Nymphet Alumni

In this episode, we're joined by the legendary Emily Segal: writer, artist, cultural clairvoyant, and co-founder of K-HOLE and Nemesis. We talk about her brand-conscious NYC upbringing and art school education-by-osmosis, AI and telepathy, the collapse of unified worldviews, and what it means to be a creative director when every pair of jeans is trending at once. Emily also unearths the lost downtown dream of Chumbo and unpacks for us the group polarization and identity negotiation of contemporary parenting culture. Links: NEMESIS on SubstackK-HOLEEmily Segal on InstagramThe Generational Triennial: Younger Than Jesus at The New MuseumWolff OlinsMatan Even on YouTubeMother Media: Hot and Cool Parenting in the Twentieth Century by Hannah ZeavinIDEO This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this episode, we introduce the concept of whimsimod to explain the recent trend of pattern-printed and adorably tailored fashion among sensitive indie starlets and Instagram baddies alike. In the process of unpacking this polished yet playful re-envisioning of femininity, we discuss the aesthetic shift from “kiki” to “bouba” over the past year, the history of girly youth diffusion lines like RED Valentino and Blugirl, the current hemline crisis and the accompanying novelty hosiery movement, seminal lady designers including Carolina Herrera and Kate Spade, and more. We also provide a forensic cultural history of the polka dot throughout the decades. Links: Image board“The Power Of Two Claires: Miss Claire Sullivan Talks Designing Clairo's Grammys Look” — Nylon“Reflections of Clairo” by Clairo — Bylinebeabadoobee — “Beaches” Jimmy Kimmel Live performance on YouTubebeabadoobee slayful Getty ImagePatternalia: An Unconventional History of Polka Dots, Stripes, Plaid, Camouflage, & Other Graphic Patterns by Jude Stewart“The Polka Dot's Past Is Weirder Than You Think” by Nancy MacDonell — The Wall Street JournalBlondita, Lauren Perrin, Ben Doctor, Lucila SafdieTJ Maxx psychosis monologue TikTok (?)Miu Miu Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection — Vogue RunwayAddison Rae's polka dot catsuit by Miss Claire Sullivan at CoachellaAddison Rae Vogue France cover storyDisney Channel's Former Costume Designer Doesn't Get the Y2K Resurgence Either — Vogue Paloma Sandoval on Instagram“That's So '80s:” Wes Gordon Finds Treasures in a Scrapbook From Herrera's Past — Interview“Carolina Herrera: Portrait of a Lady” by Anamaria Wilson — Harper's BazaarLynn Wyatt's Glamorous Life: Celebrities, Couture, and Castles | Paper Trail on YouTube@chloyorkcity's 80's Excess series on TikTokSurrey glasses on EyeBuyDirect“The Enduring Legacy of Kate Spade's Witty, Misunderstood Life” by Rory Satran — The Wall Street JournalVogue's extremely belated trend report on statement socks and tights at NYFW“1960s-Style Tights Are Back. How to Wear Them in 2022.” by Nancy MacDonell — The Wall Street JournalCero Magazine Issue 9 — Kiko Kostadinov Special Edition featuring our interview with Laura and Deanna Fanning! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the emancipatory joy of Justin Bieber's public glow-down, shocking displays of tactical romantic psychosis by girls online, the despair wrought by the all-female Blue Origin space flight, the self-titled musical bonanza of Addison and Jonatan, the subversive pots-and-pans earworm Gnarly by Katseye, reflections on Californian millennialism from HAIM to Meghan Markle, our field trip to Pope Francis's memorial mass, and more. To stay subscribed to exclusive episodes and all the glamour of our premium content, head to https://www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe and add your payment info

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this solo debut episode, Sam introduces us to her fantastically anachronistic obsession: dinosaurs and their recurring impact on fashion and culture. From the “Bone Wars” of the Gilded Age to the fossilized postwar fantasy of The Flintstones to the mass Dinomania surrounding the release of 1993's Jurassic Park, Sam explores paleontological and prehistoric aesthetics as a reflection of cultural anxieties and technological advancements. She also walks us through major fashion moments including Jeremy Scott's electroclash cavewomen (S/S 2010) and Gucci's retro roadside dinosaur encounter (F/W 2017).

In this very special video episode of Nymphet Alumni, we convene in Hell's Kitchen to perform our first-ever mukbang. Filmed the evening after our tiki-themed Substack launch party, we attempt to recover with 30 Chick-fil-A nuggets, two Cokes, two large fries, one chicken sandwich, and six Crumbl cookies. Along the way, we unpack the economics of fast food franchising, explore the theological divide between Protestant and Mormon desserts, debate the integrity of Chick-fil-A's pickle batter and more. Bon appétit! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this episode, superstar model-actress-writer and certified Tumblr icon Hari Nef joins us to discuss the electric energy of the mid-2010s New York fashion scene— VFILES, Hood by Air, Eckhaus Latta, and more— and the collision of early online content and the fashion industry that birthed some of the most brilliant creative personae of our generation. We learn about Hari's cutthroat electioneering of the Dazed 100, her double life of uptown collegiate excellence and downtown nightlife chaos, street casting in SoHo and shitposting on the main grid, reflections on a decade of woke ideology, and so much more. We also get exclusive scoop on Hari's upcoming Candy Darling biopic!Links:Image boardHood By Air – FW 2014 RunwayHood By Air – FW 2013 RunwayKalifa (fka Le1f) profile in The Washington PostVenus X on the origins of GHE20G0TH1K, a club night that shaped the 2010s – DazedVFILES Model Files Episode 5: Nodels (Not Models) on YouTubeVFILES Model Files Season 2 Episode 1: Save SoSo on Youtube“Where Fashion Blogging Began” (Fashin F*gs profile) in The New York TimesBlythe Marks on Instagrami-D Meets: Hari Nef on YouTubeHari Nef for the Dazed 100Hari's scarily spot-on gay identity prediction tweet from 2014Enigma (dir. Zackary Drucker) in Variety@FilmUpdates announces the upcoming Candy Darling biopicHari Nef's Hottest Fashion Opinions – The Run-Through with Vogue@marcitlali's legendary amish b***h Tumblr post This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn our first exclusive episode on Substack (yay!), we discuss the Ibiza fashion craze, unpacking the sparkling, sunset-hued resortwear fantasy that looms over the coming summer. Using our revolutionary theory of “trickle-down Ibizanomics,” we leave no sequin unturned, from the couture treasure trove of Annie's Ibiza to the injection-molded accessories of Amazon influencer storefronts. We analyze the aesthetic's cultural context through the Balearic club scene's seedy history, 2000s rom-com costuming, White Lotus hypergamy discourse, EDM tourism, traditional Indian fashion, the moodboard-to-stimboard-to-vision board pipeline, and more.

