Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue
Episode: How Alex Consani Manifested Her U.S. Vogue Cover
Date: December 11, 2025
Hosts: Chloe Malle (Vogue U.S.), Chioma Nnadi (British Vogue)
Guest: Alex Consani (model, cover star)
Overview
In this lively and wide-ranging episode, Vogue editors Chloe Malle and Chioma Nnadi sit down with model and social media star Alex Consani, newly minted as one of Vogue’s Best Dressed cover stars for 2025 and her first-ever U.S. Vogue cover. The conversation mixes fashion memories, personal manifesting, family stories, and practical style advice—all with Alex's signature humor, candor, and infectious energy.
Episode Highlights & Key Discussion Points
1. Vogue’s Best Dressed Issue and Paper Doll Feature
[00:39–03:00]
- Chloe and Chioma discuss the making of Vogue’s “Best Dressed” issue, including animated paper dolls of cover stars: Jeremy Strong, Greta Lee, Pamela Anderson, and Doechii.
- A behind-the-scenes video of Alex’s closet accompanies the issue.
2. Met Gala 2025 Co-Chairs Unveiled
[03:00–04:09]
- Big news: Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams announced as Met Gala co-chairs.
- “Beyoncé is one of the girls.” — Chioma Nnadi [03:14]
3. Editorial and Office Festivities
[04:18–07:44]
- Chloe and Chioma trade stories about office holiday parties, the Best Dressed party, and the challenge of selecting cover stars.
- American Vogue’s Best Dressed digital covers: Bad Bunny and Alex Consani.
4. The “Alex Consani Era”: New Home, New Cover
[10:45–16:44]
- Alex shares her move from Bushwick to a brownstone in Fort Greene, Brooklyn:
- “It's really exciting…It's like an adult move, but I feel like the way I moved was really not adult. Paloma came over to help me pack…” — Alex [11:21]
- She’s packing 100+ boxes, prioritizing her shoes for unpacking: “I’m a shoe girl.” [12:12]
- First Vogue shoot felt authentically her: “The concept…was that it was me if I had a black card that I didn’t have to pay back.” [14:07]
- On being best dressed: “A little bit of pressure, but it was really nice. The team was amazing.” [13:52]
5. Style, Sentiment, and Inspiration
Fashion Memories:
- “My very first fashion memory...was when I went into a Target and, like, looked at princess dresses...It was these fluffy shoes and they had little lights in them.” — Alex [16:00]
- Her grandmother’s influence and love of Gaultier; a full-circle moment walking the Gaultier show. [17:45]
Notable Story:
- Grandma Betsy kept a beaded brooch for Alex since childhood, gifting it at 18: “She pulled it out and was like, I got this for you the day you said you wanted it.” [18:19]
6. The Birkin Bag and “What’s In My Bag?”
[19:25–22:26]
- Alex’s Birkin, bought in Paris (“had to connect”): contains cookie wrapper from Paloma, crystal collection for good energy, foldable Gentle Monster sunglasses, a Vogue movie event card, and personal memorabilia.
7. Manifesting, Money, and Moving Up
[22:26–25:43]
- “I was manifesting this cover for so long…It's been a long time that I've wanted to do that.” — Alex [22:33]
- Alex shares her legendary frugality: “I only spent $2,000 in a whole year outside of rent and groceries.” [23:31]
- On being resourceful: “Close mouths, don’t get fed.” [25:36]
- Still frugal in some ways but splurges on select fashion pieces.
8. Personal Style, Heels, and Fashion Hacks
[25:43–31:09]
- On styling herself: There’s politics in being styled, but personal expression wins out: “Sometimes a bitch just wants to put on clothes and go out and feel fabulous.” [27:46]
- Style formula: shirt → shoes → pant.
- Heel advice: “If you’re not wearing heels currently because of comfort, find a heel that's comfortable…just do it, girl.” [29:40]
- “Kitten heels are harder to walk in than 6 inch heels.” — Alex [30:09]
9. The Meaning of Chic and Style Evolution
[31:09–36:19]
- Alex’s journey from loving bold, hyper-feminine clothing to embracing “chic” inspired by icons like Norma Jeane; appreciating off-duty, laid-back femininity.
