in Paris.
And as always, we have our Just A Fashion Minute News Round Up to keep you updated on the latest happenings in the fashion world.
Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting app to catch all our episodes and stay connected with the world of fashion. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the fascinating world of fashion and fragrance with Christopher Yu.

Timestamps & Topics
00:00:01 Introduction and overview of the episode
Just A Fashion Minute News Round-up and overview of the podcast episode topics.
00:06:01 Early interest in fragrance
Christopher Yu shares how he became interested in fragrance from a young age, including anecdotes about playing in duty-free shops as a child.
00:07:07 Fragrance memory triggers
Discussion on how certain smells can trigger nostalgic memories, like the smell of steamed rice reminding Chris of his childhood home.
00:07:57 Career influences
Chris credits influential people like Laurent Delafon and Olivier Polge who helped shape his fragrance career early on.
00:09:19 Bringing Diptyque to UK
Introducing the Diptyque fragrance brand to the UK market in the late 1990s.
00:10:04 Fashion/fragrance connection
Exploring the connection between fashion and fragrance as projections of one's self and personal style.
00:11:46 Defining fashion
Christopher Hu provides his definition of fashion as an expression reflecting a point in time.
00:13:38 Sustainability in fragrance
In-depth discussion on sustainability practices in the fragrance industry and Chris's perspective on what true sustainability means.

00:18:57 Price variations in fragrance
Explanation for why there are significant price variations between different fragrance brands.
00:20:14 Describing smells
Tips on how to better describe and articulate different smells beyond basic vocabulary.
00:22:48 Fragrance trends
Discussion on current fragrance trends like scents reminiscent of Play-Doh, lipstick and hemp as consumers seek out comforting smells post-pandemic.
00:24:41 Growth of global fragrance market
Exploring what is driving the projected growth of the global fragrance market in the coming years.
00:26:54 Creating Ostens fragrances
The years-long process Chris went through in creating and developing his own Ostens fragrance brand.
00:31:11 Meaning behind wearing fragrance
Whether people wear fragrance just to smell good or if there are deeper meanings and emotional reasons behind it.
00:32:23 Ostens brand purpose
Chris shares the driving purpose behind his Ostens brand: to spotlight talented creators in the industry.
00:33:09 Redefining fragrance
How Chris believes the fragrance industry should be redefined, valuing creators and respecting the product.
00:33:30 Quickfire questions
Rapid-fire questions about fashion/fragrance topics.
00:39:01 Closing remarks
Closing thoughts and appreciation for you, the listeners, as the podcast season wraps up.

Guest Bio
Christopher Yu, an industry expert with over two decades of experience in the perfume sector, is renowned for his exceptional ability to transform fragrance ventures into successful enterprises. Originally from New Zealand, Christopher began his career in law and accounting, practicing tax litigation at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Wellington. In 1999, he relocated to London, where he initially worked as a solicitor in investment banking.
In 2002, Christopher shifted his focus to the fragrance industry, starting a niche fragrance distribution business for the luxury candle pioneer Diptyque. This venture was highly successful, and in 2007, after selling the business to Manzanita Capital, he co-founded United Perfumes with business partner Laurent Delafon. Under his leadership, United Perfumes has launched and elevated numerous high-profile fragrance brands globally, including Fragonard, Apothia Los Angeles, Olivina Napa Valley, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Cire Trudon.
Christopher has also been instrumental in creating and defining home fragrance brands under licence for prestigious fashion and design houses such as Anya Hindmarch, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, and the Italian design icon Fornasetti. His strategic vision and innovative approach have not only shaped his career but have also made a significant impact on the luxury fragrance industry. Christopher Yu's journey from a legal and financial background to becoming a fragrance mogul exemplifies his diverse skills and his ability to identify and cultivate luxury brands in the competitive perfume market.

Guest Links
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrisyusmells/
Website https://ostens.com/
Linktree https://linktr.ee/chrisyusmells

Resources
Laurent Delafon
Jacques Polge
Olivier Polge
Monique Remy
Bertrand de Preville
Gucci
Dover Street Market
Diptyque
Fragonard
Apothia Los Angeles
Olivina Napa Valley
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Cire Trudon
Anya Hindmarch
Paul Smith
Alexander McQueen
Fornasetti
Christie's
Sotheby's
Yves Saint Laurent
Karl Lagerfeld
Freddie Mercury
Vivienne Westwood
Chanel
Dior
Jo Malone
Tom Ford
Estee Lauder
Acqua Di Parma
Laboratoire Monique Rémy (LMR)

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We...

