148. Fandoms & Franchises – The Future of Cultural Connections

In this episode, host Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s Head of Kidswear Erin Rechner and Senior Cultural Strategist Liz Tan delve into the cultural moments set to define 2026 and beyond, offering insights into how brands can strategically embed themselves into these pivotal happenings. We explore the future of fandoms, the rise of women in sports and the impact of co-creation on niche cultures. Discover how WGSN’s Events + Culture platform provides a roadmap for brands looking to connect with audiences meaningfully. Whether you’re a brand strategist or a culture enthusiast, gain valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of cultural engagement.

Join host Cassandra Napoli as she delves into the evolving world of fashion with Lizzie Wheeler, a resale expert and founder of Archival Bridal Studio. In this episode, Lizzie shares her journey from wholesale to the forefront of the resale market, exploring the rise of IYKYK (if you know, you know) shopping networks and the growing demand for curation as a service. Discover how consumer culture is shifting towards personalised, community-driven shopping experiences and what this means for the future of fashion.

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli dives into the world of upcycled fashion with Hilary Star de Roy, founder of New York-based Royal Native. Amid the fast-paced trend cycle, Hilary stays true to her brand’s ethos of sustainability and community building. Hilary shares her unique journey of transforming vintage textiles into sought-after pieces and the importance of hyper-local retail in fostering genuine connections. Listen in to explore how to balance enduring styles with modern trends and create an authentic and purpose-driven brand.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli invites Launderette NYC’s founders Ireland McCaughey and Ben Razin to discuss their transformation of traditional laundromats into vibrant community spaces. Turning conventional laundry practices into an outsourced service, they deliver solutions for modern lifestyles.They redefine consumer experiences by bridging social gaps, unveiling how to turn mundane chores into convenient, collaborative and creative spaces for consumers. Find out how they ironed out challenges which unfolded into opportunities entrepreneurs can learn from.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli hears from Gob founder Lauryn Menard.about how her company is disrupting the earplug industry with mycelium-based products, emphasising the importance of accounting for an item’s end of life in design. Learn about the challenges of green marketing, avoiding greenwashing and the role of educational, visually enticing marketing in capturing consumer interest. Listen for insights into the future of personal care products.

Join WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN, Martina Rocca, as they discuss the emerging mindset of heightened fear affecting consumers today. From eco-anxiety to the fear of AI and changing relationship dynamics, discover how these fears are shaping consumer behaviour, and how businesses can adapt by fostering emotional intelligence and authentic connections with their audiences. Listen to explore the complexities of our evolving world and the role of brands in navigating these challenges.

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli speaks to Rurban founder Rebecca Hui about bridging global communities with corporations and spotlighting traditional crafts while integrating AI. Explore the innovative Rurban Library curation and discover how it represents and integrates Indigenous art into the retail industry. Rebecca highlights the importance of cultural preservation, reciprocal partnership and the antidote to cultural appropriation. Listen for insights on how to answer consumers’ demand for ethical and purposeful crafts steeped in Indigenous identities that thrive in a modern, AI-driven world.

Create Tomorrow podcast host Cassandra Napoli invites co-founders of motherhood platform Spread the Jelly, Amrit Tietz and Lauren Levinger, to discuss the complexities of modern motherhood. From maternal ambivalence and tradwife to navigating identity, they expose the stickiness of how societal expectations have shifted from the 1950s to today. Amrit and Lauren discuss social media’s unrealistic standards, the impact of technology on parenting and the importance of community and solidarity among women across generations. Listen in on the challenges and joys of being a woman and a mother in the digital age, uncovering the nuanced realities behind the curated images of perfection.

Create Tomorrow podcast host Cassandra Napoli discusses the intriguing Vegan Reversal trend with insights from Senior Beauty Strategist Pia Fisher and Food and Drink Strategist Katharine Schub at WGSN. As consumers increasingly crave protein and animal-derived ingredients, this shift is reshaping the food, drink and beauty industries. Discover how traditional diets are being redefined with primal diet trends, the resurgence of animal-based beauty products and the cultural factors fueling this change. Take a bite out of this thought-provoking discussion on consumers’ changing preferences in balancing plant-based and animal-based lifestyles.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli welcomes Lauren Scott-Harris to discuss how EARNT connects brands with social causes through volunteerism. Lauren emphasises how to leverage social consciousness in marketing to create meaningful connections between consumers and brands. As consumer interest in social good and the role of influencers evolve, Lauren shares how the innovative ETY (Earned Thank You) currency rewards volunteer efforts. Gain insights on brand partnerships, the vetting process for causes and EARNT’s future aspirations to expand its impact globally while maintaining a local focus.