Back Row with Amy Odell
Society & Culture
About
Fashion, style, celebrity and culture. Insider knowledge. Outsider honesty. Humor included.
Episodes
- How Kim Kardashian Broke the Met Gala
Cultural critic MJ Corey discusses Kim Kardashian's evolution at the Met Gala, explaining how she went from being the most reviled to the event's blueprint. The conversation covers the 'Tech Gala,' the impact of public hatred, and the care…
- Why 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Is More Accurate Than You Think, with Rachel Tashjian [TEASER]
Rachel Tashjian joins Amy Odell to discuss the accuracy of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' in its portrayal of Anna Wintour, Vogue, and the state of journalism. They also cover details about the film's characters and plot points.
- Met Gala 2026 Recap: Beyoncé, the Bezos Backlash, Kim Kardashian, and Vogue's Silence
Amy Odell and Heather Cocks recap the controversial 2026 Met Gala, discussing the Bezos backlash, protests, Vogue's silence regarding the controversy, and the increasing influence of tech billionaires in fashion.
- 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Filmmakers on How They Nailed the Fall of Fashion Magazines
Director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna discuss the making of "The Devil Wears Prada 2," covering the evolution of Miranda Priestly, the new workplace dynamics, and the potential for a third film.
- There Is No More Cerulean
Amy Odell appears on Sam Sanders' KCRW show to discuss the Met Gala 2026, including the Bezos sponsorship, fashion's Gilded Age, and the impact of tech money. They also cover the decline of the aspirational consumer and the relevance of 'T…
- The Fraught History of Naming Celebrities 'World's Most Beautiful'
Andrea Lavinthal joins Back Row to discuss the history and complexities of People magazine's "World's Most Beautiful" issue, including insights on Anne Hathaway's cover and comparisons to "Sexiest Man Alive."
- Met Gala 2026: The Bezos Backlash, Devil Wears Prada 2, and What It All Means for Anna Wintour
Amy Odell and Chantal Fernandez discuss the 2026 Met Gala, covering Jeff and Lauren Bezos as lead sponsors, the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Anna Wintour's increased public presence. They analyze the gala's theme, its connectio…
- 12 Ultra-Rich People Opened Up About What Money Did to Them
New York Magazine writer Lane Brown interviewed a dozen individuals with $30 million or more in wealth about the psychological, relational, and behavioral impacts of extreme riches. They discussed how wealth can lead to isolation, differen…
- Why Anna Wintour Did the 'Vogue' Cover
This episode discusses the reasons behind Anna Wintour's appearance on the cover of Vogue, exploring a theory that links it to 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' promotions and considering its implications for her legacy.
- 'The Devil Wears Prada' Rewatch: Was 'Vogue' Really Like That?
Amy Odell and Richard Lawson rewatch "The Devil Wears Prada," examining its accuracy to "Vogue" and discussing the film's origin story, key scenes, and the reality of assistant roles during that era.
- Are We Living Through a New Gilded Age?
Host Amy Odell discusses the concept of a new Gilded Age with historian Elizabeth Block, exploring parallels between modern luxury and fashion industries and those of the late 19th century. They examine topics like extreme wealth, inequali…
- Why Tech Billionaires Are Becoming Fashion’s New Kardashians
Tech journalist Taylor Lorenz discusses the increasing involvement of tech billionaires in fashion, examining events like the Met Gala, front-row appearances, and the intersection of technology and style, including topics like smartglasses…
- Inside JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’s Life on Cape Cod
Amy Odell interviews author Kate Storey about the real lives of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, comparing the show “Love Story” to their actual experiences, relationship dynamics, and life on Cape Cod.
- Joh Galliano for... Zara?!
This episode discusses John Galliano's appointment at Zara, two years after his departure from Dior due to public antisemitic and racist remarks. Host Amy Odell analyzes the fashion industry's forgiveness of Galliano and the potential risk…
- The Oscars’ Biggest Fashion Stories: Anna Wintour, the Timothée Backlash, & Is Chanel Good Again?
On the Back Row podcast, Amy Odell, Heather Cocks, and Jessica Morgan analyze major fashion moments from the Oscars, including Anna Wintour's presence and the backlash to Timothée Chalamet's style. They also debate the influence of brands…
- Fashion Month Awards Part One: Chanel’s New Era & Tech Billionaires in the Front Row (with Dana Thomas)
Amy Odell and Dana Thomas discuss the Fashion Month Awards for Fall 2026, covering moments from New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. They analyze Prada's viral stunt, Marc Jacobs' comeback, the rise of fashion watch parties, the incre…
- The Real Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
Authors Liz McNeil and RoseMarie Terenzio, who wrote "JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography," discuss the true romance between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, addressing inaccuracies in the FX show "Love Story." They share insights from over 1…
- Dior Review: Can Jonathan Anderson Cure the 'Luxury Ick'?