In this week's episode, we take a deep dive into Grisch, the fascinating niche style gaining traction among Sweden's affluent youth. Drawing on our listeners' firsthand accounts and a century of Scandinavian cultural history, we dissect its surprisingly long lineage— from fin-de-siècle dandies and Eurotrash dudebros to gangster rappers and old money influencers—all culminating in a high-stakes world of designer denim, puffer vests, and luxury low-profile sneakers. We ponder how the complex relationship between class, age, nationalism, and masculinity embodied by Grisch might result in its global domination.Special thanks to Charles, Elsa, Justine, Iman, Matilda, Ebba, and Jesper for their insights! Links:Image boardSelected TikToks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Chris Heyn Jr. on TikTokeric_roth2 on TikTokMarcus Rolf on TikTokYour Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Fashion by The Daily ScandinavianAbout Us – Garde GrischDe Vet Du – Sture P (Music Video) Peder Fogstrand aka Greven"The Law of Jante" (on Janteloven) by Michael Booth for The Paris ReviewThe Murder of Einar (Swedish rap legend) – YouTubeAzealia Banks announces her move to Stockholm in Swedish radio interviewYung Lean @subwaytakes InterviewConsumers that are middle and upper class in Nordic countries 2024 – Statista This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, we take a deep dive into Grisch, the fascinating niche style gaining traction among Sweden's affluent youth. Drawing on our listeners' firsthand accounts and a century of Scandinavian cultural history, we dissect its surprisingly long lineage— from fin-de-siècle dandies and Eurotrash dudebros to gangster rappers and old money influencers—all culminating in a high-stakes world of designer denim, puffer vests, and luxury low-profile sneakers. We ponder how the complex relationship between class, age, nationalism, and masculinity embodied by Grisch might result in its global domination. Special thanks to Charles, Elsa, Justine, Iman, Matilda, Ebba, and Jesper for their insights!  Links: Image boardSelected TikToks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Chris Heyn Jr. on TikTokeric_roth2 on TikTokMarcus Rolf on TikTokYour Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Fashion by The Daily ScandinavianAbout Us – Garde GrischDe Vet Du – Sture P (Music Video) Peder Fogstrand aka Greven "The Law of Jante" (on Janteloven) by Michael Booth for The Paris ReviewThe Murder of Einar (Swedish rap legend) – YouTubeAzealia Banks announces her move to Stockholm in Swedish radio interviewYung Lean @subwaytakes InterviewConsumers that are middle and upper class in Nordic countries 2024 – Statista

In this episode, journalistic superstar Ezra Marcus joins us to chronicle his journey from the ashes of millennial digital media to the frontlines of today's most exciting investigative reporting. We extol his epic track record—the Sarah Lawrence sex cult, the culinary horror story of Horses, the galaxy gas epidemic, and more— and discover what draws him to the shady fraudster kingpins that personify online hustle culture. We also discuss the true crime documentary slop machine, moonlighting as a party-pumping DJ, the idea that men are the new women, and what it means to stand at the brink of the Chinese century.Links:Ezra Marcus's Website Ezra Marcus on InstagramSome of Ezra's greatest hits:The Next Drug Epidemic is Blue Raspberry Flavored The Package King of MiamiThe Stolen Kids of Sarah LawrenceThe Cat Who Could Kill HorsesThe ‘E-Pimps' of OnlyFansHow Do You Make a Weed Empire? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this episode, journalistic superstar Ezra Marcus joins us to chronicle his journey from the ashes of millennial digital media to the frontlines of today's most exciting investigative reporting. We extol his epic track record—the Sarah Lawrence sex cult, the culinary horror story of Horses, the galaxy gas epidemic, and more— and discover what draws him to the shady fraudster kingpins that personify online hustle culture. We also discuss the true crime documentary slop machine, moonlighting as a party-pumping DJ, the idea that men are the new women, and what it means to stand at the brink of the Chinese century. Links: Ezra Marcus's Website Ezra Marcus on Instagram Some of Ezra's greatest hits: The Next Drug Epidemic is Blue Raspberry Flavored The Package King of MiamiThe Stolen Kids of Sarah LawrenceThe Cat Who Could Kill HorsesThe ‘E-Pimps' of OnlyFansHow Do You Make a Weed Empire?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this edition of Study Break, we discuss the Hollyweirdness of the Oscars (notably that James Bond humiliation ritual), Pretty Little Thing's rebrand from Love Island resortwear to halal clean girl prison clothes, the Losercore undertones of Prada's FW 2025 show, the abjection of the Shrek 5 trailer and the gravity of Shrek's highbrow legacy, the revolt against millennial burger joints and craft breweries, plus Biz makes a special announcement.Links:James Bond Musical Tribute at the 97th Oscars (Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye)Pretty Little ThingFeatured PLT monstrosities: sage tailored cropped blazer/dress, burgundy soft rib two piece set, grey bardot ruched dressPLT founder Umar Kamani on their rebrand – DrapersBoohoo/PLT/Nasty Gal class action settlementPrada Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Vogue RunwayShrek 5 Official Trailer on YouTubeEuphoria Season 3's "Silver Slipper" strip clubKyle Gordon's "We Will Never Die" on TikTokMillennial burger spot roast on TikTokTate McRae – Revolving door (Official Music Video)Flew out to Atlanta TikTok storytime (Girl's POV)Flew out to Atlanta TikTok storytime (Boy's POV)Appalachian hair texture discourse on TikTokStephanie Soo/Rotten Mango Ash Trevino Deep Dive on YouTube

