Gianluca Cantaro Shares Career Insights with Franklin Students
On November 25th, Franklin University Switzerland’s Division of Communication, History, and Politics welcomed Gianluca Cantaro, a renowned fashion journalist and critic with over two decades in the industry. The event had a positive turnout, with Franklin students engaged throughout the entire lecture. Cantaro’s career includes roles such as deputy editor-in-chief at L’Uomo Vogue and editor-in-chief positions at L’Officiel Italia, L’Officiel Hommes Italia, and Nowfashion.com. His experience provided students with a first-hand look into the inner workings of fashion journalism and the challenges of breaking into the field.
Cantaro began the talk by sharing his journey into fashion journalism. He recounted his early days as an assistant and getting to go backstage at Milan Fashion Week shows, witnessing the industry in action. He explained how his passion for the field was ignited during this time. This determination led him to roles at D la Repubblica delle donne and later at L’Uomo Vogue, where he worked alongside Franca Sozzani.
He emphasized the importance of persistence, encouraging students to proactively reach out and seize opportunities. Cantaro advised overcoming shyness or resistance and being relentless in pursuing goals, sharing how his own tenacity opened doors through his career. He also addressed the current state of the fashion industry, Cantaro noted its critical juncture, highlighting the challenges of entering the field, particularly within fashion magazines.
As the fashion industry increasingly integrates AI, Cantaro explained that brands are struggling to grow in such a saturated market. He explained the significant impact for digital platforms on fashion communication, urging students to master these tools as the future of the field lies there. Stressing that proficiency in digital platforms and AI serves as a strategic advantage, as brands seek enhanced visibility in a competitive market.
He discussed how crucial it is to have specific knowledge and well-defined skills tailored to the role you seek, whether as a creative director, journalist, or another professional in the field. Knowledge and skills are crucial. He explained that if one can effectively articulate their expertise and apply it in the fashion industry, they become a very interesting professional. He also touched on the value of personal branding in an age dominated by AI and digital platforms. He urged students to “beat Google” by offering unique insights that AI cannot replicate and adding a personal touch.
The event concluded with a successful Q&A session, where students engaged directly with Cantaro, gaining personalized insights and advice. This interaction provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with an industry expert and potentially explore career paths. Gianluca Cantaro’s visit offered a unique glimpse into the evolving fashion landscape, highlighting the importance of adaptability and digital proficiency for aspiring professionals. His experiences and guidance resonated with students, inspiring them to navigate the industry’s challenges with determination and creativity.
Written by Madison Cossey
Photo credit: Alex Hoffman
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