Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast

WGSN

What’s next – and how do you act on it?

Join Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Insight at WGSN, the world’s leading trend forecaster, as she talks with inspiring industry voices about emerging trends and how they become real products and services, helping designers, product developers, buyers and marketers stay ahead.

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170 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes170

Newest first

Tuesday · 23 min
169. The Hidden Power of Personal Brands in Fashion Building Trust Beyond Gatekeepers
Fashion Founders host Victoria Smith speaks to Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli to explore the evolving media landscape, creator influence, sustainability and future trends in apparel design. Find out how creator-led businesses are shaping the future of fashion with ground-up networks, how media fragmentation is developing fashion discourse and how to win with functional designs.
July 16 · 29 min
168. What Happens When We Teach AI to Smell?
Join host Cassandra Napoli and Osmo founder and CEO Alex Wiltschko as they uncover how AI-driven olfactory technology is transforming scent creation, sensory storytelling and personal memory re-creation. From translating concepts into scents digitally and making it programmable to personalising scents to connect with consumers emotionally, Alex explores how olfactory intelligence can deepen brand resonance and communicate more intimately with scent as the emerging language for culture.
June 30 · 27 min
167. Gen Alpha and the Return of the Teen Magazine
Join host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, in conversation with Paula James-Martinez, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Cuqui Magazine, about what’s next for teen culture. They explore how the decline of teen-focused spaces, social media bans and shifting cultural behaviours are reshaping adolescence and how brands can connect authentically with young people by understanding what they want, giving them a voice and something they can claim.
June 16 · 26 min
166. Tailoring Meets Tech – AI in the Fashion Curriculum
In this episode of Create Tomorrow, Cassandra Napoli dives into the evolving fashion landscape for incoming fashion creatives with Graduate Fashion Foundation’s Managing Director Nicola Hitchens and Communications & Special Projects Director Annabel Waterhouse-Biggins. They explore emerging trends, the impact of AI on education and specific skills to focus on to work well with AI. Tune in to understand what the new markers of success are and which values are shaping the next generation of designers and their work ethic.
June 2 · 24 min
165. Get your kicks – How Football is Reshaping Culture and Community in the US
Join Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli and guest Tony Magana, founder of the Football Boutique, discussing how football shapes culture in America, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Discover the evolution of football culture, retail strategies, and the impact on fashion and community. Key insights include Tony's journey, the rise of soccer in the U.S., and the role of football aesthetics in fashion. Explore how brands can engage authentically and the future of football culture in America.
May 19 · 29 min
164. Beyond the Glazed Donut – How Playful Marketing is Reshaping Beauty
Amid misinformation and too many products to choose from, how can you engage customers and futureproof your brand? Join host Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s Head of Consumer Forecasting, as she delves into skincare strategies with Rita Silva, The Ordinary’s Senior Manager, Scientific Communications and Brand Engagement. Rita shares how transparency and education are transforming trust in beauty brands, exploring how scientific communication shapes consumer behaviour and trends. They connect these insights to real-world impacts, emphasising the importance of structured narratives to strengthen loyalty.
May 5 · 27 min
163. No Place Like Space – The Final Frontier For Design
Find out how space exploration, innovative vehicle design and future mobility shape our world as aerospace designer Anthony Sims shares insights with host Cassandra Napoli. From redefining space interiors to integrating space-inspired aesthetics into everyday products, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of design, technology and human experience.
April 21 · 29 min
162. Trace It, Prove It, Profit: The Rise of Digital Product Passports
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are changing how brands connect with consumers, driving circularity and revenue simultaneously. Host Cassandra Napoli invites IoDF’s CEO Leanne Young and CCO Cat Taylor who are using regulation to create traceable, smarter products. They uncover how embedding DPPs into garments expands consumer engagement, revealing design concerns from discreet NFC chips to culturally sensitive placements that streamline marketing without social fatigue. Find out how brands build loyalty and maximise resale and repair.
April 7 · 25 min
161. Why Are We Renting Our Clothes?
Most Gen Zs are eager to rent and resell their wardrobes, but what if clothing brands started designing specifically for this shift? Host Cassandra Napoli invites Julia O’Mara and Brian McMahon, co-founders of Pickle, to unfold how peer-to-peer rental transforms fashion. Julia and Brian share how Pickle turns closets into micro warehouses, creating an on-demand fashion that adapts to rapid trends and shorter lifecycles. Uncover the evolving consumer psyche on why affordability, accessibility and self-expression fuel the rental revolution.
March 31 · 28 min
160. What Makes Radiant Earth the Colour of 2028?
Colour isn't just about aesthetics; it reflects and communicates emotions and events that shape our world. In this episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites WGSN’s Senior CMF Strategist Jennifer Birch to unveil the Colour of the Year for 2028, Radiant Earth. This episode uncovers how Radiant Earth was meticulously chosen to resonate across industries, from consumer tech to aerospace, supported by WGSN’s colour provider, Coloro. Find out how this colour connects with consumer emotions like hope and resilience.
March 24 · 29 min
159. How GLP-1 Drugs Are Reshaping Fashion
Host Cassandra Napoli invites WGSN’s Senior Strategist Laura Yiannakou to share insights on adapting fashion for fluctuating bodies and changing expectations. Laura delves into how GLP-1 drugs are reshaping apparel, from flexible sizing to inclusive designs. From the rise of flexible fits to the integration of shapewear into everyday clothing, this episode explores the body and wardrobes in flux. Find out how brands are innovating with forward-thinking designs to meet the needs of modern consumers while minimising losses.
March 12 · 29 min
158. Hot off the Runway – WGSN Unpacks the Fashion Weeks
Join host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, as she explores the latest insights from Fashion Month with industry experts. In this episode, Cassandra is joined by Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear at WGSN, Kim Cupido, Senior Catwalk Strategist at WGSN, and Ana Correa, Accessories and Footwear Strategist at WGSN. Together, they delve into how collections reflect broader cultural shifts and technological innovations, sharing their visions for the future of fashion with a focus on sustainability, authenticity, and cross-continental creativity.
March 3 · 26 min
157. AI x Human: Who's Doing the Thinking Anymore?
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites Adobe Firefly Enterprise’s Director of Product Design Viggy Madhav to share how GenAI is transforming content creation, design processes and brand trust. Listen in to explore the evolving role of human creativity, ethical considerations and the future landscape as AI seamlessly integrates into our creative and marketing workflows.
February 17 · 27 min
156. Going for Gold with Electric Skis
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli meets Nicola Colombo, founder of E-SKIMO, to learn about innovative electric-assisted skis – designed to democratise access to backcountry skiing. Listen in to explore how technology, tradition, and sustainability are shaping the future of snow mobility.
February 3 · 29 min
155. From Rheumatoid Arthritis to Runway – Inspiring Accessible Design
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli invites British accessible accessories designer Destiny Pinto to share how she transforms the industry with empathy and creativity and how accessibility and high fashion meet through adaptive and human-centred design. Discover inclusive representation through Destiny’s innovative accessories, including her Adison bag that can be used on wheelchairs, mobility aids, strollers, car seats and more. Listen to find out how disability gain will benefit everyone, including able-bodied people.
January 20 · 27 min
154. How Gen Z is Game-Changing Sports Culture
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and WGSN Sport & Outdoors Content Strategist Mary Stanwick review how Gen Z is reshaping the sports landscape. From cost and climate to fitness and spectatorship, they uncover how Gen Z are adapting for greater accessibility and shifting health priorities. Tune in to learn about the rise of hybrid sports, the importance of aesthetics in product design and the growing influence of women in sports fandom.
January 13 · 14 min
153. Life Through the Lens – What's Coming in 2026
In this special one-off episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Consumer Insight Cassandra Napoli give a sneak peek into how WGSN forecasts consumer and product trends. The hosts of the two WGSN podcasts, Lives of Tomorrow and Create Tomorrow, also explain how the two podcasts work together to help you better understand tomorrow’s world whether you work in consumer lifestyle products or you're just interested in how the world's evolving. Listen in for a taste of what’s to come on our podcasts in 2026.
Dec 23, 2025 · 29 min
152. Anyone for Salmon Sperm? WGSN’s Top Trends for 2026
In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by Head of Marketing, Events and Culture Forecasting Cassandra Napoli and VP of Content and Director of Beauty Clare Varga to discuss 2026’s top trends. They delve into Beauty’s secret ingredient tipping the scales, salmon sperm, plus digital privilege, the slow punk movement and the rise of unserious everything – exploring how these trends are shaping consumer behaviour and industries. Gain insights into digital detox, the impact of GLP-1 drugs across industries and the significance of guardian design in fashion.
Dec 9, 2025 · 30 min
151. Influence Redefined - Trust, Authenticity and the Future of Marketing
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli explores the evolving landscape of influence with industry leaders Brandon Perlman and Jennifer Wilder Perlman from Social Studies. We explore how CEOs have long been the original influencers. Brandon and Jennifer talk about the importance of authenticity in marketing and how the creator economy is rapidly changing. Discover the power of quiet influence and the impact of AI on the influencer landscape
Nov 25, 2025 · 26 min
150. From Runway to Reality – The Digital Fashion Revolution
In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli and Matthew Drinkwater, head of the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion, discuss the convergence of technology and fashion. Matthew explores how emerging technologies like augmented reality, digital fashion and AI are transforming the industry and education. The conversation studies the role of digital fashion in the metaverse, the impact of AI on creativity and the future of fashion education.

Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast

169. The Hidden Power of Personal Brands in Fashion Building Trust Beyond Gatekeepers

168. What Happens When We Teach AI to Smell?

167. Gen Alpha and the Return of the Teen Magazine

166. Tailoring Meets Tech – AI in the Fashion Curriculum

165. Get your kicks – How Football is Reshaping Culture and Community in the US

164. Beyond the Glazed Donut – How Playful Marketing is Reshaping Beauty

163. No Place Like Space – The Final Frontier For Design

162. Trace It, Prove It, Profit: The Rise of Digital Product Passports

161. Why Are We Renting Our Clothes?

160. What Makes Radiant Earth the Colour of 2028?

159. How GLP-1 Drugs Are Reshaping Fashion

158. Hot off the Runway – WGSN Unpacks the Fashion Weeks

157. AI x Human: Who's Doing the Thinking Anymore?

156. Going for Gold with Electric Skis

155. From Rheumatoid Arthritis to Runway – Inspiring Accessible Design

154. How Gen Z is Game-Changing Sports Culture

153. Life Through the Lens – What's Coming in 2026

152. Anyone for Salmon Sperm? WGSN’s Top Trends for 2026

151. Influence Redefined - Trust, Authenticity and the Future of Marketing

150. From Runway to Reality – The Digital Fashion Revolution