The Run-Through with Vogue: Hari Nef’s Hottest Fashion Opinions

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host/Author: Vogue
Episode: Hari Nef’s Hottest Fashion Opinions

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In this vibrant episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, host Chloe Mao, alongside Vogue editorial director Mark Guiducci, sits down with the multifaceted actress, model, and style icon Hari Nef. The conversation delves into Hari's provocative views on archive dressing, her upcoming biopic on Candy Darling, and her insights into the evolving landscape of fashion weeks post-COVID.

2. Early Encounters and Shared Memories

The episode kicks off with nostalgic reflections on the first meeting between Hari Nef and Mark Guiducci. Chloe Mao sets the scene:

Chloe Mao [00:30]: "I won't give away too much, but it involves a flower crown."

Hari adds a personal touch by recounting her morning preparation:

Hari Nef [01:30]: "I was trying to remember the first time we met. And so I went through my phone this morning in a last-minute preparation."

Mark reminisces about their first encounter:

Mark Guiducci [02:03]: "Wait, it still recognizes my old face?"

Hari Nef [02:07]: "But do you remember that I was wearing the flower crown that evening?"

Their conversation paints a vivid picture of their longstanding friendship within the Vogue family.

3. Current Fashion Week Insights

a. Paris Fashion Week Bonanza

Chloe highlights the excitement surrounding Paris Fashion Week, mentioning Hari's appearance in an Alessandra Michele Valentino dress that exuded elegance on the Vanity Fair Oscar party red carpet. This sets the tone for discussions on current fashion trends and events.

b. New York Fashion Week's Evolution

A significant portion of the dialogue centers on the transformation of New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Hari poses a thought-provoking question about NYFW’s current purpose:

Hari Nef [04:35]: "What do you think the purpose of New York is right now?"

Mark provides a critical analysis:

Mark Guiducci [06:02]: "I think it was absolutely a testing ground for ideas about casting and conversations that could be implemented through clothes... Now it feels very fragmented."

He elaborates on NYFW's shift from a conceptual hub to a more commercialized environment, emphasizing survival mode over experimental creativity.

4. Designer Highlights and Trends

a. Prada and Fendi

The hosts discuss recent shows, with Mark expressing admiration for Prada's collection:

Mark Guiducci [03:39]: "I loved how just like, tired and rich, everybody looked. [...] Opposite, but still rich."

Hari shares her appreciation for Fendi's balance between tradition and modernity:

Hari Nef [03:50]: "I really love Fendi, actually. I thought Fendi was like, the lady that was just twisted enough that it wasn't old lady."

b. Givenchy's Future

The conversation shifts to Givenchy, where both hosts speculate on the brand's direction based on recent celebrity endorsements:

Mark Guiducci [11:44]: "I think we're getting some clues about what Givenchy is going to be in two years because of these acts Cynthia Erivo has been doing."

Hari connects these insights to the broader trend of archival revival:

Hari Nef [12:27]: "We've been talking about this at work a lot, that the archival revival, this idea that the right vintage look is actually better than custom."

c. Archive Revivals vs. Custom Pieces

A debate arises over the merits of archive pieces versus bespoke creations. Mark expresses skepticism about the practicality of vintage garments:

Mark Guiducci [12:50]: "It's not as fab to me to, like, pull the archive piece from the archive dealer with 30,000 followers on Instagram as it is to have the house make you a garment."

Hari counters by highlighting the allure and preservation quality required for successful archival pieces.

5. Fashion Industry Dynamics

a. The "Famine of Beauty" Group Chat

Mark introduces the concept of an exclusive industry group chat known as the "Famine of Beauty," where top Vogue insiders discuss the latest rumors and trends. He reflects on the exclusivity and high participation demands:

Mark Guiducci [10:06]: "It's just a mix of people. There are editors and critics. They're Internet girls... a little bit of this, a little bit of that to appear somewhere."

b. Changes in Designer Approaches Post-COVID

Karunya discusses how COVID-19 has impacted designers, pushing them towards more commercial strategies:

Mark Guiducci [07:25]: "Every major New York designer is capitulating to the department stores... or they're trying to burrow into their hyper-specific Internet savvy thing."

