Editorial & Publishing
Editorial strategy, newsroom leadership, writing and editing, editorial calendars, content curation, contributor management, publication development, and original editorial franchises.
Sometimes quite literally.
Over the past 12 years, I've written about everything from watches, fashion, and contemporary culture to artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, astrophysics, and even olfactory science. Quite the range, I know. But the common thread is making complicated or unfamiliar subjects accessible without stripping away what makes them interesting. You shouldn't need a PhD to join the conversation.
Previously, I was Watch Editor at Highsnobiety and Editor-in-Chief at SUPER NICHE. Along the way, I've written more than 2,000 articles, collaborated with brands including Audemars Piguet, TAG Heuer, Richard Mille, and Chopard, and helped develop content initiatives contributing to over $1 million in affiliate revenue. In 2026, I was also named to Watchonista's 30 Under 30(ish) list.
But writing is only part of what I do. I'm just as interested in what happens after a story reaches someone: what makes them stick around, what brings them back, and how to turn that interest into something bigger. That thinking has led me into editorial strategy, creative direction, original content series, brand collaborations, and events. Because a good story shouldn't have to end when someone closes the tab.
Watches as an extension of style, and style as an extension of authorship.
— Donovan Barnett
Editorial strategy, newsroom leadership, writing and editing, editorial calendars, content curation, contributor management, publication development, and original editorial franchises.
Creative concepts, brand storytelling, campaign development, creative consultation, art direction, multimedia production, video direction, and copywriting.
SEO, answer engine optimization (AEO), content discovery, search-led editorial planning, audience development, analytics, affiliate content, SEO content writing, and multi-platform distribution.
Branded content, partnership development, collaborative storytelling, event concepts, experiential activations, community engagement, and cross-functional creative production.
Each discipline counted back from today
I was named to Watchonista’s 2026 30 Under 30(ish) list, an annual roundup of 30 people making the watch world a little more interesting. My inclusion was largely thanks to my approach to watch journalism, connecting timepieces to the bigger cultural conversation around fashion, music, art, design, and, more importantly, the people behind it all.
Watches × fashion
× technology × culture
Watches as an extension of style: stories from the dial, the wrist and the culture around them.
The Watch Hub is Highsnobiety’s guide to watches, created by Donovan with contributions from the wider team: where to start for new buyers, and what to follow for seasoned collectors.
View the full watch hubTaking brand ideas, collaborations, and product launches beyond the usual campaign. From editorial storytelling and creative consultation to branded content, event concepts, and experiences built for audiences online and off.
(09) Activations & brand experiences — Units: 04 / HS-ACT series




(01) Sneakers × TechTaking Nike’s Air Max 95 to the Year 95000Highsnobiety ↗
(02) Sport × AIVictor Wembanyama’s First Nike Shoe Concept Was Designed By AIHighsnobiety ↗
(03) InterviewCarl Jones Wants to Create the Next Pixar Using the Web 3.0 Community and NFTsHighsnobiety ↗
(04) EngineeringAdditive Manufacturing Is Slowly Disrupting Aerospace EngineeringWevolver ↗
(05) Biotech3D Bioprinting Gives Researchers the Power To Create Artificial OrgansWevolver ↗
(06) PhysicsA Faster-Than-Light Warp Drive-Powered Spaceship May Be PossibleInteresting Engineering ↗
(07) HealthMind Control Through Light: The Emerging World of OptogeneticsInteresting Engineering ↗
(08) PhysicsQuantum Tunneling Is Absolutely Bonkers, Here Is What You Need to KnowInteresting Engineering ↗
Fragrance, the invisible half of style: niche houses, travel favourites and how to wear a signature scent.


Behind the scenes on the road: flights, workshops, dinners and watches on wrists.