Episode Summary: "Celine Song on Materialists, Matchmaking, and Her Favorite Rom-coms"
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Podcast: The Run-Through with Vogue
Host(s): Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Mao
Guest: Celine Song
1. Introduction to Materialist and Matchmaking
The episode kicks off with hosts Chloe Mao and Choma Nardi Shoma discussing the recently released film Materialist. Although Choma hasn't had the chance to watch it yet, Chloe enthusiastically shares her impressions, highlighting the film's stellar cast—Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans—and its engaging exploration of matchmaking and materialism in relationships.
Chloe Mao (00:53): "It just raises a lot of interesting questions about finding a match and what we value and what we are materialistic about and what we're not."
Choma expresses curiosity about the art of matchmaking, questioning the credentials required to excel in such a nuanced field.
Choma Nardi Shoma (01:54): "I wonder how one becomes a matchmaker. Like, what are the credentials?"
2. Insights from Celine Song's Experience as a Matchmaker
The conversation transitions to Celine Song's personal journey as a matchmaker, which served as the inspiration for Materialist. Celine recounts her struggles as a playwright in New York City, detailing how economic challenges led her to an unexpected career in matchmaking. Her passion for understanding human intimacy and psychology profoundly influenced the film's narrative.
Celine Song (22:07): "Love is this amazing ancient mystery... There is no solution for it and there is no math for it."
She delves into the inherent tension between the material efforts people invest in finding love—such as grooming, therapy, and even plastic surgery—and the elusive nature of genuine affection. Celine emphasizes that, despite the calculated approaches in the dating market, love remains an unpredictable and unquantifiable phenomenon.
Celine Song (23:33): "For all for what? Yeah, all for this very ancient, completely mysterious feeling where you look at another person in the face and you say, I think that I'm gonna grow old with you."
3. Fashion Highlights and Industry News
The episode then shifts focus to current fashion news. Hosts discuss Francesco Rizzo's impactful tenure at Marnie, celebrating his artistic contributions and unique, free-spirited approach that invigorated the Milan fashion scene. They lament his departure but anticipate his continued influence elsewhere in the industry.
Choma Nardi Shoma (03:26): "He did things his own way with such confidence."
Chloe praises Rizzo's aesthetic, likening it to "the most glamorous, chic version of Ms. Frizzle," and highlights his successful collaborations, including one with Carhartt.
Chloe Mao (03:55): "Everything I want to wear. And his collaboration with Carhartt, Leah Faye Cooper, actually, today is wearing the Carhartt by Marnie skirt."
4. London's Fashion Scene and Iconic Events
Choma shares her vibrant experiences from London Fashion Week, specifically highlighting Martine Rose’s unconventional show held at a job center—a nod to community and street market culture. The event featured eclectic fashion pieces and fostered a lively, inclusive atmosphere. She also touches upon attending Beyoncé's concert, describing the electrifying performances and iconic fashion choices.
Choma Nardi Shoma (04:53): "Martine likes to do things differently... It was so fun and great and I wanted to wear all of it."
The discussion includes notable appearances at high-profile weddings, such as Huma Abedin and Alex Soros's ceremony, showcasing exquisite designer gowns and meaningful fashion choices that honor personal and familial legacies.
5. Men's Fashion and High-Profile Style Choices
The hosts explore recent trends in men's fashion, spotlighting Brad Pitt's bold outfits styled by Taylor McNeil. While opinions are divided on these experimental looks, Chloe admires Pitt's commitment to his stylist's vision.
Chloe Mao (14:39): "I was intrigued this weekend by Brad Pitt's outfits that he was wearing... I respect commitment to a look."
They debate the practicality and appropriateness of certain trends, such as Jonathan Bailey's flip-flop ensemble on the red carpet, questioning its place in formal settings.
6. In-Depth Interview with Celine Song
The latter part of the episode features an extensive interview with Celine Song, delving deeper into her creative process and the thematic elements of Materialist. Celine discusses her admiration for classic romantic comedies and how they influenced her storytelling approach.
Celine Song (30:08): "I'm not merchandise, I'm a person."
She elaborates on the film's exploration of love's unpredictability versus the structured nature of the dating market, emphasizing that true love defies algorithms and materialistic endeavors.
Celine also shares her experiences in casting, highlighting her instant connection with Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, which she likens to a form of matchmaking within the filmmaking process itself.
Celine Song (33:47): "When I met Dakota, I was like, oh, I think she is Lucy. I just think she is."
Further, she reflects on gender dynamics within the dating landscape, advocating for a balanced portrayal that acknowledges how both men and women are affected by societal pressures in love and relationships.
Celine Song (42:09): "Men are not impervious to the way that it completely dehumanizes us too."
Celine concludes by discussing her favorite romantic comedies, including You've Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Notting Hill, Romantic Holiday, and Broadcast News, articulating how these films shaped her vision for Materialist.
7. Closing Remarks and Future Trends
As the episode wraps up, Arden Fanning Andrews revisits the resurgence of 80s opulence in current fashion trends, showcasing unique vintage pieces discovered on eBay. This segment underscores the cyclical nature of fashion and the importance of archival inspiration in trend forecasting.
Arden Fanning Andrews (17:13): "Sometimes trend forecasting doesn't require something that's going to be produced in the future. Sometimes you can tap into the past and tap into the archive as well."
Chloe and Choma conclude with light-hearted banter, preparing listeners for future episodes packed with more insider insights and exclusive conversations from the world of Vogue.
Notable Quotes:
- Chloe Mao (00:53): "It just raises a lot of interesting questions about finding a match and what we value and what we are materialistic about and what we're not."
- Celine Song (22:07): "Love is this amazing ancient mystery... There is no solution for it and there is no math for it."
- Choma Nardi Shoma (03:26): "He did things his own way with such confidence."
- Celine Song (30:08): "I'm not merchandise, I'm a person."
- Celine Song (42:09): "Men are not impervious to the way that it completely dehumanizes us too."
This episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions, blending the intricate world of matchmaking and love with the ever-evolving landscape of fashion. Celine Song's insights provide a profound understanding of the interplay between materialism and authentic human connections, all while listeners are treated to the latest in haute couture and celebrity style.