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the Hollyweirdness of the Oscars (notably that James Bond humiliation ritual), Pretty Little Thing's rebrand from Love Island resortwear to halal clean girl prison clothes, the Losercore undertones of Prada's FW 2025 show, the abjection of the Shrek 5 trailer and the gravity of Shrek's highbrow legacy, the revolt against millennial burger joints and craft breweries, plus Biz makes a special announcement.  Join our Patreon for more episodes and early access to Biz's top secret project! Links: James Bond Musical Tribute at the 97th Oscars (Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye) Pretty Little Thing Featured PLT monstrosities: sage tailored cropped blazer/dress, burgundy soft rib two piece set, grey bardot ruched dress PLT founder Umar Kamani on their rebrand – DrapersBoohoo/PLT/Nasty Gal class action settlementPrada Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Vogue RunwayShrek 5 Official Trailer on YouTubeEuphoria Season 3's "Silver Slipper" strip clubKyle Gordon's "We Will Never Die" on TikTokMillennial burger spot roast on TikTokTate McRae – Revolving door (Official Music Video) Flew out to Atlanta TikTok storytime (Girl's POV) Flew out to Atlanta TikTok storytime (Boy's POV) Appalachian hair texture/Melungeon discourse on TikTokStephanie Soo/Rotten Mango Ash Trevino Deep Dive on YouTube

In this week's episode, we discuss the legacy of Losercore, an aesthetic of the late 90s and early 2000s that celebrated the awkwardness of young adulthood and the sartorial idiosyncrasies of social outcasts, from orthodontia and ill-fitting gym uniforms to wire-frame glasses and dishwater-blond hair. We analyze the socioeconomic conditions that led to this period of loser glorification, identify key players (Todd Solondz, Paul Dano), cinematic touchstones (Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine), and generational anthems ("Teenage Dirtbag," "Buddy Holly"), and reflect on how the Internet has transformed today's young losers into threats to themselves and others.Links:Image board"The Birth—and Maybe Death—of Yuppiedom" by Walter Shapiro for Time"Loser: The Hero of the 1990s" by Grunge Included on SubstackThe Trap by Adam CurtisThe Nineties by Chuck Klosterman@yungkombucha420 on TikTok"Americans Need to Party More" by Ellen Cushing for The Atlantic"The Anti-Social Century" by Derek Thompson for The AtlanticLoser Generated Content: From Participation to Exploitation by Soren Mork PetersenBillie Eilish on having no friendsCelebrity with no friends blind item ("not Jessica Chastain")Emma Chamberlain closet videoBed rot talking stage TikTok / "Love in the Time of Bed Rotting" by Isabel Unhinged on Substack"The Story Behind The Song: Beck and the crowning of the ‘Loser' generation" – Far OutTeenage Dirtbag – Wheatus (Offical Music Video)Buddy Holly – Weezer (Official Music Video)Losercore TikTok boys: Slushy Noobz, Thomathy, Ben Awad, William ConradMarc Jacobs, Circa 2003: Long Hair, Neck Brace & Sweaty (PHOTO)Prada Spring/Summer 1996Marc Jacobs Spring 1999Marc Jacobs Fall 1999Vetements Fall 2019 MenswearBalenciaga Pre-Fall 2021 "Gucci's Beautiful Losers Hit New York" – Business of Fashion"The Book of Gucci According to Alessandro Michele" – 032c"Student Teaches Teacher" aka Jeff Bliss aka Friggin Packet Yo (Original YouTube Video)"Who's Afraid of Hasan Piker?" – Slate"Still Life (Betamale)" by Jon RafmanParty in their Blood – Cloudy Heart (Official Music Video)Bully (formerly @bully.incel.simp.hero) Duane Hanson – Saatchi GalleryDadsgiving by Chris Maggio This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, we discuss the legacy of Losercore, an aesthetic of the late 90s and early 2000s that celebrated the awkwardness of young adulthood and the sartorial idiosyncrasies of social outcasts, from orthodontia and ill-fitting gym uniforms to wire-frame glasses and dishwater-blond hair. We analyze the socioeconomic conditions that led to this period of loser glorification, identify key players (Todd Solondz, Paul Dano), cinematic touchstones (Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine), and generational anthems ("Teenage Dirtbag," "Buddy Holly"), and reflect on how the Internet has transformed today's young losers into threats to themselves and others. Links: "The Birth—and Maybe Death—of Yuppiedom" by Walter Shapiro for Time"Loser: The Hero of the 1990s" by Grunge Included on SubstackThe Trap by Adam CurtisThe Nineties by Chuck Klosterman@yungkombucha420 on TikTok"Americans Need to Party More" by Ellen Cushing for The Atlantic "The Anti-Social Century" by Derek Thompson for The AtlanticLoser Generated Content: From Participation to Exploitation by Soren Mork PetersenBillie Eilish on having no friendsCelebrity with no friends blind item ("not Jessica Chastain")Emma Chamberlain closet videoBed rot talking stage TikTok /  "Love in the Time of Bed Rotting" by Isabel Unhinged on Substack"The Story Behind The Song: Beck and the crowning of the ‘Loser' generation" – Far Out Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus (Offical Music Video) Buddy Holly – Weezer (Official Music Video)Losercore TikTok boys: Slushy Noobz, Thomathy, Ben Awad, William ConradMarc Jacobs, Circa 2003: Long Hair, Neck Brace & Sweaty (PHOTO)Prada Spring/Summer 1996Marc Jacobs Spring 1999Marc Jacobs Fall 1999Vetements Fall 2019 Menswear Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2021 "Gucci's Beautiful Losers Hit New York" – Business of Fashion"The Book of Gucci According to Alessandro Michele" – 032c"Student Teaches Teacher" aka Jeff Bliss aka Friggin Packet Yo (Original YouTube Video) "Who's Afraid of Hasan Piker?" – Slate "Still Life (Betamale)" by Jon RafmanParty in their Blood – Cloudy Heart (Official Music Video)Bully (formerly @bully.incel.simp.hero)  Duane Hanson – Saatchi GalleryDadsgiving by Chris Maggio

