Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast

How can we make the future something people can experience, not just imagine? In this episode of Create Tomorrow, host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, speaks with Sasha Wallinger, Director of Marketing and Communications at the MIT Museum, a Massachusetts-based museum bringing MIT’s research to life through experiences that connect science, technology, art and design. Sasha explains how the MIT Museum is evolving into a public lab and how its recent MIT Future Fest brought innovation to life through immersive, playful experiences. Find out why experimentation and unfinished ideas matter, how play can support creativity at any age and why innovation depends less on a single breakthrough than on the people and perspectives that come together along the way

How are changing lifestyles reshaping what we wear and what fashion brands create? Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli is joined by Laura Yiannakou, WGSN Senior Strategist of Womenswear to explore lifestyle dipping – the way people move between interests, communities and aesthetics instead of dressing for one fixed identity. They unpack what this shift means for fashion, from versatile pieces and outfit repeating to accessories, modular design and clothing that can keep up with everyday life. You’ll hear how brands can balance function with style and why helping a purchase work harder may matter more than offering something new each season.

Tommy Hilfiger joins Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli to reveal what’s genuinely new in fashion, why Gen Z is rewriting the rules and how an iconic brand stays culturally relevant without chasing every trend. Tommy shares how he approaches future-facing product decisions, what he believes brands should protect and why community-driven retail still matters. Listen to find out more about evolving brand DNA, adaptive design, the gold mine of archives and how future students could merge creativity with the business of fashion.

From avatar outfits to web-integrated shopping tools, digital fashion is transforming our e-commerce experiences. Cassandra Napoli, head of consumer forecasting at WGSN, invites Daria Shapovalava, founder of DressX to discuss how AI and digital fashion are changing the way people discover, try on, and buy clothes. Listen to find out what these shifts mean for personal style, creativity, and fashion product design.

Screeny founder and CEO Elizabeth McLead joins host Cassandra Napoli to break down how creator fandom is moving beyond social media and into theatres, branded events and physical community spaces. They discuss why authenticity, engagement and offline experiences are reshaping the creator economy and how Screeny helps creators, brands and fans connect in ways that drive real value.

The home is evolving into a powerful, behavioural architecture tool. Gemma Riberti, WGSN’s Director, CMF (Colour, Materials & Finishes) and Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli reveal why the dining table is catalysing behaviour, framing moments of connection and shared experience. Whether you’re designing a new product, curating your next dinner party or building wellness into your living space, Gemma uncovers how the hearth of the home whets our appetite for togetherness, influencing everything from kitchen design to social rituals at home. Find out how tablescaping delivers family moments and solo functionality, serving authenticity in imperfection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In this Create Tomorrow episode, host Cassandra Napoli, surfboard shaper Donald Brink and former Surfer Magazine writer Gabe Sullivan discuss surfing’s cultural shift from a niche pastime to a mainstream sport. Donald and Gabe uncover the role of surf shapers in crafting sustainable surfboards and the growing inclusivity within the surf community, particularly for women. Find out the impact of the internet on surf culture and surfing’s prominence as it becomes part of the Olympic Games.

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.

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.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli invites founder of SkinSeries Rosie Broadhead and WGSN foresight lead Martina Rocca to discuss the intersection of wellness and textiles. As consumer priorities are shifting towards health and wellbeing in their clothing choices, find out how biomaterials in fashion impact sustainability and skin health. Rosie and Martina emphasise the importance of integrating biological intelligence into textile design, including probiotics in clothing and their impact on skin health. Learn about the way forward for biomaterials in the fashion industry and the necessity for brands to communicate authentically about their sustainability efforts while educating the next generation of designers.

Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli welcomes Quinn’s CEO and founder Caroline Spiegel to share how audio erotica is evolving sexual wellness. Appealing to female audiences, Quinn addresses market gaps through content diversity, emphasising the importance of community engagement and real-life connections. Caroline discusses popular themes and the potential for multisensory experiences in audio erotica while addressing the role of AI and its implications for human-centric content creation. Discover insights on brand integration, the role of creators in sourcing stories and the impact of celebrity involvement in marketing, including monetisation strategies for creators.

Cassandra Napoli, Create Tomorrow’s host, welcomes Rajni Jacques, Snapchat’s Global Head of Fashion and Beauty, to share about the rise of digital fashion. They discuss how brands are leveraging AR to engage younger audiences amid shifts in values and expectations, especially among Generation Alpha. Rajni emphasises the importance of self-expression online, focusing on authenticity and engagement in content creation. She uncovers how brands are increasingly valuing versatile creators who can connect with audiences across various domains in Snapchat’s evolving creator economy. Find out how to overcome digital fatigue and foster phygital experiences to connect with consumers.

How can you round up a community to build your brand and disrupt industries? Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli welcomes Modi Oyewole and Josh Hubberman, co-founders of golf community Swang, to discuss how they are evolving the future of golf as an inclusive and community-driven activity. Amid the cultural shift in golf, Josh and Modi break down their innovative approach to making golf more accessible and appealing to younger generations. Drawing from music, they reshape the perception of the sport to attract a diverse audience with greater representation. Listen to how they formed strategic partnerships, overcame challenges of entrepreneurship, and built connections.

