Episode 10: Alastair McKimm—Surrendering Control, Becoming a Dad & Finding Balance

On this episode I sat down with Alastair McKimm, editor-in-chief of i-D magazine and world-renowned fashion director. He's worked with the best photographers, designers and brands in the world, with two decades of experience under his belt, now he's in his dream job. We speak about becoming a father, working a 12-step program and learning to surrender control to the universe.

Alastair McKimm is Editor-in-Chief of i-D. Prior to his appointment at i-D, he contributed regularly to T, The New York Times Magazine, British Vogue, Vogue Italia and Self Service.

Recently, Alastair released his first book, Mica by Alastair McKimm, a behind the scenes perspective featuring model Mica Argañaraz and published by IDEA.

“What is my ethos, what is it that I really believe in my soul and I can stand behind in taking this job on, what can my message and vision be? It was mentorship.”

— Alastair McKimm

SHOW NOTES

4:30 Delusions of grandeur that come with youth

• 7:05 Stepping into new role at i-D magazine

• 8:25 Terry Jones and the legacy of i-D

• 10:09 i-D 2020, modern version after 40 years

• 12:12 Fashion vs style and personal expression

• 15:31 Creative process at i-D, working within the vision

• 20:36 Applying to fashion school and going to Nottingham Trent University

• 21:42 Offer for school, doing an art foundation, parents influence

• 23:30 Day after school left for London and knocked on the door at i-D

• 26:10 Meeting Edward Enninful and working under his wing

• 27:45 Why being an assistant is so important

• 29:00 Apprenticing and mentors so important, but need patience

• 31:45 Obsessed with photography, fashion was more of an accent, loved to study

• 34:10 Title of 'creative director' has been disrespected 

• 36:00 How moving to New York changed people's perspective

• 37:05 Working towards balance in recent years, need to ask for help sometimes

• 40:10 Life is for fighting, how addiction came into the picture

• 41:00 'Becoming teachable' to be able to teach

• 43:11 Learning to be open minded and surrendering to present

• 44:50 Role of becoming a father, learning to fail and learn each day

• 53:50 Finding schools, education styles

• 56:05 Power of learning languages, son going to immersion school

• 58:15 Getting sober and how it felt like the only option, 12 step program

• 59:30 Learning to surrender, through the program

• 60:37 Eventually the drugs don't work

• 62:03 Doing more to achieve vs. letting go of control and forcing it

• 64:08 Getting into boxing for exercise

• 65:30 Beginner's mind, bringing humility to boxing

• 69:20 Leaving i-D to come back to i-D

• 71:01 Being worthy, accepting ability and stepping into that feeling

• 73:55 What is my ethos and vision? Mentorship...

• 79:10 Swapping addictions and finding balance by letting go of workaholic life

• 80:16 Still working on it, addicted to phone, finding moderation

• 83:30 Can't control the pace and influx of emails, but can choose how we engage

• 86:10 Work hard, rest hard

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