This week, we are joined by special guest Evan Collins — architect, design archivist, and cofounder of Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute — for a conversation about the Institute's pioneering work in coining and defining the most fascinating aesthetics of the past half-century, including Indie Sleaze, Frutiger Aero, McBling, Whimsigothic, Shoe Diva, and many more. We discuss his foundational research into the Y2K aesthetic, the consumer incorporation of subculture, the challenges of community-based digital archiving, the benefit of researching ugly and unfashionable visual culture, and more.Links:Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute Official WebsiteCARI on Are.naEvan Collins on Are.naEvan Collins on Patreon (access to 700+ books and magazines!)Art Deco of the 20s and 30s by Bevis HillierBlobjects and Beyond: The New Fluidity in Design by Steven Skov Holt and Mara Holt Skov This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

This week, we are joined by special guest Evan Collins — architect, design archivist, and cofounder of Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute — for a conversation about the Institute's pioneering work in coining and defining the most fascinating aesthetics of the past half-century, including Indie Sleaze, Frutiger Aero, McBling, Whimsigothic, Shoe Diva, and many more. We discuss his foundational research into the Y2K aesthetic, the consumer incorporation of subculture, the challenges of community-based digital archiving, the benefit of researching ugly and unfashionable visual culture, and more. Links: Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute Official WebsiteCARI on Are.naEvan Collins on Are.naEvan Collins on Patreon (access to 700+ books and magazines!) Art Deco of the 20s and 30s by Bevis HillierBlobjects and Beyond: The New Fluidity in Design by Steven Skov Holt and Mara Holt Skov

Full episode available on Patreon

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this edition of Study Break, we discuss the TikTok ban fakeout, Andrea Dworkin's Right-Wing Women, the inauguration party coverage heard around the world, the consequences of Trumpism on critical beauty studies, the true meaning of Eusexua in a post-Brat society, and more. Also, Sam finally reviews Emilia Perez.Links:Watch Vica's New Atlas Reels on InstagramJohanne Sacrebleu (Emilia Perez parody)Zoe Saldaña - La Vaginoplastia (From Emilia Perez)Karla Sofía Gascón's crazy tweet archiveRight-Wing Women by Andrea DworkinCandace Owens on Blake Lively vs. Justin BaldoniDr. Natalya (Natalya Toryanski) on TikTok"The Cruel Kids Table" by Brock Colyar for New York magazineMichelle Santiago Cortés on the Pursuit of HotnessSean Monahan on the Boom Boom AestheticTate McCrae ordering drinks behind the scenes of "Sports Car"Tate McCrae – Sports Car (Official Music Video)Listen to exclusive episodes here 

Full episode available on Patreon

Recorded in the twilight days of the Biden administration, we gathered round to discuss a dizzying variety of cultural phenomena in this edition of Study Break, including the Freakmas double feature of Babygirl and Nosferatu, the troubling rise of Galaxy Gas and other flavor-blasted/cartoonified smoke shop abominations, the vestigial parallels between Lily-Rose Depp and Timothée Chalamet, the resonance of face-tatted country artists, the passing of national Pastel Protestant Grandfather, Jimmy Carter, and much more. Links:The Next Drug Epidemic is Blue Raspberry Flavored – Ezra Marcus for New YorkThe 1830s Gothic Fashion of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu – Focus Features on YouTubeTimothée Chalamet | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #551Timothée Chalamet Instagram Complete LivestreamJimmy Carter's Grandson Honors 39th President's Life, Legacy in EulogyT.O.P Breaks Silence on Controversial Return to Acting in Squid Game Season 2 – Korea TimesChloe Forero on TikTok re: Latino influencersEthel Cain's Tumblr post on the irony epidemicHawk Tuah and the Zynternet – Max Read on SubstackSpecial thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience. Learn more about Croissant on their website!Listen to exclusive episodes here 

Recorded in the twilight days of the Biden administration, we gathered round to discuss a dizzying variety of cultural phenomena in this edition of Study Break, including the Freakmas double feature of Babygirl and Nosferatu, the troubling rise of Galaxy Gas and other flavor-blasted/cartoonified smoke shop abominations, the vestigial parallels between Lily-Rose Depp and Timothée Chalamet, the resonance of face-tatted country artists, the passing of national Pastel Protestant Grandfather, Jimmy Carter, and much more.  Links:The Next Drug Epidemic is Blue Raspberry Flavored – Ezra Marcus for New YorkThe 1830s Gothic Fashion of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu – Focus Features on YouTubeTimothée Chalamet | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #551Timothée Chalamet Instagram Complete LivestreamJimmy Carter's Grandson Honors 39th President's Life, Legacy in EulogyT.O.P Breaks Silence on Controversial Return to Acting in Squid Game Season 2 – Korea TimesChloe Forero on TikTok re: Latino influencersEthel Cain's Tumblr post on the irony epidemicHawk Tuah and the Zynternet – Max Read on SubstackSpecial thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience. Learn more about Croissant on their website!Listen to exclusive episodes here

In our first episode of 2025, we're joined by the inimitable Mel Ottenberg— longtime muse, generational style mastermind, Editor in Chief of Interview magazine, and Nymphet Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award recipient— to discuss controversial figures (Natalia Grace, Blake Lively, Luigi Mangione), the current status of normcore (Brandy Melville, classic menswear, tighty whities), his incredible fashion legacy (styling Rihanna, conceiving Lana's iconic cover, channeling the Warholian spirit), and much more.**This episode was recorded before the tragic California wildfires— our hearts go out to everyone affected! Find ways you can help locally or from afar at the links below:Friends of Forever — LA Fire Support & ResourcesMutual Aid LA Network Fire & Wind Storm ResourcesResource Masterlist from InterviewLinks:Interview magazineMel Ottenberg on InstagramRalph Lauren Recieves the Presidential Medal of FreedomJustin Baldoni/Blake Lively exposé in the New York TimesLuigi Mangione's courtroom fashion in WWDHaliey Welch shot by Alyssa Kazew for InterviewRihanna for Esquire UK, 2014Sway House shot by Eli Russell Linnetz for InterviewJoan Rivers interviewed by Mel for Interview in 2010Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience. Learn more about Croissant on their website!Listen to exclusive episodes here 

