With over 3.4 million followers, Rocky Barnes has become a reference in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. Beyond her public image, she has built a distinct brand that blends entrepreneurship, content creation, and personal storytelling. Known for her visual identity and influence, Rocky now adds a new layer to her presence through long-form audio content — offering a more intimate and intentional way to connect with her audience.

Rocky co-hosts Mulholland with Rachel Zeilic, a podcast that offers candid conversations at the intersection of motherhood, creativity, culture, and identity. Far from the polished formats often seen in traditional media, Mulholland explores the emotional layers behind ambition, burnout, reinvention, and digital presence.

This episode reflects on what podcasting allows that visuals do not: emotional depth, vulnerability, and a space for nuance. It positions audio as a medium where luxury is not about exclusivity, but about attention and presence.

This shift might be largely driven by U.S. brands. Their ability to speak to Gen Z with emotional clarity is something many traditional French maisons still struggle with designers like Jacquemus have mastered the balance between elegance, irony, and pop culture.

Rocky shares her approach to content creation with clarity and honesty. She discusses how to batch content efficiently to maintain consistency without sacrificing personal time or energy. She also speaks openly about navigating criticism — especially in the early days, when a single comment could affect her emotionally — and how she has built creative resilience over time.

Wilfried and Rocky explore how to create while leading a business, raising a family, and staying relevant across evolving platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The conversation offers a sharp look at how creators can structure their workflow without compromising authenticity.

A key focus of the episode is the shifting definition of luxury. Rocky highlights how American brands such as Rhode — recently acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion — are driving new standards in the beauty and lifestyle space through cultural connection, accessibility, and creativity. With experiential activations and unexpected collaborations, these brands reflect a move away from formality toward something more personal and culturally embedded.

This shift is particularly relevant to Gen Z audiences who seek access rather than hierarchy, interaction rather than distance. While many traditional French maisons are still adjusting to this new reality, brands like Jacquemus stand out as rare examples of balancing heritage with emotional storytelling and cultural relevance.

Visionary Minds is a podcast produced by Dix Sept Paris, the creative agency for luxury brands, dedicated to shaping the future of culture through design, communication, and strategy.

Available on all major streaming platforms.