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. Follow on Instagram and Threads at @goingrogue.podcast and @jilldemling Follow on Bluesky Follow on TikTok Send us your questions or comments by calling us at 518-21-ROGUE

Om Podcasten

Welcome to the ultimate insider's guide to the world of fashion, celebrity, and media—straight from the heart of Vogue. I’m Jill Demling and for nearly two decades I was the Entertainment Director of Vogue. I've booked over 200 American Vogue covers, 30 covers for British Vogue, and more than 50 covers worldwide. That's nearly 300 covers that shaped pop culture, defined fashion, and captured the zeitgeist. But those perfect images? They're just the tip of the iceberg. "Going Rogue" is your backstage pass to the moments that never made it to print. The stories from the photographers who captured magic, the stylists who created iconic looks, and the writers who know every secret. You'll hear about the celebrities, the shoots that almost didn't happen, and the untold drama behind fashion's most memorable moments. Remember "The Devil Wears Prada"? That fictional 11-month snapshot? I was there for the real story—I even hired the person the book was based on and appear on page 21 of the book. But this isn't about one story. It's about hundreds of stories, from someone who was on the inside. This podcast is not an exposé, it's a celebration of the brilliant people behind the scenes that made all the famous moments possible at Vogue. It isn't just a podcast about fashion. It's about creativity, ambition, art, and the human stories behind the images that helped define a generation. We'll reveal how the talents behind these shoots got their start, and they'll share masterclass-level advice for a new generation of stylists, photographers, and creatives looking to make their mark. We're going behind the scenes of a world most people only glimpse through glossy pages and red carpet moments. Are you ready to go rogue with me?