In our first episode of 2025, we're joined by the inimitable Mel Ottenberg— longtime muse, generational style mastermind, Editor in Chief of Interview magazine, and Nymphet Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award recipient— to discuss controversial figures (Natalia Grace, Blake Lively, Luigi Mangione), the current status of normcore (Brandy Melville, classic menswear, tighty whities), his incredible fashion legacy (styling Rihanna, conceiving Lana's iconic cover, channeling the Warholian spirit), and much more.* *This episode was recorded before the tragic California wildfires— our hearts go out to everyone affected! Find ways you can help locally or from afar at the links below: Friends of Forever — LA Fire Support & ResourcesMutual Aid LA Network Fire & Wind Storm ResourcesResource Masterlist from InterviewLinks:Interview magazineMel Ottenberg on InstagramRalph Lauren Recieves the Presidential Medal of FreedomJustin Baldoni/Blake Lively exposé in the New York TimesLuigi Mangione's courtroom fashion in WWDHaliey Welch shot by Alyssa Kazew for InterviewRihanna for Esquire UK, 2014Sway House shot by Eli Russell Linnetz for InterviewJoan Rivers interviewed by Mel for Interview in 2010Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience. Learn more about Croissant on their website!Listen to exclusive episodes here

In our last episode of the year, we're joined by superstar musician Harrison Patrick Smith, aka The Dare, to discuss his stylistic evolution and fashion predictions for 2025. As he ties up the album cycle for his hit LP What's Wrong with New York?, we revisit his male art hoe days as Turtlenecked, ponder his notorious black-and-white suit, and anticipate the necklines, color schemes, and pants widths that will define his next era. Harrison tells us about eating kangaroo, his genealogical tree, living in an Industrial Business Zone, the paradise/warzone of his DMs, all things electroclash, bloghouse, and indie sleaze, and more. Links:The DareListen to exclusive episodes here

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this week's episode, we journey into a World of Pure Imagination to discuss fantasy, fairytales, and the endless revisitation of children's media. We investigate the historical influences of the fantasy genre, from classic feudalism to Victorian industrialization, and unpack common motifs from talking animals to hopecore orphans. We also discuss the turn to live-action realistic fairytales, the consequences of this aesthetic and conceptual darkening, the effects of AI on the storytelling and creativity, and more.Links:Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes by John Cotton (1656)The Golden Age of Children's Literature – The Literary EncyclopediaThe Aarne–Thompson–Uther Index of Folktale TypesUnder the Influence: Anna Biller on Donkey Skin – Criterion"Chapter 31: Fairy Tales" from All Things Considered by G. K. Chesterton "Out of Kansas: Revisiting the Wizard of Oz" by Salman Rushdie for The New YorkerHow Wicked Built Immersive Real-Life Sets, From Shiz To Emerald City – Architectural Digest Willy's Chocolate Experience (Glasgow, Scotland Scam Willy Wonka Event) ScriptPinnochio: A True Story (2022) Trailer

Full episode available on Patreon

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the rise of celebrity lookalike contests, YSL's Proustian fantasy films, recent literary scoop on Cormac McCarthy, the extension of Brat into the deep dark winter, and all things Wicked from the uncanny Hollyweird sapphism of its press tour to the inescapability of its garish color scheme in consumer products.Links:Saint Laurent – AS TIME GOES BYMarc Jacobs reading selfiesEmma Chamberlain for Warby ParkerCelebrity lookalike contests in CNN"Aquarius" from Hair (movie adaptation)Wicked costume design breakdown – InStyleGwyneth Paltrow wins Best Actress – 1999 OscarsMr. Golightly's "Who Sang It Best" YouTube playlist"Cormac McCarthy's Secret Muse Breaks Her Silence After Half a Century" by Vincenzo Barney – Vanity FairDidion & Babitz by Lili Anolik – InterviewCharli xcx Opening Monologue – Saturday Night LiveJake Paul vs. Mike Tyson post-fight speechMiley Cyrus on her upcoming album Something Beautiful – Harper's Bazaar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the rise of celebrity lookalike contests, YSL's Proustian fantasy films, recent literary scoop on Cormac McCarthy, the extension of Brat into the deep dark winter, and all things Wicked from the uncanny Hollyweird sapphism of its press tour to the inescapability of its garish color scheme in consumer products. Links: Saint Laurent – AS TIME GOES BYMarc Jacobs reading selfiesEmma Chamberlain for Warby ParkerCelebrity lookalike contests in CNN"Aquarius" from Hair (movie adaptation)Wicked costume design breakdown – InStyleGwyneth Paltrow wins Best Actress – 1999 Oscars Mr. Golightly's "Who Sang It Best" YouTube playlist"Cormac McCarthy's Secret Muse Breaks Her Silence After Half a Century" by Vincenzo Barney – Vanity FairDidion & Babitz by Lili Anolik – Interview Charli xcx Opening Monologue – Saturday Night LiveJake Paul vs. Mike Tyson post-fight speechMiley Cyrus on her upcoming album Something Beautiful – Harper's Bazaar

