The original pioneer of online trend forecasting, Marc Worth began his career in fashion aged just 16 when he joined his family’s textiles business.
Twenty years later, in 1997, Marc and his brother Julian left the family business to create Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) – the world’s first online information service for the fashion industry. The company went on to become “the fashion industry bible” (The Wall Street Journal), amassing over 1,500 corporate clients and achieving £15m in revenue in just over six years. In 2005, Marc sold the business to Emap.
Marc returned to the industry in 2009 to launch Stylus – a global trends intelligence company. He recognised that trends weren’t only relevant to the fashion industry, and more critically, that working within industry silos and chasing the tail of existing trends was no longer enough. The most brilliant innovation comes from the cross-pollination of expertise and ideas. Today, Stylus serves over 500 companies globally, giving them the tools they need to capitalise on cross-industry trends and consumer shifts across 40 consumer-facing industries.
We caught up with Marc for the latest in our ‘My London’ series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Marylebone – it has one of my favourite high streets in London and has become a real social hub, with great eateries alongside the retail offering there.
Favourite place for brunch:
I don’t brunch very often, but the Ivy lays on a good one at the weekend. Otherwise, Percy & Founders also has great food.
Best coffee in London:
It has to be Kaffeine in Fitzrovia. It has brilliant coffee and I like the fact it’s an independent.
Favourite gallery or museum:
The Design Museum. It’s home to such a great mix of work, architects, designers and visionaries. You can’t help but leave feeling inspired.
Tell us a secret:
I’m secretly a huge fan of the musical Hamilton.
Favourite place to shop:
John Varvatos in Mayfair – great contemporary menswear.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
It’s not a place to find inspiration, per se, but I love spending time at the theatre. It’s a great place to unwind.
Favourite park:
Regents Park, my local park, is my go-to when I need to get some fresh air and think. You really get to appreciate the seasons – or what’s left of them – there too.
Favourite food market:
It has to be Borough Market. It’s got history, offers an excellent mix of food and generally has a great atmosphere.
Your sanctuary in the city:
It might sound cliché, but my home is my sanctuary.
What inspires you?
From a professional standpoint, my late father. I’ve learnt that running a business requires two things: common sense and being prepared to learn from your mistakes.
This season I’m loving:
My John Varvatos leather jacket.