Hey there, fashion enthusiasts! Welcome back to Just A Fashion Minute, I'm your host, David M. Watts. In this week's episode, we have the incredibly talented stylist and designer, Harris Elliott, joining us for a captivating discussion on the impact of AI in the fashion industry, the unique challenges faced by stylists, and the power of fashion as a form of identity.
Harris shares insightful experiences from his impressive career, including working with high-profile clients such as Gorillaz & Pharrell, and his involvement in thought-provoking exhibitions such as "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House. We dive into the world of fashion styling, the essence of fashion as a means of expression, and the fascinating alchemy of styling that combines various elements to create visually impactful looks.
We also discuss Tokyo Rakuten Fashion Week, the significant early influences on Harris's career, and much more. As always, we have our Just A Fashion Minute News Roundup, bringing you the latest updates from the exciting world of fashion.
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting app to stay up-to-date with our latest fashion discussions and interviews. Let's dive into the world of fashion with Harris Elliott!
Timestamps & Topics
00:00:01 - Intro and Background
Introduction to the podcast "Just A Fashion Minute" and overview of the topic of fashion styling.
00:05:51 - Tokyo Fashion Week
Harris shares his thoughts on Tokyo Fashion Week restarting with international buyers and the press, which he sees as good news for Japanese fashion.
00:07:08 - Dries Van Noten Succession
Discussion of Belgian designer Dries Van Noten stepping down and the succession plans for his brand.
00:09:39 - Early Fashion Influences
Harris Elliott shares his earliest memories and influences that sparked his interest in fashion, including shop window displays and military regalia.
00:11:11 - Career Start with Judy Blame
How Harris got his start in fashion by cold-calling stylist Judy Blame, who gave him opportunities that launched his styling career.
00:13:15 - Defining Fashion as Identity
Harris defines fashion as identity, relating to attitude, stance, cultural context and self-expression.
00:17:56 - Working with Japanese Clients
Harris explains why he loves working with Japanese clients, who have a deep understanding and respect for his creative role.
00:22:07 - Styling Examples
Harris provides examples of his styling work, including projects with Gorillaz putting the band in head-to-toe pink looks, and styling Pharrell Williams.
00:25:22 - Challenges with Brands
Harris describes some of the challenges and mistreatment stylists can face from brands that don't understand or value their role properly.
00:28:09 - AI Already Existing
Harris points out that AI technology for styling is already being used, like virtual fitting rooms, and will continue advancing.
00:30:46 - "The Missing Thread" Exhibition
Discussion of the concept and creation of the groundbreaking exhibition "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House, spotlighting underrepresented Black British fashion designers.
00:35:00 - Being a Black Male Stylist
Harris discusses his perspective as a Black male stylist and how he has moved the needle on perception of stylists in the industry.
00:36:59 - AI Impact on Styling
Exploring how artificial intelligence is already impacting and may continue to transform the role of the fashion stylist.
00:39:12 - AI Perspectives
Harris and David discuss their perspectives on the AI revolution in fashion, seeing it as both necessary but needing to be carefully monitored.
00:42:42 - Quick Fire Questions
Rapid fire questions included an embarrassing fashion moment, Harris' favourite store, an unsung hero shoutout, and describing his outfit.

Guest Bio
Harris Elliott, a multifaceted creative director, curator, and stylist based in London, is renowned for his unique approach that blends fashion, art, and socio-political narratives. His guiding principle, "Culture Without Compromise," underscores his dedication to storytelling with integrity and vigour. Elliott's notable work includes curating "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House, an exhibition that delves into the contributions of Black British designers to the fashion industry. He has also made significant strides internationally, particularly in Japan, where his collaborations have bridged cultural divides.
Elliott's portfolio showcases a wide range of projects, from immersive exhibitions like "Return of the Rudeboy" to global campaigns for brands such as Adidas and Puma. His ability to create compelling visual narratives has earned him acclaim and a diverse client base in the music, fashion, and luxury sectors. Beyond his professional endeavours, Elliott contributes to the future of fashion as a Senior MA Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, where he encourages a collective and innovative approach to design challenges.
Through his work, Elliott not only challenges the status quo but also celebrates diversity and the power of creativity to connect and inspire. His impact on the fashion and art worlds is a testament to his vision and commitment to cultural relevance and commercial viability, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary creative discourse.