In this week's episode, we are honored to talk with dancer Lexee Smith, one of the most captivating and quietly influential figures in contemporary pop culture. Fresh off the heels of her crazy month of newly released projects, including Addison Rae's "Aquamarine" and Lady Gaga's "Disease," Lexee joins us to discuss her approach to dance, performance, and style. We talk about showgirls, video vixens, Clarice Lispector, Dance Moms, Parisian elegance, unhinged warmups, the Age of Aquarius, insane asylums, and much more.Links:Image board@lexeesmith on InstagramDamiano David – Born With a Broken Heart (Music Video) "You Were Meant for Me" from Singing in the Rain Lady Gaga – Disease (Music Video)Addison Rae – Aquamarine (Music Video) Addison Rae – Aquamarine (Behind the Scenes) "The American Modern Dancer: Loïe Fuller and Isadora Duncan" Martha Graham – Lamentation (1943) All His Jazz: The Life and Death of Bob Fosse by Martin GottfriedA Look at Halston's Historic Costumes for Martha Graham Dance Company – VogueMy Boyfriend's Back – Molly Long ChoreographyMassive Attack, Young Fathers – Voodoo in My Blood (Music Video)  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, we are honored to talk with dancer Lexee Smith, one of the most captivating and quietly influential figures in contemporary pop culture. Fresh off the heels of her crazy month of newly released projects, including Addison Rae's "Aquamarine" and Lady Gaga's "Disease," Lexee joins us to discuss her approach to dance, performance, and style. We talk about showgirls, video vixens, Clarice Lispector, Dance Moms, Parisian elegance, unhinged warmups, the Age of Aquarius, insane asylums, and much more. Links: Image board@lexeesmith on InstagramDamiano David – Born With a Broken Heart (Music Video) "You Were Meant for Me" from Singing in the Rain Lady Gaga – Disease (Music Video)Addison Rae – Aquamarine (Music Video) Addison Rae – Aquamarine (Behind the Scenes) "The American Modern Dancer: Loïe Fuller and Isadora Duncan" Martha Graham – Lamentation (1943) All His Jazz: The Life and Death of Bob Fosse by Martin Gottfried A Look at Halston's Historic Costumes for Martha Graham Dance Company – VogueMy Boyfriend's Back – Molly Long ChoreographyMassive Attack, Young Fathers – Voodoo in My Blood (Music Video) 

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this edition of Study Break, we discuss the double-release of Addison Rae's “Aquamarine” and Lady Gaga's “Disease,” Lexee Smith as Hollywood's body double Rasputin, the “Dirty Cash” effect, the pros and cons of Gay Halloween, the triumph of the Dodgers, Slavic Dolls versus Brazilian Bombshells, and more.Links: Lady Gaga - Disease (Official Music Video)Addison Rae - Aquamarine (Official Music Video)Dirty Cash (Money Talks) videos on TikTok Shawn Mendes opens up about his sexuality, in a wayShawn Mendes Interview featureian - Sh*t Sad (Feat. Chief Keef) (Official Music Video)Barack Obama on DeepCut with VicBlendsSlavic Dolls vs. Brazilian Bombshells videos on TikTokSaturday Night Live TikTok skitYoung Posse (영파씨) - Ate That (Official Music Video)

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the double-release of Addison Rae's “Aquamarine” and Lady Gaga's “Disease,” Lexee Smith as Hollywood's body double Rasputin, the “Dirty Cash” effect, the pros and cons of Gay Halloween, the triumph of the Dodgers, Slavic Dolls versus Brazilian Bombshells, and more.Full episode available here

In this Halloween centennial special, we have the sublime honor of being joined by one of our all-time heroes Valerie Steele, fashion studies trailblazer and director of the Museum at FIT, to discuss all things Gothic, inspired by her seminal book Gothic: Dark Glamour. We explore the aesthetic's medieval origins and trace its cultural evolution through literature, art, and architecture all the way to the rise of the Goth subculture in the 1970s and beyond, covering Victorian dandies, sexy vampires, McQueen skull scarves, Japanese couturiers, and more. Thanks so much to Valerie for joining us! Links: Image boardThe Museum at the Fashion Institute of TechnologyGothic: Dark Glamour by Valerie Steele and Jennifer ParkGothic: Dark Glamour exhibition at MFIT on Google Arts & CultureCarmilla by Joseph Sheridan le FanuGoth Talk: Christina Ricci - Saturday Night Live“Very Mad, Very Maudlin, Very Macabre: It's Showtime for the Goth Revival” by Tish Weinstock for VogueHow to Be a Goth: Notes on Undead Style by Tish Weinstock This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this Halloween centennial special, we have the sublime honor of being joined by one of our all-time heroes Valerie Steele, fashion studies trailblazer and director of the Museum at FIT, to discuss all things Gothic, inspired by her seminal book Gothic: Dark Glamour. We explore the aesthetic's medieval origins and trace its cultural evolution through literature, art, and architecture all the way to the rise of the Goth subculture in the 1970s and beyond, covering Victorian dandies, sexy vampires, McQueen skull scarves, Japanese couturiers, and more. Thanks so much to Valerie for joining us! Links: Image boardThe Museum at the Fashion Institute of TechnologyGothic: Dark Glamour by Valerie Steele and Jennifer ParkGothic: Dark Glamour exhibition at MFIT on Google Arts & CultureCarmilla by Joseph Sheridan le FanuGoth Talk: Christina Ricci - Saturday Night Live“Very Mad, Very Maudlin, Very Macabre: It's Showtime for the Goth Revival” by Tish Weinstock for VogueHow to Be a Goth: Notes on Undead Style by Tish Weinstock