- "The beauty of fashion...is expression. And...the essence of existing." — Alex [34:38]
10. Vintage, Shopping, and Style Recommendations
[36:19–38:24]
- Alex’s holy grails: the perfect “low rise, to-the-hip, vintage, fucked up” jeans, vintage Prada from the 90s/early 2000s.
- On L.A.'s vintage scene: “There’s this essence of quiet luxury...everyone's getting rid of their fab, extravagant stuff.” [36:48]
11. Social Media, Fame, and AI
[38:24–41:05]
- Relationship to social media: Once carefree, now more selective knowing who’s watching. “Donatella saw my Versace video...People watch my stuff.” [38:34]
- Guilty pleasure: wild AI TikTok back-cracking videos. [40:01]
- Discussion of viral AI bunny videos and skepticism about what's real online.
12. Family Support
[41:09–43:13]
- Parents have attended fashion week shows and Vogue World; Alex styled them for events, including a Prada dress once admired by Anna Wintour.
- Alex’s family is vocal and visible in their support of her as a trans woman, e.g., custom Converse sneakers for her mother. [42:56]
13. Creative Ambitions: Writing & Directing
[43:44–46:06]
- Alex is writing a memoir and scripts (some anonymously); recent encouragement from James Corden to further develop film ideas.
- “There’s a really amazing opportunity...where I might be able to take a step back and focus full time on film…” [46:06]
14. Pop Culture Picks
[46:11–51:40]
- Favorite recent films: The Materialist (Dakota Johnson).
- 70s/80s music on heavy rotation, especially Rick James and Céline Dion.
- First and favorite musical: “Jellicoe Ball—the drag Cats!”
15. Home Style Aspirations
[51:46–53:28]
- Home decor inspo: Paloma Elsesser’s Architectural Digest tour, “eccentric and fun and kooky, but...cozy.”
- Humorous tale of moving a broken Facebook Marketplace couch across Brooklyn.
Notable Quotes
- “The concept of the shoot…was that it was me if I had a black card that I didn’t have to pay back.” — Alex [14:07]
- "Close mouths, don’t get fed." — Alex [25:36]
- “Kitten heels are harder to walk in than 6 inch heels.” — Alex [30:09]
- “Sometimes a bitch just wants to put on clothes and go out and feel fabulous.” — Alex [27:46]
- “The essence of existing—that was the word.” — Alex [34:38]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:39–03:00: Best Dressed Issue & Paper Dolls
- 03:00–04:09: Met Gala Co-Chair Announcement
- 10:45–16:44: Alex on Moving, Cover, and First Fashion Memories
- 19:25–22:26: Birkin Bag Segment & “What’s In My Bag?”
- 22:26–25:43: Manifesting and Frugal Living
- 27:43–31:09: Style Philosophy, Heels, and Outfits
- 31:09–36:19: “Chic,” Inspiration, and Style Evolution
- 38:24–41:05: Social Media, Content Creation, AI Fakes
- 41:09–43:13: Family Support and Styling
- 43:44–46:06: Writing, Directing Ambitions
- 46:11–51:40: Film, Music, and Musicals
- 51:46–53:28: Home Decor and Furniture Stories
Memorable Moments
- Alex unpacking her life (and shoes) with aid from Paloma Elsesser, reflecting both practical and emotional support.
- The chance to contribute creatively to her Vogue cover—the “black card” shoot—rare for a Vogue cover star.
- A heartwarming tale of Alex’s grandmother saving a brooch for years for her 18th birthday.
- “Kitten heels are harder to walk in than 6 inch heels”—hot take that surprises the editors.
- Descriptions of family support, from fashion show attendance to custom Converse and group chats.
Tone and Style
The episode thrives on friendly banter, honest confessions, and industry-insider moments. Alex’s humor (“I'm not practical. So there you go.”), self-deprecation, and authenticity are front and center, while Vogue’s editors bring context, excitement, and warmth as they celebrate the year’s fashion and culture.
For listeners and readers:
This episode is an intimate, fun, and insightful look at both fashion’s front lines and the personal journey of Alex Consani—from her frugal, manifesting roots to high-profile covers and creative dreams beyond modeling.