The Run-Through with Vogue: Christopher John Rogers Returns to NYFW!
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Hosts: Chloe Mel and Chioma Nnadi, featuring guest Christopher John Rogers
Overview
In this vibrant episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, hosts Chloe Mel and Chioma Nnadi delve into the dynamic landscape of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with a special focus on celebrated designer Christopher John Rogers (CJR) as he makes a triumphant return to the runway after a five-year hiatus. Alongside discussions about other influential designers and upcoming shows, the episode offers insightful perspectives on the current state of the fashion industry, the impact of the pandemic, and the evolving trends that are shaping the future of fashion.
NYFW Highlights and Designer Spotlights
Chloe Mel and Chioma Nnadi kick off the episode by celebrating the return of Christopher John Rogers to NYFW, emphasizing his joyful and color-rich approach to fashion, which serves as a much-needed antidote to the current politically charged climate.
Chioma Nnadi [01:40]: "I think there's no other word to describe his clothes except for their mood-boosting... It feels like the most life-affirming way to handle a moment, and it comes naturally to him."
The hosts reflect on the recent Marc Jacobs show, praising its efficiency and standout moments, including memorable beauty looks reminiscent of iconic figures like Lynn Yeager.
Chloe Mel [02:12]: "It feels like a sequel of sorts to last show, with oversized cartoon-inspired silhouettes. It feels very daffy."
Upcoming Shows and Collaborations:
- Calvin Klein's Show: There's significant excitement surrounding Calvin Klein's upcoming show featuring new designer Veronica Leone. The show, set at Calvin Klein headquarters in the Garment District, promises a star-studded front row and innovative presentations.
Chloe Mel [03:49]: "They have quite a starry front row planned. It just seems like a lot of energy and resources are putting into making that show a big moment for NYFW."
-
Form Frances Howey: Another new designer at Form is highlighted, adding diversity to the NYFW lineup.
-
Interactive Elements: The Vogue app's Fashion Week coverage and interactive quizzes are mentioned as engaging features for fashion enthusiasts.
Groundhog's Day and Fashion Predictions:
The conversation takes a playful turn with Groundhog's Day predictions, comparing the accuracy rates of Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck, adding a seasonal touch to the fashion discussions.
Chioma Nnadi [15:38]: "Staten Island Chuck has an 87% accuracy rate and he says it's going to be an early spring."
Super Bowl and GQ Events:
Chloe Mel and Chioma Nnadi also touch upon the intersection of fashion with major events like the Super Bowl and GQ's fashion show in New Orleans, highlighting the blending of sports, fashion, and celebrity culture.
Chloe Mel [13:23]: "We're very excited for lines to be drawn for the blondie besties."
In-Depth Interview with Christopher John Rogers
The latter half of the episode features an engaging interview with Christopher John Rogers, hosted by Nicole Phelps and Jose Crialas Unzuita. The conversation navigates through CJR's journey, his return to NYFW, design philosophy, and his thoughts on the evolving fashion industry.
Return to NYFW
CJR discusses his decision to return to NYFW after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the fashion community and celebrating with peers.
Christopher John Rogers [19:14]: "I always loved contributing to a moment as an artist and also celebrating with my peers."
Impact of the Pandemic
He reflects on how the pandemic influenced his business strategy, leading to innovative approaches and a focus on building his brand in a sustainable manner.
Christopher John Rogers [17:17]: "...we thought that the cadence and the timing felt really smart. And so we kind of stuck with that for the next few years, and it really helped build our business in a healthy way."
Design Philosophy and Color Mastery
CJR elaborates on his design philosophy, particularly his innate love for color, which he attributes to his early inspirations from comic books and anime. He highlights how color theory and expressive palettes are integral to his collections.
Jose Crialas Unzuita [33:25]: "My favorite part of art class and art school was color theory and sort of mixing a blue with an orange to get something a little bit more muted."
Christopher John Rogers [34:41]: "As a Libra, it has to be both. I try to be as respectful of my team as possible."
Navigating the Fashion Industry
The discussion delves into the challenges of maintaining originality in an era dominated by digital trends and the homogenization of fashion. CJR emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's unique voice amidst these pressures.
Jose Crialas Unzuita [38:09]: "I really tried to continue to listen to my own voice and stick to my own drum."
Advice for Aspiring Designers
CJR offers heartfelt advice to young designers, stressing the necessity of obsession, hard work, and authenticity in pursuing a career in fashion.
Jose Crialas Unzuita [46:26]: "You have to be obsessed with it... Stay true to who you are, listen to your own... don't shy away from that. Work hard."
Community and Collaboration
Reflecting on his roots and the importance of community, CJR shares anecdotes about his time at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and his collaborative friendship with Chioma Nnadi, underscoring the significance of support systems in the creative process.
Christopher John Rogers [44:21]: "We just ended up around each other enough that we became friends. That's how I remember it."
Conclusion
This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a comprehensive look into Christopher John Rogers' inspiring return to New York Fashion Week, his vibrant design ethos, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity in an ever-evolving industry. Through candid conversations and insightful reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of CJR's impact on fashion and the broader trends shaping NYFW today.
Notable Quotes:
- Chioma Nnadi [01:40]: "His clothes... feel like the most life-affirming way to handle a moment."
- Chloe Mel [02:12]: "It feels very daffy."
- Christopher John Rogers [19:14]: "Contributing to a moment as an artist and also celebrating with my peers."
- Jose Crialas Unzuita [33:25]: "My favorite part of art class and art school was color theory."
- Jose Crialas Unzuita [46:26]: "Stay true to who you are... Work hard."
Stay Connected:
For more insights and updates from The Run-Through with Vogue, follow Vogue editors and creatives on the Vogue app, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring conversations with the industry's leading voices.