Amy Odell reviews Jonathan Anderson's fall 2026 Dior show, exploring fashion's place in mass culture and the role of designers in appealing to aspirational consumers. The episode also covers news from Condé Nast and previews an interview w…
- The Secret Rules of the Hermès Game: Who Actually Gets a Birkin?
In this episode of Back Row with Amy Odell, Noëmie Leclercq of Glitz Paris joins to discuss the "Hermès game," the alleged requirements for purchasing Birkin or Kelly bags. They cover topics like pre-spends, background checks, the grey mar…
- Marina Larroudé on Anna Wintour, Barneys, and Building a Multi-Million Dollar Brand
Marina Larroudé discusses her transition from fashion media, including her experiences at Teen Vogue and working with Anna Wintour, to founding her successful footwear brand, Larroudé, driven by a perceived gap in the market for quality, c…
- Why Big Fashion Doesn’t Dress Olympic Figure Skaters
This episode discusses why the high-fashion industry largely overlooks Olympic figure skating as a branding opportunity. It covers the process of creating figure skating costumes and the disinterest from both top designers and athletes in…
- Confessions of a Luxury Sale Whisperer (with Madison Avenue Spy)
In this episode of Back Row, Amy Odell speaks with Madison Avenue Spy about the current state of the luxury retail market. They discuss the VIP client system, the evolution and current state of luxury sales, and specific brand practices at…
- Are Awards Shows Just Luxury Marketing Now?
This episode explores whether modern awards shows prioritize luxury fashion marketing over cinematic content. Host Amy Odell and guest Debra Birnbaum discuss the funding of celebrity red carpet events and the cultural impact of fashion wit…
- How the Bravo Look Took Over Fashion and Beauty (with Watch What Crappens)
In this episode of Back Row, Amy Odell, joined by Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam, explores how Bravo and Real Housewives culture have influenced current fashion and beauty trends, tracing the origins of opulence in luxury.
- Celebrity Brands: What Works, What Doesn’t (Goop, Rhode & More)
In this episode, Amy Odell and branding expert Ana Andjelic discuss the success factors for celebrity brands, analyzing examples like Goop, Rhode, and Rare Beauty. They explore why fame alone isn't enough and what it takes to build a lasti…
- Retail Confessions: Inside Harrods — Demanding Shoppers and the Rules of the Ultra-Rich
This episode of The Back Row Podcast features an anonymous interview with a former Harrods sales associate, discussing intense sales pressure, demanding clients, and the unspoken rules of the ultra-rich.
- The Recession of Size Inclusion in Fashion (with Lauren Chan)
Model and writer Lauren Chan discusses a decline in size inclusion within the fashion industry with Amy Odell. They cover the consequences of brands favoring smaller models, the role of AI, and the impact of GLP-1s on body diversity.
- Emily in Paris vs. Real French Style
Fashion journalist Dana Thomas discusses her experiences living in Paris and contrasts the reality of French style with the depiction in 'Emily in Paris'. The episode explores French attitudes towards beauty, fashion, and lifestyle compare…
- How Gwyneth Paltrow's Extreme Diet Sparked a 'Detox' Craze
This episode discusses how Gwyneth Paltrow's early 'detox' diets, which were the foundation of Goop's wellness business, sparked controversy and notoriety, drawing criticism from health experts. It covers the origins of Goop and the public…
- Anna Wintour, the Bezos Met Gala, and the Politics of Condé Nast (with Good Noticings)
Amy Odell hosts Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton of the Good Noticings podcast to discuss the current state of Condé Nast. The conversation covers Vanity Fair's recent reporting on Trump, Anna Wintour's relationship with the Bezoses, and…
- Gwyneth Paltrow's Strategic 'Marty Supreme' Fashion Game
This episode of Back Row with Amy Odell discusses Gwyneth Paltrow's strategic fashion decisions, including monochromatic orange outfits for a film promotion and their potential impact on her daughter Apple's prospects.
- Rachel Zoe's 'Real Housewives' Debut (with Brian Moylan)
Amy Odell and Brian Moylan discuss Rachel Zoe's debut on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, analyzing the motivations behind her joining the cast and Bravo's gain. They recap Rachel's scenes from the first two episodes and discuss fashi…
- Versace's Second Shocker and Fashion's Great Unsettling
This episode discusses fashion's current period of instability, referred to as the 'great unsettling.' It covers the acquisition of Versace by the Prada Group and includes a news roundup of related industry events.
