Sitting at a cozy, wood-paneled corner office in Manhattan, Highsnobiety’s new editor-in-chief, Noah Johnson, shared his guiding philosophy: “The most important editorial principle that I’ve been pushing is authenticity, as trite as that sounds.”
It was a crisp September afternoon at the style publication’s headquarters. Johnson, casually dressed in a white tee, denim jacket, and distinctive leather shoes, had two neon tennis rackets peeking from his L.L. Bean tote – a hint at his down-to-earth style.
Since taking the helm in January – a role previously held by Willa Bennett, who moved to lead Cosmopolitan and Seventeen – Johnson hadn’t yet imprinted much of his personality on the office. Highsnobiety founder David Fischer stated via email that Johnson was his “first call” for the position.
The 42-year-old editor began his career in lifestyle media at Complex, then moved through editorial roles at Style.com and Details, interspersed with freelance writing. By 2017, he was at GQ, collaborating with Bennett, and eventually ascended to global style editor.
Despite admitting “authenticity” sounds like a cliché, Johnson firmly believes it’s a powerful editorial path. A recent Highsnobiety white paper, produced with Boston Consulting Group, supports this, revealing that younger luxury consumers are actively seeking “stability and authenticity.”
Johnson proudly pointed to Highsnobiety’s fall 2025 issue, his debut as editor. It showcases three distinct covers: the punk band Turnstile, celebrated for bringing raw energy to mainstream culture; actress Odessa A’zion, on the brink of stardom in Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme”; and Kader, a renowned professional skater and style icon.
He explained that these cover personalities, while well-known in their respective circles, represent a departure from previous Highsnobiety covers, which often featured figures like Billie Eilish, Marc Jacobs, and Pamela Anderson during Bennett’s era. Johnson confessed to an “allergy” to phrases like ‘This is how we normally do it.’
This fresh issue delves into craft and design, highlighting figures such as sculptor Isamu Noguchi and British designer Margaret Howell. Johnson aims to steer clear of the “generalist pop culture swirl” prevalent in other magazines, envisioning Highsnobiety as a destination for true “enthusiasts.”
Beyond the magazine, which earned a National Magazine Award for general excellence last year, Highsnobiety has evolved significantly since its origins as a 2005 sneaker blog. Founder David Fischer has transformed it into a modern media powerhouse, boasting a clothing line, e-commerce platform, and a brand consultancy, alongside hosting exclusive events like a pre-Grammy dinner at Château Marmont.
After work, Johnson swapped his casual attire for a vibrant cobalt-blue button-up and headed to Sake Bar Asoko on East Broadway, ready to host a party celebrating his inaugural issue.
The intimate bar buzzed with guests, as a DJ played subtly groovy vinyl. Unique fashion choices abounded, including a pair of Vibram FiveFingers shoes. One guest, sporting nubby socks with loafers, politely declined to discuss their origin.
Among the attendees, ‘Saturday Night Live’ newcomer Veronika Slowikowska and comedian Kyle Chase reviewed a spread featuring them in fall plaids, while designer Emily Dawn Long captured candid moments with her silver point-and-shoot camera.
Emily Dawn Long caught Jian DeLeon, Nordstrom’s men’s fashion director, on film. DeLeon, a former Highsnobiety editorial director, was first hired by Johnson as a staff writer at Complex in 2011. He remarked that Johnson’s current editorial vision reconnects Highsnobiety with its foundational ‘underground youthful spirit of rebellion.’
Tremaine Emory, the acclaimed Denim Tears designer and former Supreme creative director, shared his perspective on print’s enduring power, stating, ‘A magazine cover should be a road sign,’ implying its role as a guide to discovery.
Outside, the sidewalk overflowed with guests. Inside, plates of udon noodles seemed a distant dream. Designers Emily Adams Bode Aujla and Aurora James engaged with Emory’s impressively shaggy dog, comfortably lounging in an open car trunk.
Arianna Cho, the bar’s co-owner, navigated the tight space in a Sacai dress to refresh deputy editor Claire Landsbaum’s drink, who was conversing with writer Delia Cai, a contributor to the new issue, outside on the sidewalk.
Cai described Johnson as “fabulously blunt,” enjoying how he’d rapidly make decisions on options presented to him: ‘Yes, yes, no, yes, definitely yes.’
‘The vision is not a negotiation,’ she concluded, expressing her approval.