Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office – Met Gala 2025's Best & Worst Looks + The Valley's Michelle Saniei Interview

Release Date: May 7, 2025

In this vibrant episode of Chicks in the Office, hosts Ria and Fran dive deep into the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala 2025, dissecting the best and worst fashion statements of the night. Additionally, they feature an insightful interview with Michelle Saniei from the hit reality series "The Valley", offering listeners an exclusive look behind the scenes.

Met Gala 2025 Recap

Overall Impressions

The Met Gala this year was nothing short of spectacular, with a plethora of stunning ensembles that captivated fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Ria and Fran express their enthusiasm and appreciation for the diverse array of outfits, emphasizing the event's role as a premier night in fashion.

Fran [17:37]: "I will make a general statement and say I was very impressed with this carpet."

Ria [17:58]: "Everyone was... everyone looked good. Everyone looked sharp."

Best Dressed Highlights

The hosts highlight several standout looks that stole the show, commending the creativity, tailoring, and boldness of the attendees.

• Diana Ross's Monumental Ensemble

  Diana Ross returned to the Met Gala after a 22-year hiatus, making a grand entrance that left everyone in awe. Her 18-foot train was a masterpiece of design, intricately embroidered with beads resembling tree branches and featuring her family members, symbolizing her heritage and legacy.

  Ria [25:03]: "She looked incredible. The outfit is tailored to her bump, almost like a corset but intended to look like one."

  Fran [25:42]: "She just ate up the room. Insane."

• Zendaya's Bridal Elegance

  Zendaya graced the carpet with a bridal-themed outfit that perfectly showcased her impeccable style. The bell-bottom suit paired with a chic hat created a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity.

  Ria [31:13]: "She just is the queen of doing it where you take a relatively simple look and just take it to the next level."

  Fran [31:33]: "Her waist, the way her waist is, my God. It's just a perfect cut."

Worst Dressed Highlights

While the majority of the attendees dazzled, not every fashion choice hit the mark. Ria and Fran candidly discuss outfits that missed the theme or lacked the desired flair.

• Amy Lee's Overcomplicated Look

  Amy Lee's outfit, a complex ensemble with a high collar and sheer elements, didn't resonate as well with the hosts. They felt the design overshadowed her natural beauty and questioned the thematic alignment.

  Ria [53:03]: "It's got a lot of dress for her in a way, you know."

  Fran [54:45]: "It looks like She was trying too hard to break in and be respected as this, like, fashion-forward person."

• Emma Chamberlain's Minimalist Approach

  Emma Chamberlain opted for a simplistic dress that, while fitting well, didn't stand out in the sea of extravagant Met Gala fashion. Ria found the look somewhat dull compared to the event's overall vibrancy.

  Ria [29:02]: "I didn't see it as hard. I thought, oh, she looked amazing."

  Fran [29:03]: "She looked really good in a... it was on theme, but kind of boring to me."

Designer Trends and Themes

The episode underscores the continued dominance of iconic designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Pharrell Williams, who showcased their latest collections with flair. The floral patterns, tailored suits, and innovative use of accessories like hats and brooches were prominent themes, reflecting the event's dedication to pushing fashion boundaries.

Ria [23:29]: "Pharrell dressed her, so... I don't know if... who are we to say?"

Fran [28:02]: "Every time I put the camera on her, I swear she, like, is camera shy."

Event Atmosphere and Setting

The Met Gala's setting was another highlight, with the hosts praising the aesthetic choices that enhanced the overall experience. The anemone flowers in yellow and white lined the carpet, providing a vibrant backdrop that made the attendees’ outfits pop.

Ria [22:38]: "The flowers lining the carpet are anemone flowers. Yellow and white. Very full flower."

Fran [23:17]: "I thought this one was a really nice backdrop for everybody's outfits, too."

PopCorner Segment

Between segments of outfit analysis, Ria and Fran engage with their audience through voicemails, addressing fan questions and comments ranging from music collaborations to relationship advice. Noteworthy discussions include:

• Joe's Song Controversy

  A listener voiced disappointment over Joe's song "Heart by Heart," questioning its authenticity and the involvement of Lewis Capaldi in its creation. The hosts sympathetically navigated the listener’s frustration, offering perspectives on the music industry’s collaborative nature.

  E [75:55]: "I was like, we've met several times. This is just strange to me."

  Ria [76:16]: "I listen to Taylor Swift all day long and related to my life."

• Deluxe Album Practices

  Another caller expressed fatigue over artists releasing multiple deluxe album versions with additional tracks purely for charting purposes. Ria and Fran discussed the commercialization of music releases and its impact on listener experience.

  E [78:01]: "Personally, I'm a little sick of it. I think if you have a great album, let it be a great long album."

  Ria [83:21]: "This is how it's done. And if you got a problem, labels are like, this is how we're gonna."

Interview with Michelle Saniei from "The Valley"

The latter half of the episode features an in-depth interview with Michelle Saniei, providing a personal glimpse into her life both on and off the screen of "The Valley."

Background and Entry into Reality TV

Michelle shares her journey from a successful real estate career to becoming a beloved figure on "The Valley." Her decision to join the reality show stemmed from a desire to connect more deeply with her peers and navigate personal challenges publicly.

Michelle [92:48]: "I always knew I was going to be in business. My family was in business. I got a marketing and finance degree."

Fran [93:40]: "But once I had a baby, it was Covid, and so we didn't have, you know, his family's in Boston, my siblings are in San Diego."

Challenges Faced

Michelle opens up about the strains within her marriage, particularly highlighting her husband’s behavior and the ensuing fallout. She recounts instances of betrayal and public scrutiny, emphasizing the emotional toll of reality TV.

Michelle [98:09]: "I left Jesse for multiple reasons and multiple big reasons, and one of them was financial problems and things that he did to cause was the stress in our family."

Fran [99:16]: "He threw everything out the window."

Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

Despite the challenges, Michelle discusses her strategies for maintaining mental health, such as engaging in self-care, focusing on her relationship with her daughter, and co-parenting amicably with her ex-husband.

Michelle [104:52]: "I just try to focus on that when I have her."

Ria [115:04]: "I think self care is very important. I walk every day and that really helps me."

Future Endeavors

Michelle hints at expanding her presence in the podcasting world with her new show "Pursuit of Sassiness", aiming to discuss topics like divorce, co-parenting, and personal empowerment beyond the confines of reality TV.

Michelle [117:32]: "I wanted to talk about like... Divorce, divorce attorneys, co parenting. Just like all the topics."

Fran [117:47]: "So, you guys also do the after show, which is a lot of fun to watch..."

Conclusion

This episode of Chicks in the Office offers a comprehensive rundown of the Met Gala 2025, highlighting fashion triumphs and misses with insightful commentary from Ria and Fran. The heartfelt interview with Michelle Saniei adds depth, showcasing the real-life impacts of reality TV fame and personal resilience. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or a reality TV enthusiast, this episode provides engaging content that mirrors the complexities and glitter of modern pop culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Ria [17:58]: "Everyone was... everyone looked good. Everyone looked sharp."
• Fran [25:42]: "She just ate up the room. Insane."
• Michelle [98:09]: "I left Jesse for multiple reasons and multiple big reasons, and one of them was financial problems and things that he did to cause was the stress in our family."

For those who missed the episode, Chicks in the Office delivers a lively and informative discussion, blending high fashion critique with personal storytelling, ensuring listeners are both entertained and enlightened.