- How Social Media Broke Fashion (and Everything Else) with Taylor Lorenz
Tech journalist Taylor Lorenz discusses with Amy Odell how social media has reshaped the fashion industry, impacting creator trust, online discourse, and brand-consumer dynamics.
- What Fashion's Wealthy 'Very Important Clients' Want and Gift for the Holidays
This episode delves into the preferences of fashion's wealthiest clients, known as VICs. It highlights specific examples like an expat in Dubai, a personal shopper for New Yorkers, an expat in Hong Kong, and a stylist for billionaires.
- Is Vogue Still Relevant? Rachel Tashjian on Fashion’s Power Shift
Fashion critic Rachel Tashjian discusses the evolving landscape of fashion media with Amy Odell, covering topics such as Vogue's future, the rise of creators, AI's influence, and the changing nature of fashion discourse.
- The Devil Wears Prada: Anna Wintour and the Assistant Who Started It All
This episode features an excerpt from Amy Odell's "Anna: The Biography," detailing the creation of "The Devil Wears Prada" book and film and Anna Wintour's response. It touches on the anticipation for "The Devil Wears Prada 2."
- I Tried Victoria Beckham's Gray T-Shirt
In this episode, Amy Odell shares her experience trying on various pieces from Victoria Beckham's clothing line. She details her thoughts on specific items like a gray T-shirt, jeans, black pants, an oversized gray suit, and the Blair midi…
- Black Friday: How Fashion Brands Use Cult Tactics on You
Amy Odell discusses cult-like marketing tactics with Dr. Mara Einstein. They examine how brands leverage psychology, scarcity, and the "anxiety economy" to influence consumer behavior, especially during events like Black Friday.
- Kim Kardashian’s Brand Is Blankness; ‘All’s Fair’ Is a Tacky Mess
Sophie Gilbert joins Amy Odell to discuss the Ryan Murphy show ‘All’s Fair,’ starring Kim Kardashian. They analyze the show’s poor reviews, respectable ratings, and what Kardashian’s perceived blankness signifies about contemporary culture.
- Anna Wintour's 10 Most Influential Covers
Amy Odell ranks Anna Wintour's 10 most influential Vogue covers, discussing the final cover featuring Timothée Chalamet and social media reactions. The episode also covers fashion news including reviews and celebrity events.
- Was Jane Birkin Unfairly Commodified by Hermès?
This episode features Marisa Meltzer discussing Jane Birkin's life, her rise as a 1960s fashion icon, and the creation of the Hermès Birkin bag. They explore whether Birkin was fairly compensated and how she felt about the bag's fame.
- Victoria Beckham's Netflix Show: Infomercial or Documentary? With Ryan Bailey
Amy Odell and Ryan Bailey discuss Victoria Beckham's Netflix docuseries, comparing it to David Beckham's and other celebrity documentaries. They also analyze Victoria Beckham's fashion brand, its business performance, and celebrity culture.
- The Row's Sample Was WILD
Amy Odell reviews The Row
- Avery Trufelman on the Origins of Modern Menswear and Gorpcore
Avery Trufelman joins Amy Odell to discuss the origins of modern menswear and gorpcore, exploring military influences on fashion. This episode is an extended version of a previously published Back Row newsletter.
- Does Gwyneth Paltrow Wish Me Well?
Host Amy Odell talks with Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, creators of the play 'Gwyneth Goes Skiing,' which is based on the Gwyneth Paltrow trial. They discuss their research, the play's connection to the trial, and Paltrow's reaction to Ode…
- The Untold Story of Victoria Beckham's Brand
This episode reviews the Victoria Beckham Netflix documentary, detailing her shift from tabloid figure to respected fashion brand founder. It also covers related fashion news in the 'Loose Threads' segment.
- Fashion Month Awards: Spring 2026
Amy Odell and Dana Thomas, a fashion journalist and author, select the Spring 2026 Fashion Month Awards recipients. They cover categories such as Most Baffling Success, Best Debut, and Most Polarizing Collection.
- The Verdict on Chanel!
Amy Odell reviews designer Matthieu Blazy's debut collection for Chanel, drawing on her Back Row newsletter and a "Retail Confessions" column detailing experiences of a former Chanel sales person.
- Jonathan Anderson's Dior Debut: The Response!
Jonathan Anderson has shown his first Dior women’s collection. The episode discusses the response to the debut, noting that not everyone is happy.