Fashion People: The Demna-at-Gucci Bombshell and All the Other Stuff That Happened During Fashion Month
Host: Lauren Sherman | Guest: Dario Vitale, Versace
Released on March 14, 2025, the latest episode of Fashion People delves deep into the whirlwind events of Fashion Month, highlighting pivotal shows, industry shifts, and the seismic announcement of Demna Ghazal becoming Gucci's new Creative Director. Hosted by Lauren Sherman, a Puck correspondent, and featuring fashion insider Dario Vitale, the episode offers an engaging and comprehensive overview of a tumultuous yet exciting season in the fashion world.
Episode Introduction
[01:34] Lauren Sherman welcomes listeners to Fashion People, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion with Dario Vitale, the Interview Editor-in-Chief. She hints at the chaos of the season finale, emphasizing the surprise appointment of Demna Ghazal at Gucci and teasing insights from Puck’s exclusive Line Sheet.
"Apologies for the slight chaos in this End of Fashion Month episode with Mel. As you will see, as Mel and I were chatting the news that Demna is the new creative director of Gucci Broke and we were able to process it in real time." — Lauren Sherman [01:34]
Highlights of Fashion Month
New York Shows
Dario Vitale reminisces about the standout shows in New York, particularly praising Marc Jacobs and Coach for their innovative designs.
"The Marc Jacobs show is definitely the hottest ticket in town... I really like the Coach show. I'm really attracted to real clothes right now and, like, proportion, silhouette." — Dario Vitale [06:21]
Lauren Sherman echoes this sentiment, noting the prevalence of "corporate cosplay" influenced by the popular TV show Severance.
"A lot of shows took place in offices. People really are obsessed with Severance right now... it just being a thing right now." — Lauren Sherman [07:37]
Calvin Klein's Impact
The Calvin Klein show stood out for its bright lighting and traditional runway feel, which both Lauren and Dario found refreshing amidst the typically over-the-top Fashion Month presentations.
"The lighting in the room at the Calvin show was like, it felt like an old school fashioned show in the best way possible." — Lauren Sherman [09:00]
Dario adds his appreciation for the intense atmosphere Calvin Klein created, contrasting it with the more commercialized shows.
"This feels connected to reality and that they're really trying to do something desirable... it's still cool." — Dario Vitale [09:39]
Emerging Trends
Real Clothes and Corporate Aesthetics
Both hosts discuss the shift towards "real clothes" reminiscent of styles from two decades ago, blending corporate aesthetics with modern twists.
"A lot of designers are making real clothes, but real clothes of what we thought real clothes were 20 years ago." — Lauren Sherman [12:11]
Dario mentions the influence of retro styles gaining new life in contemporary fashion.
"Some stuff right now feels too retro to me, and some stuff it really is working... so now is the time for a refresh." — Dario Vitale [13:08]
Demna Ghazal's Appointment at Gucci
The centerpiece of the episode is the unexpected announcement of Demna Ghazal taking over as Gucci's Creative Director, leaving both hosts in shock and excitement.
Immediate Reactions:
"I love Demna. I literally love Demna. I think he's the real goat, and I think he can do it." — Dario Vitale [25:35]
"It's completely crazy. I'll do this social media stuff on my phone." — Lauren Sherman [26:16]
Behind the Scenes:
Lauren shares insider information from her Line Sheet sources, revealing that the appointment was a long-planned move kept under wraps by a select few within Balenciaga and Gucci.
"This was something that was planned, like, three months ago, and they've all been holding it in this entire time." — Lauren Sherman [33:32]
Implications for the Industry:
The duo speculates on Demna's vision for Gucci and how his past experiences at Balenciaga will influence his new role. They express optimism about his ability to rejuvenate the brand while maintaining its iconic status.
"He likes to do things that people don't think he can do... Can he make a fashion proposition that feels totally different from something he's done in the past? That's his challenge." — Lauren Sherman [36:32]
Industry Moves and Shifts
Dario Vitale Joins Versace
Dario Vitale announces his new role at Versace, a strategic move aligning with his passion for the brand and its fiery Italian heritage.
"I think that he's got love for that brand and he's going to do it. And also, wait, does that mean that all the other rumors..." — Lauren Sherman [39:46]
Dario elaborates on his excitement and the seamless transition, highlighting Versace's vibrant collections and his personal investments in the brand's future.
"I'm really into the whole thing... it's really easy for her, and I'm sure it's not easy at all." — Dario Vitale [40:48]
Other Notable Appointments
Lauren Sherman briefly touches on other significant appointments within the fashion industry, including Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Mattieu at Chanel, Michael Ryder at Celine, and Louise Trotter at Bottega, painting a picture of a season filled with strategic leadership changes.
"We have Simone going to Bali. We have Demna going to Gucci... Angela at Chanel..." — Lauren Sherman [39:46]
Favorite Shows and Designers
Both Lauren and Dario share their personal favorites from the season, highlighting shows that stood out for their creativity and commercial viability.
Prada and Miu Miu
Lauren praises the intellectual and aesthetic depth of Prada's collections, comparing them to legendary designers like Phoebe Philo and Rei Kawakubo.
"Prada is like, what is going on?... she is just in a class of her own." — Lauren Sherman [52:47]
Dario appreciates Prada's grounded approach and how it contrasts with their more flamboyant competitors.
"Prada, to me, was really grounded... it's very weird... I'm looking forward to seeing the stuff from Prada." — Dario Vitale [50:46]
Balenciaga and Chloe
Dario expresses his fondness for Balenciaga's playful and streetwear-inspired designs, citing his personal purchases as a testament to their appeal.
"I bought a Balenciaga coat because I did not wear fashion. But I'm really into this guy..." — Dario Vitale [25:18]
Lauren admires Chloe's ability to create convincing and commercially successful collections that resonate with a broad audience.
"Chloe looks great... Chloe, they really know what they're doing with the room." — Dario Vitale [48:58]
Conclusion
In a rapidly evolving fashion landscape marked by strategic appointments and a blend of retro and modern aesthetics, Fashion People captures the essence of a season that bridges tradition with innovation. The surprising news of Demna Ghazal's move to Gucci serves as a catalyst for discussions about the future direction of iconic brands. Both Lauren Sherman and Dario Vitale provide insightful perspectives, making this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts eager to stay abreast of industry developments.
"Everyone is trying to think back to when fashion meant something, and that's why everyone wants to wear a suit... and we're in this weird political time." — Lauren Sherman [47:58]
"It is fun to be in fashion." — Dario Vitale [47:58]
As Fashion Month concludes, the episode underscores the resilience and creativity of the fashion industry, poised to navigate the complexities of modern trends and global influences.
Notable Quotes:
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"This is one of the most brilliant. This person is a genius, a full genius." — Lauren Sherman [26:16]
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"I love that Demna is going to Gucci... he's going to do couture." — Dario Vitale [26:50]
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"It's creating this whole ambiance. Everyone's doing it." — Dario Vitale [54:26]
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"There are only a few of them who have that, and she is just in a class of her own." — Lauren Sherman [52:47]
Final Thoughts:
The episode masterfully balances detailed analysis with personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a rich understanding of the current state of the fashion industry. From high-profile appointments to the resurgence of classic styles, Fashion People offers a nuanced perspective that resonates with both insiders and aficionados alike.