In this week's episode, we're joined by the inimitable Emma Glenn Baker, NYC personal trainer and host of the podcast STARGIRL, to discuss all things body and the cultural status of fitness as it relates to body, brand, and spirit. We discuss activewear power players from Gymshark to Lululemon to Skims, the rise of the erotic fitness-inspired editorials, the sublime embodiment of Gen Z sweethearts Livvy Dunne and Addison Rae, the spiritual consequences of a life lived in stretchy clothes, and more. Listen to STARGIRL, join the Patreon, and follow Emma on IG!Links: “Athleisure, barre, and kale: the tyranny of the ideal woman” by Jia Tolentino in The GuardianToxic gym motivation trend on TikTok “Make Yourself a Gift” by Emma Glenn Baker in Real LifeEquinox “Want It All” ad campaignThe Official Gymshark Story“Musclebound” in A Dedicated Follower of Fashion by Holly Brubach This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, we're joined by the inimitable Emma Glenn Baker, NYC personal trainer and host of the podcast STARGIRL, to discuss all things body and the cultural status of fitness as it relates to body, brand, and spirit. We discuss activewear power players from Gymshark to Lululemon to Skims, the rise of the erotic fitness-inspired editorials, the sublime embodiment of Gen Z sweethearts Livvy Dunne and Addison Rae, the spiritual consequences of a life lived in stretchy clothes, and more. Listen to STARGIRL, join the Patreon, and follow Emma on IG!Links: “Athleisure, barre, and kale: the tyranny of the ideal woman” by Jia Tolentino in The GuardianToxic gym motivation trend on TikTok “Make Yourself a Gift” by Emma Glenn Baker in Real LifeEquinox “Want It All” ad campaignThe Official Gymshark Story“Musclebound” in A Dedicated Follower of Fashion by Holly Brubach

In this week's episode, we define the Pastel Protestant Grandmother aesthetic, a cozy visual universe recognizable to anyone belonging to the American Middle Class, or anyone who's ever been to an antique store in America. We discuss the hypnotic sedation of low-definition media, nostalgia-based commodities from Precious Moments figurines to dusty dollhouses, anti-intellectualism and sentimentality in American culture, the social history of craft, Christian kitsch and camp, the dark side of elderly matriarchs, and more.  LinksImage boardPastel Protestant Grandma – Our Official Playlist! Anti-Intellectualism in American Life – Richard HofstadterRed Hat Society”The Forgotten Everyday Origins of ‘Craft'” – Sarah Archer Cræft: An Inquiry into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts – Alexander LanglandsHobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America – Steven M. Gelber“Do Protestants Have a ‘Low' Aesthetic?” – Front Porch Republic“A Defense of Christian Kitsch” – Paul GriffithsGaither Music on TikTokListen to exclusive episodes here 

In this week's episode, we define the Pastel Protestant Grandmother aesthetic, a cozy visual universe recognizable to anyone belonging to the American Middle Class, or anyone who's ever been to an antique store in America. We discuss the hypnotic sedation of low-definition media, nostalgia-based commodities from Precious Moments figurines to dusty dollhouses, anti-intellectualism and sentimentality in American culture, the social history of craft, Christian kitsch and camp, the dark side of elderly matriarchs, and more.  LinksImage boardPastel Protestant Grandma – Our Official Playlist! Anti-Intellectualism in American Life – Richard HofstadterRed Hat Society”The Forgotten Everyday Origins of ‘Craft'” – Sarah Archer Cræft: An Inquiry into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts – Alexander LanglandsHobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America – Steven M. Gelber“Do Protestants Have a ‘Low' Aesthetic?” – Front Porch Republic“A Defense of Christian Kitsch” – Paul GriffithsGaither Music on TikTokListen to exclusive episodes here

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nymphetalumni.comIn this edition of Study Break, we discuss Mel Ottenberg's new denim line and its adjacent clean boy creepshot visuals, the two-pronged cultural force of the Sweat/Short 'n' Sweet tours, our prediction for Disney adult chic following Coperni's S/S '25 show, Lady Gaga's disastrous Harlequin styling and Ryan Murphy's indelible impact, Dark Brainrot and weirdcore developments, recent cinematic triumphs including Megalopolis and The Substance, and more.Links:Club Mel – Mel by RE/DONETikTok King Bach Buquen is Hot, Viral, and French – InterviewSabrina Carpenter's Short 'n' Sweet Tour – Rolling Stone Gracie ABramSCoperni Spring/Summer 2025 at Disneyland ParisCoperni Vinted Disney merch controversyChloé Spring/Summer 2025Joker Folie à Deux x Louvre – Lady Gaga, Mona Lisa   Francis Ford Coppola explains the origin behind "Wow Platinum"Aubrey Plaza vs. Patti Lupone – Hot Ones VersusSmartschoolboy9 – An Internet Rabbit HoleMr. Prada Murder TrialAt New York Fashion Week, Designers Search for America – AnOtherHurricane Helene Relief Efforts:North Carolina Disaster Relief FundOne SC FundUNC Asheville Disaster Relief

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss Mel Ottenberg's new denim line and its adjacent clean boy creepshot visuals, the two-pronged cultural force of the Sweat/Short 'n' Sweet tours, our prediction for Disney adult chic following Coperni's S/S '25 show, Lady Gaga's disastrous Harlequin styling and Ryan Murphy's indelible impact, Dark Brainrot and weirdcore developments, recent cinematic triumphs including Megalopolis and The Substance, and more. Links: Club Mel – Mel by RE/DONE TikTok King Bach Buquen is Hot, Viral, and French – Interview Sabrina Carpenter's Short 'n' Sweet Tour – Rolling Stone Gracie ABramS Coperni Spring/Summer 2025 at Disneyland Paris Coperni Vinted Disney merch controversy Chloé Spring/Summer 2025 Joker Folie à Deux x Louvre – Lady Gaga, Mona Lisa   Francis Ford Coppola explains the origin behind "Wow Platinum" Aubrey Plaza vs. Patti Lupone – Hot Ones Versus Smartschoolboy9 – An Internet Rabbit Hole Mr. Prada Murder Trial At New York Fashion Week, Designers Search for America – AnOtherHurricane Helene Relief Efforts:North Carolina Disaster Relief FundOne SC FundUNC Asheville Disaster Relief