Legacy media is entering a new era as Gen Z has grown up and is coming to power. Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli invites editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, Willa Bennett to discuss her vision for evolving iconic magazines to resonate with younger audiences amid the changing media landscape. Community engagement remains all-important—how can brands strengthen it? Willa highlights the need for authenticity and connection in storytelling to overcome challenges in curating content for a niche culture. Listen in on how magazines can serve as a guiding force for readers navigating love and identity as social media shapes magazine content.

In this episode, Create Tomorrow host Cassandra Napoli hears from Nicole Loher, the founder of Climate Communications Collective C3, about brands’ responsibilities in climate storytelling, the challenges of greenwashing, and the evolving landscape of climate education. Nicole highlights the importance of effectively translating scientific data into relatable narratives, especially for younger generations like Gen Z, who are increasingly impacted by climate change. Listen in on emerging climate storytellers and learn the language of trust and transparency to reach your audience.

In this episode, WGSN’s Create Tomorrow host, Cassandra Napoli is joined by Content Director of Insight Joe McDonnell and Senior Strategist of Events, Liz Tan, to discuss the launch WGSN’s new platform to help brands navigate key events impacting consumer behaviour. Revealing the criteria for featuring significant events, evolving traditions, and celebrations, our guests offer insights into collective effervescence and the cost-of-living impact on consumer sentiment, driving future consumer trends. Tune in to find out how to effectively capture cultural moments and harness engagement opportunities within sports and music events.

Gen Z brides are redefining wedding style with a passion for individuality and one-of-a-kind pieces often found in secondhand stores. Our host, Cassandra Napoli, invites Sidney Morgan-Petro, Head of Retail and Buying at WGSN and Lily Kaizer, founder of by-appointment vintage bridal salon Happy Isles to dive into the evolving world of vintage bridal fashion amid the booming vintage resale market. Join them to learn how important the influence of social media is – especially TikTok, why in-person shopping experiences remain essential and how businesses can adapt to meet the expectations of the modern bride.

How can the NFL grow its league now and in the future? In this episode, Cassandra Napoli, WGSN’s, and Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first Fashion Editor explore how fashion can boost connections with fans – particularly younger audiences and women. He shares insights on the NFL’s strategic move into fashion, the importance of authentic athlete representation, and the potential for athletes to transition into fashion careers post-retirement. Join them to learn about the cultural shifts shaking up the sports industry and find out how to score successful partnerships and campaigns that have brought athletes into the fashion spotlight.

How can brands work with creatives to land successful campaigns with strong relationships? Our host Cassandra Napoli invites GRLSWIRL’s CEO and Co-founder, Lucy Osinski, and Co-founder and Chief of Global Community/Partnerships, Kelsey Harkin, to share how their women-led group skate cultivates Collective Effervescence through inclusive empowerment. They champion Soft Adventure – WGSN’s top trend, where many consumers seek less physically demanding outdoor activities that need little prior expertise. Find out how they harnessed social media and grassroots activism to expand their reach from their early days of skating on Venice Beach to growing a global movement.

What’s the last advertisement you simply can’t forget? In this episode, WGSN’s Create Tomorrow host, Cassandra Napoli, learns from Havas Lynx’s Creative Director, Gabriel Araujo, about advertisers’ evolving role in capturing consumer’s short attention spans and why he enjoys collaborating with young and old to bring ideas to life. From generative AI and its ethical implications plus the effectiveness of IRL brand activations to cultivating joy to progress consumer culture, Gabriel shares his insights on crafting ads that resonate well. Find out how and why WGSN’s brand strategies – Advertising, the rising Slow Advertising, and Restorytelling adding unique cultural value – and local, not global campaigns are driving advertising.

Gen Beta will be the first to grow up in an AI-driven world, raised by Gen Z and Zellennial parents who are rethinking digital childhoods amid technology’s influence. Born between 2025 and 2040, Betas will be shaped by hyper-personalised tech, sustainability, and ethical innovation – forcing brands to progress Gen Alpha strategies. We explore Gen Beta’s defining traits – from the rise of inclusive postpartum care and innovative infant nutrition, to why some Gen Z parents choose to go offline and the increasing need for safety online. Find out how Gen Beta will be and what this means for brands with Cassandra Napoli, Create Tomorrow’s host, Allyson Rees, WGSN’s Senior Lifestyle Strategist, and Claire Lancaster, WGSN’s Head of Food and Drink.

In this episode, we are looking at winning over tween and teen consumers online and at retail which is something our guest, Meghan Hurley, Claire’s Vice President of Global Marketing knows a lot about. Straight from her session at this year’s National Retail Federation’s Big Show held in New York, she talks to WGSN's Cassandra Napoli about winning with modern consumers. Meghan reflects on how Claire’s targets Zalpha consumers (the fringe generation sandwiched between Gen Z and Gen Alpha aged 9-14) by cocreating campaigns and products alongside them and aligning with their preferences for phygital experiences.

It’s 2025, and chrono-normativity, hustle culture, and unhealthy habits are out. Which movements are shaking things up across industries? Ditching societal norms of traditional adult milestones, the Forever Young Adult is trailblazing their own timeline. Consumers are grappling with global challenges by seeking ease and dressing in comfortable Day-jamas, tending to their needs with Therapeutic Laziness. Discover more trends WGSN forecasts for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN with her colleagues, Lisa White, Director of Strategic Forecasting and Creative Direction, and Cassandra Napoli, Head of Marketing and Events at WGSN Insight.