Creating Change in Fashion with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

Jill chats with fashion stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a fashion force who’s made it her mission to shake up the industry from the inside out. Gabriella shares her journey at Vogue from working as associate fashion editor for fashion director Tonne Goodman to becoming the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover in January of 2021 with her styling of model Paloma Elsesser. Her distinctive approach, which is layered, joyful, and purposeful, emphasizes support for emerging designers and size inclusivity, though her outspoken advocacy has led to industry conflicts. They delve into Gabriella's roots in Ojai, California, her grandparents' formative influence, and her time at Barnard College. She recounts pivotal internships that launched her fashion career, including roles at Elle Magazine and as an assistant to Hamish Bowles at Vogue. Gabriella candidly discusses Vogue's internal culture, her concerns about being sidelined due to her background, and her authentic bond with mentor Tonne, who profoundly shaped her career trajectory.
The episode highlights Gabriela's 2021 comeback to Vogue as Global Contributing Fashion Editor at Large, where she influenced iconic covers featuring Serena Williams, Paloma Elsesser, Kamala Harris, and others. She explains her departure from Vogue, driven by self-belief and a commitment to creating meaningful change while paving the way for future generations. The discussion includes some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from major photo shoots, Gabriella's talent-centered approach, and her perspective on the industry's persistent lack of diverse representation.

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