Full episode available  here

In this episode, we investigate the cultural landscape of the 1990s with the help of a most legendary guest: NYT pop music critic and Popcast host Jon Caramanica. We discuss slackerism and authenticity discourse, the rise of alternative and independent media, the intricacies of subcultural style, the twin flames of rock and hip-hop, the surprising parallels between Gen X and Gen Z, white rappers, child rappers, Tommy Hilfiger grails, and much more.Links:Listen to PopcastJon on InstagramLady Gaga on the Doritos #BoldStage at SXSW, 2014How SoundScan Changed Music Charts – BillboardPop Music's Middle Class by Shaad D'Souza – New York TimesIce Spice vs. Cleopatra Drama Explained – Rolling Stone  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this episode, we investigate the cultural landscape of the 1990s with the help of a most legendary guest: NYT pop music critic and Popcast host Jon Caramanica. We discuss slackerism and authenticity discourse, the rise of alternative and independent media, the intricacies of subcultural style, the twin flames of rock and hip-hop, the surprising parallels between Gen X and Gen Z, white rappers, child rappers, Tommy Hilfiger grails, and much more. Links: Listen to PopcastJon on InstagramLady Gaga on the Doritos #BoldStage at SXSW, 2014How SoundScan Changed Music Charts – BillboardPop Music's Middle Class by Shaad D'Souza – New York TimesIce Spice vs. Cleopatra Drama Explained – Rolling Stone 

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the most pressing topics facing fashion and culture, featuring analysis of Sabrina Carpenter's grindhouse pinup comeback, Addison Rae's arthouse cult single "Diet Pepsi," reflection on Simon Porte Jacquemus's legacy (and speculation on his rise to the Chanel throne), Hollister nostalgia-baiting, global fashion updates from the UK and Mexico, and more.Links:Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet – Video Playlist"Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae (dir. Sean Price Williams)"Breakaway" by Bruce ConnorThe Birthday Party by Harold PinterChanel's New Kaiser – Lauren Sherman for Puck NewsHollister long-sleeve babydoll tops on TikTok"Archive" Hollister tops from 2022 on TikTokHalley Kate v. Sophia La Corte drama summaryTribal trend in Mexico (some TikTok examples)Intentalo by 3ballMTY This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe

In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the most pressing topics facing fashion and culture, featuring analysis of Sabrina Carpenter's grindhouse pinup comeback, Addison Rae's arthouse cult single "Diet Pepsi," reflection on Simon Porte Jacquemus's legacy (and speculation on his rise to the Chanel throne), Hollister nostalgia-baiting, global fashion updates from the UK and Mexico, and more.Links:Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet – Video Playlist"Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae (dir. Sean Price Williams)"Breakaway" by Bruce ConnorThe Birthday Party by Harold PinterChanel's New Kaiser – Lauren Sherman for Puck NewsHollister long-sleeve babydoll tops on TikTok"Archive" Hollister tops from 2022 on TikTokHalley Kate v. Sophia La Corte drama summaryTribal trend in Mexico (some TikTok examples)Intentalo by 3ballMTY

Full episode available on Patreon

In this episode, we embark upon a swashbuckling anthropological journey into one of the most mysterious aesthetics of the menswear universe: Male Pirate Dressing, a style beloved by prestige actors and aging rockstars alike. Along with our two expert witnesses, James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman of the Throwing Fits Podcast, we ask some of life's most difficult questions: Why is midlife crisis boho such a prevalent phenomenon? Are indie sleaze icons destined (or doomed) to succumb to over-accesorized fashion piracy in the years to come? Do men know about John Galliano? Tune in to find out!Links:Image Board Alexander McQueen Spring 2003 Ready-to-WearHeidi Slimane Wearable Pirate UniformThe Trouble with Johnny Depp – Rolling StoneWere Pirates Foes of the Modern Order, or Its Secret Sharers? – The New YorkerThrowing Fits on SubstackThrowing Fits on Instagram 

In the third installment of our Study Break series, we turn our attention to the world of sport, analyzing the Broquette SKIMS campaign and all things Olympics, including Ralph Lauren boater costumes, the radical European uncoolness of the Opening Ceremony, and our own creative styling concepts for Olympic athletes. We also discuss Mark Zuckerberg's rebrand, "Brat hangovers," and Kamala Harris's Loewe tomato girl potential. (Disclaimer: this episode was recorded July 28!)Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience.Learn more about Croissant on their website!LINKS: SKIMS Summer Uniform CampaignNicola Coughlan for SKIMS Soft Lounge Campaign2024 Paris Olympics Opening CeremonyHow Team USA's 2024 Olympic Outfits Were Made By Ralph LaurenMark Zuckerberg personally fuels the rumors of his Supreme takeoverJ. W. Anderson Gucci rumorsAlexi's Kamala-core Pinterest board Adam Lambert, ‘Moana' Star Auli'i Cravalho Taking Over Lead Roles in Broadway's ‘Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club'Fragrances by Sabrina Carpenter

FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE ON PATREON

In this week's episode, we revisit the '90s does '60s phenomenon and discuss the parallels between the two decades—swinging youth culture and nightlife, technological optimism, design innovation—while also finding surprising similarities to our contemporary moment. We highlight the Austin Powers trilogy as this sensation's most brilliant high-camp cultural artifact, unpacking its satire of free love, modern masculinity, and British cheekiness. We explore Space Age fashion, the British Invasion(s), pop environmentalism, Volkswagen Beetles, iMac G3s, the Powerpuff Girls, and much more.Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant app here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience.Learn more about Croissant on their website!Links:https://pin.it/tXaQphpiEConsumer Aesthetics Research Institute's "Groovival" Are.na Board"Austin Powers-core" musical subgenre TweetAustin Powers: International Man of Mystery – fashion photography montageObituary of Pierre Cardin – The New York TimesIndustrial designer Karim Rashid"BBC" by Ming Tea – Official Music VideoDressed to Regress: Interview with Austin Powers costume designer Deena Appel (1999) – LA TimesDeena Appel interview – From Tailors With LoveThe Peacock Revolution: 1960s Menswear – Victoria & Albert MuseumPeter Bogdanovich on the lasting influence of Austin Powers in Goldmember – The New Yorker‘A real stroke of genius.' How Apple's iMac G3 became an object of desire – CNNAWOLTrends on BlobjectsPrada's spacesuits for NASA's 2025 Moon mission – ForbesThe Low Earth Orbit Economy – NASA"Bye Bye Sixties" – Nancy Sinatra, Goldie Hawn, and Ruth Buzzi (1969) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe