Digital creators are reshaping the fashion industry as we know it–with the way we consume it and the culture around it. Ro Brahmand is one of the ones standing at the forefront.
With Fixated — her wildly popular Substack — Ro has become a trusted voice for style obsessives who crave discernment, storytelling, and a refreshingly unfiltered perspective. Her blend of high–low fashion narratives, thoughtful curation, and intentional content has sparked a devoted community and caught the attention of major brands worldwide.
In this exclusive Spotlight interview, Ro opens up about her creative process, her inspirations, the future of Fixated, and where she sees the fashion landscape heading next.
Fixated has become such a cult favorite on Substack. What inspired you to start it, and what resonates most with your readers?
“I am an obsessive curator. For better or worse, I can’t look for a hotel or a pair of boots or even a coffee mug without scraping the entire internet. Instagram and TikTok are where I share my top pick, but Substack is where I can share all ten.
My personality is naturally a bit unbuttoned and unpolished, so having a space where I can write the way I actually think felt perfect. I think readers connect to that mix of curation and honesty. My taste in fashion, travel, and beauty is intentional, but the way I explore those ideas stays open and approachable. It invites people into the conversation and keeps something that can be intimidating from ever taking itself too seriously.”
You’ve built this fascinating mix of ‘high–low’ fashion storytelling. How do you strike that balance — and why does it resonate now?
“I love an archival Prada trench coat as much as I love a great GAP tee — and the fun part is how they transform each other. Mixing high and low keeps fashion playful. It reminds you that creativity has nothing to do with price point. I think that balance resonates because it gives people permission to experiment and build wardrobes that reflect real life.”
You have major campaigns coming up — Ralph Lauren, GAP, Fendi, Mejuri. How do you decide which brands align with your aesthetic and values?
“I have to be bought into the brand and the stories they’re trying to tell. I need to feel something — whether it’s excitement about a collection or inspiration from a campaign narrative. I also pay attention to how collaborative the partnership is. The best campaigns are the ones where the brand gives me space to interpret their world through my own lens.”
Your content always feels intentional, never trend-driven. What’s your creative process like?
“I’m definitely a visual thinker and almost always start by pairing the outfit with the right location. That combination sets the tone for the story I want to tell. I keep the bones of every shoot pretty bare because I like to leave room for the moment to breathe — the concept usually shifts as I’m shooting anyway. Some of the best frames happen when I let the environment and the outfit speak to each other in a natural way.”
For someone constantly immersed in fashion — what’s inspiring you right now?
“How much time do you have!! Designers like Phoebe Philo, Nicklas Skovgaard, Julie Kegels. Stylists like Dogukan Nesanir, Vanessa Coyle, Elly Mcgaw. Interior designers like Pierre Yovanovitch and Gabriella Khalil (who designed one of my favorite hotels, Palm Heights). Archival curators in Berlin and Amsterdam. Indie magazines like Re-Edition and Self Service.”
Fixated is expanding in 2025. Any teasers?
“I’m really excited about where Fixated is heading. I’m building out more guides — from city recommendations to vintage sourcing to the restaurants and galleries I discover while traveling. I also have a few holiday and gifting edits coming up that I can’t wait to share!”
You’re known for being both stylish and self-aware online. How do you navigate social media pressure while staying grounded?
“I try to show up authentically and respectfully online. There are moments when something doesn’t resonate with certain audiences (and they are always quick to tell me), but I try not to take it personally. I’m creating and speaking from an honest place — that’s all I can do.”
With the holidays coming up — what’s your go-to gift for the fashion-obsessed friend? And your favorite kind of trend?
“This is my favorite thing to talk about — I LOVE coming up with fun and interesting gifts. I actually have a holiday gift guide series on Fixated and just published issue 001 with tons of suggestions!”
You’ve been featured across major platforms and press. When did it hit you that your perspective was making an impact?
“Truthfully… I’m not sure it has! But when Substack featured Fixated on the Bestsellers list, it felt like a real turning point.”
Define the ultimate 2025 style aesthetic — and what trends do you predict for 2026?
“For FW25, I’m hugely inspired by Vivienne Westwood and Julie Kegels.
For SS26, I’m so excited: leather trench coats in color (Khaite is already doing this so well), strong 80s influences with fresh interpretations like Rachel Comey’s, and bold color blocking — brands like Loewe and Tory Burch always nail new color stories. There is SO much to look forward to.”
