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podcasts
5 september 2024
Navigating Industries

Navigating Industries

TL;DR:

  • Karim Flores Afifi went from sales at Daily Paper to Creative Lead at Complex Netherlands
  • Seven years at Daily Paper taught him the fashion industry from the inside
  • At Complex he combines fashion, media and music in projects for Adidas, Red Bull and Zalando
  • His DJ name Baba Chulo is a mix of his Dominican and Egyptian roots
  • The Levi's Theater Thursdays project was a highlight in creative curation

In the first episode of the second season of Brand News, hosted by Charlotte Emily, we get a glimpse into the fascinating career of Karim Flores Afifi. Karim shares his journey from working at Daily Paper to his current role as Creative Lead. This episode touches on themes such as fashion, music and creative growth. Discover how Karim has combined his passions across different industries and what his insights are for career changers.

From Daily Paper to Complex: how do you build a creative career?

  1. Introduction - The episode begins with a short introduction by host Charlotte Emily, who announces the collaboration with Winkelstraat.nl, a platform that connects luxury fashion brands with young, trend-aware consumers. Charlotte then introduces her guest, Karim Flores Afifi, a creative consultant with an impressive CV.
  2. From Daily Paper to Complex - Karim tells how his career began at the Amsterdam fashion brand Daily Paper. He shares his experiences during the rise of the brand, from his internship period to his growth into a role in sales, where he worked with big names like Selfridges and Kith. This period was a huge learning experience for him, in which he witnessed the growth of the brand up close. He also reflects on memorable moments, such as his first time at Paris Fashion Week.
  3. Move into media and Complex - After seven years at Daily Paper, Karim made the move to the media industry, where he started at Complex Netherlands. Here he works as Creative Lead on projects for clients such as Adidas, Red Bull and Zalando. He explains how this move allowed him to combine his passion for fashion, media and music.

Curious about how others combine creative careers? Also listen to Diede Vermeesch on dance and modeling.

How does Karim combine fashion, music and cultural roots?

  1. DJ ambitions and cultural connections - Alongside his work in the fashion and media industry, Karim also has a passion for music. He shares his experiences with DJing and tells how his Dominican and Egyptian background influences his music choices. His DJ name, Baba Chulo, is a mix of his cultural roots and a nod to the music world.
  2. The Levi's project - One of the highlights in Karim's career was his collaboration with Levi's. He developed the concept for the event Levi's Theater Thursdays, where he gave young artists a stage. This project showcased his capabilities in the field of creative development, project management and artistic curation.
  3. Future ambitions - Finally, Karim shares his vision for the future. He wants to keep developing and further build out his music career. His goal is to inspire people with his work and let them forget their daily worries for a moment.

Also listen to how Isabelle Udo combines art, fashion and technology in another Brand News episode.

Listen to the episode - Want to hear more about Karim's inspiring journey? Listen to the full episode of Brand News via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music.

Frequently asked questions about careers in fashion and media

How do you move from fashion to media?

Karim's move from Daily Paper to Complex shows that experience in the fashion industry offers a strong foundation for media work. The key is combining your network, creative skills and knowledge of the industry. Seven years of brand experience gave him a unique perspective as Creative Lead.

Can you combine fashion and music in your career?

Absolutely. Karim combines his work at Complex with DJing under the name Baba Chulo. Fashion and music overlap more and more, especially in the streetwear and festival scene. Brands actively look for creatives who understand and connect both worlds.

What is the role of a Creative Lead at a media platform?

A Creative Lead conceives and directs creative projects for brands and clients. At Complex, Karim works on campaigns for Adidas, Red Bull and Zalando. It's all about translating brand identity into content that resonates with a young, culturally aware audience.

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