A Feel For Fashion: Alex Badia

Putting his own spin on the 70s and 80s, Alex Badia head-turning style makes him a prime subject for street style photographers during fashion weeks. More substantially, as WWD’s Style Director, he constantly puts forth a sharp understanding of the fashion system. He can also be found contributing to Rolling Stone, Variety, Robb Report and Muse magazines. On his Instagram and Twitter bios Badia writes, "New Yorker by profession but Spanish at heart.” Born and raised in Barcelona, he moved to London for his studies before moving to New York, where he is based — when not traveling the world’s fashion capitals, of course.

What creates an emotional response for you in fashion today?  

For me, fashion is the at the forefront of culture and it is the first thing that shows a sign of cultural or social change. Anything that reflects this is what I am interested in. There is nothing better than an amazing show or a defining collection.

What are you most curious to know about how designers work, how a collection comes together?

I have been covering shows for more than 20 years, going backstage, talking to designers about their inspiration and creative process. I remain endlessly curious about their creative process, their inspiration and their artistic evolution — to discover how they evolve with the times.

If you could change one aspect of how we experience fashion today, what would it be?

Initially, I missed when shows were smaller and more intimate; but now I have changed my mind and I find the democratization of the industry the most interesting part. Also, how brands have become content creators and, at times, even entertainment companies in a way. [We must] also learn new ways to reach the younger reader and consumer and to constantly challenge ourselves to come up with new ways to tell the fashion story — all of this is very inspiring to me.

What stands out as the most potentially disruptive influence on fashion in the near future?

Artificial Intelligence. It freaks me out, but I am sure that fashion will figure out a way to use it to its advantage. But to be honest there is nothing like sitting with a designer and understanding their human experience through their art.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.