Date
18 May 2026
Time
18:00 PM - 20:00 PM
Fruition
In-person event
IED welcomes Eddie Sears, Executive Vice President of Republic Collective, for a talk dedicated to the evolution of visual languages and communication strategies in the contemporary music business.
The program of IED talks is enriched by an exceptional guest from the international scene: Eddie Sears, Executive Vice President of Republic Collective and former IED student. The event is conceived as a critical reflection on the role of creative direction and storytelling in determining the success and cultural impact of the world’s most influential artists.
Drawing on his experience at Ultra Records, a key hub for scouting emerging talent, through to his leadership role at Republic Collective, Sears will analyze the decision-making processes that shape the careers of icons such as Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, and Florence + The Machine.
The event will focus on the ability to translate artistic essence into an iconic aesthetic, one capable of transcending the musical product to become a cultural phenomenon. The pillars of Creative Direction and Strategic Marketing will be explored, with particular attention to how branding choices profoundly influence the perception of pop culture on a global scale.