He contrasts NYFW's current state with London's more experimental approach, lamenting the loss of freedom to innovate in New York.

6. Personal Projects and Biopic on Candy Darling

a. Mark's Role and Process

A significant segment focuses on Mark Guiducci’s ambitious project—a biopic of the iconic Candy Darling. He shares his deep personal connection and the challenges faced during the creative process:

Mark Guiducci [18:29]: "I've met Jeremiah Newton and sat with him... He gave me his blessing."

He discusses the emotional toll of writing the script, highlighting the complexities of Candy Darling's life and untimely death:

Mark Guiducci [21:15]: "It's so corny and so broad, but... life is long, there's a big picture. Take care of yourself."

b. Insights into Candy Darling's Life

Mark provides a candid look into Candy Darling's struggles, debunking myths about her death and emphasizing the necessity of self-care:

Mark Guiducci [23:03]: "She was so fixated on achieving her ideal... she didn't give herself that grace."

Hari Nef supports these reflections, drawing parallels to current societal pressures.

7. Light-Hearted Discussions

a. Favorite Drag Race Contestants

The conversation takes a playful turn as Mark shares his top picks from RuPaul’s Drag Race:

Mark Guiducci [16:18]: "I'd probably have to say Sasha, Colby, Ra'jah, and Nina Bo'nina Brown."

He elaborates on Nina Bo'nina Brown’s standout performance:

Mark Guiducci [16:54]: "She turned her head into a peach with paper... It looks so good that the house would have a hand in it."

b. Personal Interests and Recommendations

Mark reveals his current reading and viewing habits, recommending Queer as Folk and discussing its impact on his personal life:

Mark Guiducci [25:27]: "Queer as Folk taught me I was gay too."

He also mentions his literary choices, including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Appointment in Samarra, showcasing his diverse interests beyond fashion.

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Hari Nef, affirming her integral role within the Vogue community:

Chloe Mao [26:21]: "Hari Nef, thank you so much for coming on the Run Through."

Mark adds a personal touch, highlighting the depth of their discussion:

Mark Guiducci [26:34]: "We covered a lot of ground."

The hosts express anticipation for future episodes, hinting at more in-depth explorations of fashion and personal journeys.

Notable Quotes

• Hari Nef [04:35]: "What do you think the purpose of New York is right now?"

• Mark Guiducci [06:02]: "Now it feels very fragmented."

• Mark Guiducci [12:50]: "It's not as fab to me to, like, pull the archive piece from the archive dealer with 30,000 followers on Instagram as it is to have the house make you a garment."

• Mark Guiducci [21:15]: "Life is long, there's a big picture. Take care of yourself."

• Mark Guiducci [16:18]: "I'd probably have to say Sasha, Colby, Ra'jah, and Nina Bo'nina Brown."

Key Takeaways

• Evolution of Fashion Weeks: NYFW is shifting towards commercialism, losing some of its experimental edge, while Paris Fashion Week remains a bastion of high fashion.

• Archive vs. Innovation: The debate between utilizing archival pieces and creating bespoke designs highlights the industry's tension between nostalgia and modernity.

• Personal Stories in Fashion: Mark's biopic on Candy Darling underscores the importance of personal narratives in shaping fashion and cultural discourse.

• Inclusivity and Representation: Discussions around drag culture and Hari Nef’s experiences emphasize the ongoing push for diversity and authenticity in fashion.

• Self-Care and Mental Health: Reflecting on Candy Darling’s life, the conversation advocates for prioritizing mental health amidst the high-stakes fashion industry.

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a rich tapestry of fashion insights, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful critiques, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to understand the intricate dynamics of the fashion world.