Substacks recommended by Leslie Kwan

Recommended by Leslie Kwan

Where I’ve been, who I’ve seen, what they were wearing (obviously), and whatever else is lingering in my mental inbox.

Derek's storytelling is so personable and fun. It's the longform version of his YT channel. Come for the stories, stay for the quips!

- Leslie Kwan

Back Row

By Amy Odell

The twice-weekly fashion and culture newsletter. Insider knowledge. Outsider honesty. Humor included.

Onward with Ava DuVernay

Exploring art, justice and the democratic imagination.

Ava DuVernay’s storytelling is a work of art, just like the films she directs.

- Leslie Kwan

Mon Review

By Monica Ainley DLV

My weekly take on fashion and cultural phenomena PLUS private access to 'Your Woman in Paris' - an insider's guide to life in France.

In Moda Veritas

By Irene Kim (김애린)

"In style, there is truth". I've been helping people build beautiful wardrobes from the inside out for 12+ years. Dive deep into my stylist psyche as I help you forge a realistic & expressive relationship between who you are & what you wear. IG: @irene_kf

The Creative Act: Thoughtforms & Innerworks

By Rick Rubin

A weekly communiqué of actionable practices

Please Note by Cassandra Grey

By CASSANDRA GREY

“Please Note” is a polite phrase used to draw attention to important information or a key point within a communication. Cassandra Grey was once described as “a polarizing figure not only in the beauty industry but also on Olympus, where she holds court.”

A Little Heart to Heart - Enuma's Newsletter

By Enuma’s Newsletter

Letters about life and living, art and spirit, and staying curious and courageous. From my little heart to the larger vibrating heart of this world I share with you. Become a community subscriber.

Vanilla is Black

By Sonari Rhodes Glinton

At the intersection of global Black culture and the economy.

Sonari Glinton is a legend in the public radio space- chances are if you listened to NPR, you’ve listened to share stories from cars to Quincy Jones. His Substack is a brilliant extension of his insighful journalism.

- Leslie Kwan

WEARSTLERWORLD

By Kelly Wearstler

A Wednesday newsletter about design, fashion, travel, influences, rationales, and limitlessness. By KELLY WEARSTLER AD100 Hall of Fame, Elle Decor A-List, Wallpaper’s Top 20 Designers, Time Magazine’s The Design 100.

Nedra Nuggets

By Nedra Glover Tawwab

Nedra Nuggets is a heart-to-heart with a therapist—short, practical, and packed with wisdom! Each week, I break down boundaries, relationships, and mental health into bite-sized, relatable advice you can actually use. No fluff, no jargon—just real talk.

What Looks Good

By Jolain Muller

I’m a designer turned stylist sharing inspiration and worthy finds. Think of this as your weekly fashion cleanse.

Brain Matter

By Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

Front-row access. Backstage chaos. Slow-burn cultural critiques and brutally honest hot takes. Penned by stylist and former Vogue editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. This is your brain on fashion.

Gabrielle is one of the most thoughtful and knowledge stylists in the fashion world. Her Substack is a brilliant reflection of her process.

- Leslie Kwan

The Paris Pivot™️

Recommended by Leslie Kwan