Guest Links
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harriselliottstudio/
Website https://harriselliott.com/
Le Tings https://www.instagram.com/letings_/

Resources
We are the Bold Agency
Christopher Nemeth's store in Japan
Designer Takeo Kikuchi
Dries van Noten fashion label
Rakuten, Tokyo Fashion Week
"The Missing Thread" exhibition at Somerset House

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Copyright 2026 David M Watts

Hello, fashion enthusiasts! I'm David M. Watts, your host for Just A Fashion Minute, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to this week's episode featuring the insightful Kenny Annan-Jonathan. We have an engaging conversation lined up, discussing the intersection of sports and fashion, the impact of influential figures in these industries, and the evolving nature of luxury and consumer awareness.
Kenny shares intriguing insights about professional athletes venturing into fashion as a post-sports career revenue stream, the challenges they face, and the growing awareness of overconsumption. We delve into the influence of sports personalities, including their off-field endeavours and their involvement in the fashion industry. Kenny also sheds light on the importance of personal values and ethical considerations in the fashion industry, drawing from his experience as a black entrepreneur and founder of The Mail Room sports marketing agency.

As always, we have our Just A Fashion Minute News Round Up, bringing you the latest updates on fashion and retail trends, including the debuts, expansions, challenges, and evolutions in the industry.

Don't forget to subscribe on your podcasting app of choice to stay updated on all our future episodes. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of fashion and its intersection with various spheres of influence.

Timestamps & Topics
00:01 - Introduction
Just A Fashion Minute News Roundup and Welcome Kenny Annan-Jonathan.
04:03 - Nike's Challenges & Innovation
Discussion on Nike's recent struggles with innovation and connecting with cultural trends/collaborators.
07:19 - Kenny's Background in Fashion
Kenny shares how his older sister's musical interests and style influenced his early exposure to fashion. He also talks about starting his own streetwear brand.
13:33 - Mentorship from Darren Skey
Kenny highlights how Darren Skey, formerly of Harvey Nichols, provided crucial mentorship early on regarding the business side of fashion.
16:13 - Defining Fashion
Kenny defines fashion as an outward expression of inner feelings.
17:10 - Sports & Fashion Relationship
The growing relationship between sports, especially football/soccer, and the fashion industry is discussed.
20:02 - Nike's Nigeria Kit Impact
Analysis of the cultural significance behind the viral success of Nike's Nigeria kit compared to England's.
24:21 - Addressing Racism in Sports
Kenny discusses if he has faced any racism while working in sports/fashion and how representation matters.
26:43 - David Beckham's Fashion Statements
David Beckham is cited as an athlete who used fashion to make bold statements and be expressive.
28:45 - Non-Traditional Sports & Fashion
Kenny highlights how non-traditional sports like the Paralympics, boxing, and skateboarding are embracing fashion collaborations.
33:25 - Athletes Pursuing Fashion Post-Career
The trend of professional athletes pursuing fashion as a revenue stream after retiring from sports.
36:02 - Risks of Working with Athlete Brands
Discussion on the potential risks brands face when working with athlete endorsers who may misbehave.
37:52 - Being a Black Founder in Sports Marketing
Kenny shares his experience as a black man and founder of a sports marketing agency navigating the industry.
40:48 - Advice for Newcomers
Context: Kenny's advice for newcomers trying to make it in the sports/fashion industries.
42:12 - Quick Fire Questions
Quick fire questions on embarrassing fashion moments, favourite stores, unsung heroes, and his outfit that day.

Guest Bio
Kenny Annan-Jonathan is a pioneering figure in the intersection of sports and fashion, currently serving as the first-ever creative director for the English Premier League football club, Crystal Palace. Born in Battersea, South London, to a mother who emigrated from Ghana, Annan-Jonathan has always been drawn to the creative arts. He began his career as a graphic designer before venturing into fashion, where he launched a successful clothing line in the mid-2000s that gained prominence in London and attracted a following among celebrities and athletes, including footballer Wilfred Zaha.
Annan-Jonathan's relationship with Zaha evolved from fashion collaboration to a business partnership, leading to the co-founding of the brand Long Live Studio. Recognising a gap in the market for athlete representation beyond traditional sports management, he founded The Mailroom in 2017. This bespoke sports marketing agency aims to enhance the visibility and branding of athletes and sports brands through creative and organic partnerships.
His innovative approach and understanding of the cultural convergence between sports and fashion led to his historic appointment at Crystal Palace. Here, he is responsible for overseeing apparel collections and fashion partnerships, aiming to redefine how sports teams engage with fashion and expand their brand influence

Guest Links
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freeagent/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-annan-jonathan-46941687
The Mailroom https://www.instagram.com/themailroom/
Trnsmission https://www.instagram.com/trnsmission/

Resources
Steve Victor
Gevonta
Tyshawn John Jones
Louis Vuitton
Ramla Ali
Nike
Daily Paper
Off White
Pharrell Williams
LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy)
Amiri
Human Made
Ambush
Uniqlo
Diesel
Crystal Palace
Nigeria's kit
Dunhill
On
The Mail Room Sports Marketing

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Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you to get you views, opinions or guest suggestions.
Reach us on Instagram, LinkedIn or email [email protected]

Copyright 2026 David M Watts